Several years ago in a graduate course on composition methodology, I did a research project on the Internet and teaching. Part of my research covered the issue of how the Internet impacts socialization. Some studies showed that the Internet was causing people to make fewer "real" friendships with "real" people, that it made the user withdraw from family and social life. Other studies weren't as conclusive. My conclusion was that, like a great many things, the impact of any outside agent on an individual is going to be unique to that individual.

This blog is a perfect example. Since I've started it, I have made so many new friends. People that I share all sorts of delights with - sometimes serious thoughts and sometimes those nutty inner truths that make us the quirky people we are.

Today, I had a frustrating day and blogged about it. And to my rescue came a new friend, Michele. I met her on my friend Gena's blog. Michele took time and effort to send me the best pick me up someone could - an Orlando fantasy. Better than a card off the rack, this beautiful story put a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.

Phooey to those people who say we can't make real friends via the internet.

Thanks Michele, ma belle. ;-)