Mary Kelly’s coming to town.

She’s all thrilled about getting to attend the American Idol finale tonight. But me, I’m thrilled about getting to meet my first OSer (not counting Frank, of course).

I’ve told the story before, about stumbling into Open Salon, not taking the measure of the land, writing a fluff piece in the style of Maureen Dowd, posting it, and expecting the world to drop at my feet, telling me how brilliant, funny and spot-on my insights were.

Yeah, well, that didn’t happen.

Immediately after posting that first piece, I started reading the work of others and was astounded to find myself in a community of real writers.

Well, that’s not quite accurate. 

The very first thing I did was to call my brother and cry to him that the world hadn’t dropped at my feet, and could he please, please, please join OS and comment on my post.

I think we all know how well that’s worked out. (Only kidding, Frank ;-)

Since those early days, I have come to admire so many writers on this site---and I’ve developed friendships that I cherish. Amazingly, wonderfully, there are far too many to mention for fear I will leave out someone. If I ever win an Oscar for my writing, I will have the longest acceptance speech in history. 

But in those very first days, I took note of and was most impressed with the work of two women. Their styles were equal parts similar and dissimilar. Both wrote of personal experiences, but  their voices were markedly different---initially, one seeming more vulnerable than the other. But even with that difference, their writing shared the common elements of strength, confidence, and survival. 

Both intimidated the hell out of me---not an easy task.

I took to following them around, reading their comments as well as their posts. Both impressed me with their thoughtful, intelligent comments on others blogs. For me, both became the symbol I sought, their comments on my blog would mark acceptance into the community. 

***

I’d write. I’d post. I’d hope for their arrival.

***

Finally, after publishing a piece on my father, I sent one woman a PM (yes, you know who you are) requesting that she read my post. I wasn’t sure if it was acceptable to PM a fellow poster and request she read your work---

ha, ha,ha, ha, ha 

(sorry, I needed to take a minute after typing that)--- 

so, as I hit the send button, I prayed I wasn’t fatally marking myself as a wannabe nerd.

Moments later, the woman in question showed up on my blog page, left a gracious and generous comment, and, I am honored and delighted to say, a mutual admiration society was formed. 

To this day, Sandra’s work is the measure I aspire to.

Then, there was Mary.

Mary was all over OS. Her own posts were funny, touching and well-written, but what gave me pause were her comments on other people’s blogs. They were filled with genuine, insightful empathy, words of encouragement and evidence of a careful reading of the work. They were also filled with kindness. 

I was brand new to the concept of an on-line community, so I used Mary’s comments as a primer on how to be a good on-line citizen.

But still, Mary wasn’t showing up at my blogs.

Even though it had worked so well with Sandra, I wasn’t comfortable with inviting people to my page---I’m still not. I kept posting. Mary kept not showing up.

Then, it was election night. Mary was running a live “elections results” blog wrapped around a shoe shopping expedition. It was hilarious.

I guess you had to be there.

Anyway.....

That evening, Mary and I started “chatting.” I had entered into that state of euphoria that grasped the country with Obama’s victory over the rhyming rivals McCain and Birdbrain, and my euphoria was helped along by several glasses of wine. 

We got quite silly. 

That election night ushered in more than the hope for a better America.  (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know all about how Obama isn’t doing enough, isn’t meeting your expectations, but I ask you, got a better choice in mind?).

That election night (to paraphrase from a movie I don’t quote much anymore) was the start of a beautiful friendship.

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a loyal following of readers who seem to enjoy my writing as much as I do theirs. I’ve been left breathless and speechless by the postings of so many talented writers, impressed to my toes by the energy generated by members of this community. I’ve been honored to receive encouragement and praise from individuals for whom I hold the utmost respect and admiration. 

Never in my life have I been prouder of an association than I am of my membership in this community.

And, as for Mary, it is a thrill and a delight to be the recipient of her heart-felt, insightful, generous comments on my offerings. 

So, Mary’s on her way to Hollywood, and my husband (bless his big heart) secured us seats in the 9th---count’em---9th row, to the right of the stage. 

Look for us. 

We’ll be the tall blond and short brunette clutching the earthquake preparedness kit. (I’m thinking a three day supply of food and water.) 

P.S. I’m driving.