Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON (Image ID: 129-5894)
It's like going back to a familiar, much-loved old house. You're delighted to be back, because of all the wonderful memories. You savour the moment of return. But as you push open the creaking door, you kind of hold your breath, because you wonder if your old friends will recognise you.
Yes, I'm stepping back into BlogLand after more than a year. Why? Because I enjoy it. Life is so simple, when you think about it. It's good to be back. No, I'm wrong. It's GREAT to be back.
122 comments:
WELCOME BACK!!! You've been sorely missed even though we've been in touch via RB. Looking forward to seeing your input here again. :D
I was just thinking of you! And Yay! is all I can say. Or maybe Wahoo!
Welcome back! :)
W E L C O M E * B A C K !!!!!
What a delight, Bloglandia's shining, warm-hearted star is back to brighten our days again.
" Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all," *
Cheers,
Merisi
* by Emily Dickinson
P.S.:
Are you still taking pictures?
And you KNOW that I, for one, am absolutely and undeniably DELIGHTED!!!!! So wonderful to have you back here, David!!! You have been missed beyond what words could ever express!!!! You are the truest of friends, and an extraordinary writer, photographer and blogger!!!! So glad you are here again!!! It will be simply fantastic to visit your cottage once more!! I'm thrilled!! Big smiles...Big cheers...A standing ovation...and NOW? AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE by my FAVORITE AUSSIE JOURNALIST!!!!! :-)) Welcome back, David!!!! Cheers! ~Janine
P.S. And as always, a SPECTACULAR photo, my friend!!! The color and clarity are so rich! Grinning from ear-to-ear! ~J.
Well, I have to say I am glad to see you are back too. I just couldn't bring myself to unfollow, in hopes that you would return.
Hi Leslie,
Thank you for being the very first person to comment on my ``comeback" post!
And thank you for the tremendous support you have always give me!
Hi Mrs Organic,
Thank you so much for coming back to my blog. I did honestly wonder if anyone would comment .... or, indeed, if anyone would notice!
My very humble thanks
Hi James,
Great to see you back here. Thank you for the warm and swift welcome.
Hi Merisi,
We've followed each other's art for four years. You know how highly I rate your work.
Thank you for the very warm welcome. I am overwhelmed at everyone's generosity.
Hi Merisi,
Yes, I am still taking pictures - and enjoying it!
Maybe one day I'll post something here about how many pictures I shot in Manhattan!
Dear Janine,
Believe me when I say, hand on heart, that it is a great thrill to be back among such good friends.
I missed you all, truly.
It was so good to talk to you while we were in the US and you know I deeply I wish you every possible success.
Hi Janine,
So glad you like this shot. I took it in a deep valley about six weeks ago, while chasing the setting sun.
Hi Ryanne,
Thank you for visiting, reading, commenting - and most of all for keeping me on your radar.
I have been made to feel so very, very welcome.
YEAHHHHHHH!!!! You have made my day, no my week, even my month....
Just the surprise I needed and Moannie will be overjoyed, she lost the will to blog after you left you know!
So happy for us all!
You have been so missed!
And it's great to have you back, David. I hope you had a very peaceful year. Looking forward to your blog-rebirth!!
CJ xx
So nice to see you back. :)
Between RB and blogging.... blogging is any day better.
And what a great post to begin with.
i did a double take when i saw the tag line on the picture....welcome back david....smiles.
Yes, the place is looking good now that your smiling face has returned. Like I've already indicated, there are going to be a lot of happy people to see you back in Blogland. Myself among them.
Welcome home, David.
And that's a beauty of a photo.
Wow, you are back in blogland, David! Welcome back. You have been missed but we have all been cheering you on as you worked on other things.
David, I am over the moon you are back a hearty welcome from your friend Bluelights.
You have been most conspicuous by your absence.
I'll have a crack at Verse and Worse LOL tonight. I always loved this. And I am quite happy to hand back the Sunday Roast whenever you like. I have done about 53 and kept the flag flying. I have lots in the pipeline but only 3 completed ones and must gee a few people up LOL.
Not sure whether Maggie knows yet but she too will be delighted.
Love the photo David ~ Eddie
Oh and thanks for the visit to Clouds - a very pleasant surprise.
Hi Saz,
Thanks for that terrific welcome-home message.
I've been thinking about it for a while and eventually decided I should just dive back in again.
But I was not expecting such a greeting - the warmth is so wonderful.
Thank you - and give my love to the wonderful Moannie!
Hi Crystal Jigsaw,
Great to see you - thank you so much for waving the "Welcome Home" flag.
How's life on that enchanted patch of land you live on? So looking forward to catching up with the diverse writing styles of all my old friends ....
Hi Indrani,
Thanks for the welcome. It's great to see your image and your comment.
With the warmth of this welcome, it fees like I never really went away!
So glad you like this image, too.
Hi there, Brian,
I thought it might surprise a few people to see me back in Blogland after more than a year. Thanks for remembering me, and thanks for welcoming me home!
Hi Hilary,
What a great pleasure to be welcomed back by you. It's so great to be back among such good friends and people whose images and words I admire so deeply.
With warm regards, deep respect and lots of humility, thank you for remembering .....
Hi TechnoBabe,
It's so great that you and all my other friends in Blogland cheered me and supported me while I concentrated on other things - and are all generous enough to join hands to welcome me back in your midst.
Thank you, all of you
Hi Eddie, you creative soul
How wonderful to see your smiling face. Please do tell Maggie and give her my very warmest regards and a huge hug from 10,000 miles away.
But no, Sir Edward, I must remind you that the Sunday Roast project belongs to you.
It is SO good to be back among old friends whom I value so very deeply.
Hi David, I am friend of Janine's. Janine invited some of her new friends to come meet her old friend, so here I am! Welcome back! That photograph and the comments I am reading intrigued me enough to become a follower! Besides, you can never have enough Aussie friends!
Welll I'm thrilled as you and met just after you closed up shop last fall. We've been RB buddies and now we can share our blogs with each other.
Gorgeous shot here today D. I can't wait to see more.
Btw, I'll post that Write Your Own Title tomorrow I think on the Paris blog. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
V
David you're back!!! WAHAY!
How could you think that we wouldn't be here just waiting for you? Silly man. x
What a great surprise and such wonderful news to see that you have returned to Blogging, David. You have been very, very missed -no beautiful photos, no instructions on getting those shots and also, no puns to snicker over either! So glad to see you are back. We should maybe have a blog celebration for you. What do you think of that for an idea?
What a surprise...a great surprise!
Missed you.
Welcome back, David! How wonderful to see you posting again. You've certainly been missed. The new look on your blog is lovely, very clean. Did Terry put that together for you?
Can't wait to see what stories you have to share from your period of absence.
Cheers!
Lee
I heard a whisper yesterday and we pondered, Saz and I, and hoped it was you. I have missed you sooooo much.
Now I am not even sure whether you will see this, Saz says I can comment, but I'll not believe it till it passes. Now I am lost in the black obscurity of space and do not know if the darlings at Google will give me back my blog.
At least I can peer over everyone's shoulders.
Welcome back dear David.
Yay!!! It worked!
veri word: deforic. That's euphoric times ten.
Great to have you back and am looking forward to hearing what you were up to (especially writing wise) while you were away!
Welcome back, David! You were greatly missed! Hope you got some amazing things done on your time away.
Oh my goodness!! It was such a nice surprise to see a new psot from you. Hope all is well and you enjoyed your blogging break!
Oh YAY!! I'm so glad you're back!
Great to have you back! I always hoped that Blogland would lure you back. It really hasn't been the same without you.
Me again David. I love the new blog format. It looks very professional.
oh my word! what a fabulous surprise. :) I am so excited. Look at all your comments. You should feel very...very....loved.
Welcome back, sir!
I am over joyed to see you back!
Brilliant!
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Welcome home friend!
Big hug for you.
*sitting down with a big mug of coffee waiting to hear all about it*
Fab photo as always.
Welcome back.
(I'm not posting at the mo but I am visiting... watching... reading...)
YAY!
I recognise you.
Sorry for the capitals, but gasp, you're BACK!
Welcome!
It is wonderful to have you back, David. Really wonderful. Welcome back.
Wow, there's a blast from the past. Good to see you back, man.
Hi Graceful Moments,
Thank you so much for visiting, for commenting and for adding me to your list of blogs.
I am very touched by your kindness. Will definitely visit your blog as soon as I can .... as you can imagine I am in "catch-up" mode at the moment!
Hi Virginia,
It was such a pleasure meeting you through Daryl. It's been only four months, but I am such a big fan of your work.
My thanks for dropping by to say G'day!
Hi Akelamalu,
How very kind of you to put out the red carpet for me.
So glad you have not changed your photo ... that is such a free-spirited representation of the way you are.
And yes, I love the "silly man" comment. That is just priceless!
HI Jeni,
How kind of you to give me such a big wave from "DownRiver". Delighted to be welcomed back to so many old friends and people whose work I have admired so deeply and for so long.
Thank you for the suggestion of a blog celebration. I am so humbled by the idea.
Hi Mushy,
Delighted to see you. Hope your long-lost twin, FHB, is having a blast. Do say a big hello to him for me.
Thank you for dropping by to say hello. I can't believe I was gone for more than a year!
Hi Lee,
So very good to see your image here. Thank you for taking the time to drop by and give me such a big welcome.
As you can imagine, I didn't have time to drop in and tell everyone I was thinking about returning to BlogLand - and what a happy return it's been, thanks to the kindness of all of you!
I'm so glad you like the new template ... I haven't even told Terry that I have re-launched the blog, but I certainly will do so.
Hi Moannie,
You know how much your delightful prose meant to me .... so you can guess how much it means to me to see your comment here.
Did you say your blog - with all those magnificent pearls - had vanished?
I have my fingers crossed thath the brilliant people at Google/Blogger can find a way to resurrect it.
Hi Moannie,
I love your explanation of "deforic" - that's so clever!
I'll be deforic if they can resurrect that beautiful blog of yours.
Hi Kim,
Thank you for remembering - and thank you for being here to welcome me back.
That's so very kind of you. Yes, I have a few tales to tell, of my many months away .....!!
Hi Alyson,
How kind of you to give me such a wonderful welcome.
This really does feel like a homecoming. I am so touched by the many messages of support from bloggers who were (and still are) such a big part of my life.
We are - all of us across the nations - so very lucky to have each other as a peer group.
Thank you, so very sincerely
Hi Joan,
I'm so glad it was a pleasant surprise!
It was just one of those things that occur when the decision is so easy and so cut and dried ... do I miss blogging? YES. Do I miss the bloggers I enjoyed interacting with? YES.
Must I return? YES!
Hi Willow,
Thank you for dropping in to say hello. Hope life at Willow Manor is as creative as ever.
Thank you for your kindness in reviewing my book - no, I never forget kindness shown to me.
It's great to be back!
welcome back.
nikonsniper steve
I see I missed the first edition. I look forward to the sequel and to getting to know another member of the blog community, a much-loved member by the sound of it.
As we traveled to Magnolia Alabama for a family reunion I learned via phone from Lee that you were back, and I could barely contain the excitement! How marvelous to have you back, like a younger brother that has gone missing and a prodigal son who has returned. No fatted calf little brother, but how about a nice hot biscuit and fresh creamery butter with honey side? BIg hugs and more later
Sandi writing from a motel somewhere in Selma, Alabama
From Selma, Alabama,
to the North Cape,
we are all waiting
for your next post!
I missed not only your writing and photos,
but also the wonderful community around you!
It is always such a wonderful feeling coming here,
like plopping down in a favorite cafe with friends,
any time of the day or night!
Thank you for reviving that wonderful community,
I am ordering coffee with whipped cream in anticipation!
Teacher to Merisi:
Girl, go get synonyms for "wonderful"!
Merisi:
Look at these: admirable, amazing, astonishing, astounding, awe-inspiring, awesome, brilliant, cool*, divine*, dynamite, enjoyable, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, fine, groovy*, incredible, magnificent, marvelous, miraculous, outstanding, peachy*, phenomenal, pleasant, pleasing, prime, remarkable, sensational, something else, staggering, startling, strange, stupendous, super, superb, surprising, swell, terrific, too much*, tremendous, unheard-of, wondrous
Merisi thinks wonderful is just wonderful. ;-)
Wonderful picture. Welcome back!
and I just found you so glad you're back....☺☺☺
Welcome back!!!
How wonderful to have you back! Eddie Bluelights has roasted me this weekend and mentioned your return! I'm so delighted to add you back to my blogroll! xo
Hi there :) How nice to see you. First time I've looked at blogs in months and here you are - serendipity! xx
You've been away far too long, my friend. The bloggyhood was just not the same without you, dear friend. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back!!
Hi Cheshire Wife,
To me, the real joy of returning to BlogLand is getting back in touch with old friends.
Thank you so much for dropping in to say G'day.
Hi Eddie,
Glad you like the new template. I chose it for its simplicity!
And Blogger converted the entire thing in about 20 seconds - which amazed me!
Hi Corey,
How great to be welcomed back by you.
Hope the family is well and that SugarBear is still the main focus of your lens.
Very warm wishes to you and the family.
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for the warm welcome. I love the fact that you are fortunate to be always surrounded by books and book shelves.
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for dropping in with a welcome-home message. It really does feel like a homecoming, with the great reception you've all been generous enough to give me.
Hi Thumbelina,
How wonderful to see you here. I was told you'd stopped blogging, but it's great to know that you still read and comment.
Thank you, very deeply, my good friend ....
Hi Mimi,
Thank you for being here to welcome me back to this much-loved place called BlogLand.
And I think the capitals are a, er, um, CAPITAL IDEA!
Hi Charles,
Thank you very much. So good to see your name here. Please say a very warm hello to Lana for me.
Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for the visit and the comment. How could anyone ever forget those amazing images you capture?
Hi JennyFreckles,
My word, that is a huge endorsement. I will try and live up to your salutation.
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Hi Sandy and Mac,
How wonderful to see you here. I'm so glad Lee told you, because I simply have not had the time to visit everyone and tell all my close friends in BlogLand that I have returned.
Seriously, I am so flattered to know that you and Mac think of me as a younger brother.
No worries about the fatted calf - but let's salute the amazing creativity that surfaces in Blogland!
Thank you for your wonderful words.
Hi Merisi,
I'll sit right down alongside and order a chocolate milkshake, if that's OK with you!
Hi again, Merisi,
Nothing wrong with the word ``wonderful'' - it's a wonderful word all right!
Hi LadiFi,
And I have to say it is GREAT to be back! Thank you for dropping by.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for the kind words. I used to have a lot of fun as a blogger - and it just seemed the right time to come back "home"!
Hi Boomer,
Thanks you so much for taking the trouble to welcome me back. Delighted to hear from you.
Hi Betsy,
Funny you should mention the Roast - I was actually on Eddie's blog a few hours ago, saw the interview and of course I left a comment!
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Welcome back David! I've missed you too. I look forward to visiting with you again :)
I'm a hit and miss blogger, so it's not too exciting at my place LOL
Always a treat to see you...
Hello, hello!!!!
Beautiful photo!
Welcome back!
!
I just came back from a long break, David, and to discover that you are back is WONDERFUL! YEA! I am dancing for joy. One of my favorite bloggers returns!
SO glad to see you. You have been greatly missed...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Welcome back David! I knew there was a reason I never "unreadered" you. Glad to see your wonderful pics again.
-Jazz
Well I never....and here I was thinking of you and how I completely failed to send you a review for the book. I am sooo sorry....I loved catching up with you in Oz, it was great to talk to you and a shame we couldn't meet....next time?
what a nice surprise !
Bless your heart! I see 853 followers...a gazillion comments welcoming you back...and that you are kindly responding to each one. You'll need to take a blogging break after this first blog! :)) (Puhleeez don't! :)) )
I enlarged your photo...love the details ( especially the colors..) and decided that Charlotte won't have to work the rest of the year. She has breakfast, lunch and dinner via her web.
That is a nice shot...a great title to go with the photo and your return. Salutations!!
Smiles from Jackie
Wow nearly fell off my chair when you popped up! Welcome back David. Sadly, my camera was stolen in Florence a couple of weeks ago and I feel like I've lost an appendage, I'll have to admire your photos until I can get back in the saddle. Good to see you!
So glad to see you again! You have been missed!
Amazing picture - as all yours are!
Your BACK! YAY
Good to see you old friend.
Thank you, Debbie
I'm delighted to be back - and seriously flattered to get this kind of reaction from friends in BlogLand.
Thank you, Marie-Therese - it was a long break, but it's so good to be back.
Thank you, Sheila
That's so very kind of you. Very touched by your kind words.
Thanks, Jazz ....
For never deleting me from your list, for commenting here and for all your encourgaement.
Hi there, Braja,
It was so good speaking to you at length when you were back on home soil. That seems so very long ago now!
Hi Katherine,
How great to see another familiar face. I knew there was a good reason for me to come back to blogging - to re-connect with all my old friends.
Hi Jackie,
Thank you very much. Enjoyed your quip about Charlotte ... that's very creative!
So glad you liked this image - and thank you for visiting and commenting, too.
Hi there, Baino,
I thought I might surprise a few people. The novels's out of the way, so here I am, back in BlogLand!
Hey there,
Welcome back to blogging. It's nice to read your witty, fun, and always entertaining posts.
David, welcome back to Blogland! I couldn't believe it when I saw your feed was active on my reader. It's good to have you back :-)
Does seem like a long time...we should catch up and keep in touch, and try and meet next time...am I too late for that review? I feel like I've failed you!
How splendid to have you back, David!!!! I can't believe our luck!
[doing the happy dance!] I'm delighted almost beyond words. Welcome back, David! XOXO
Welcome back David. I have an ear to ear grin seeing you lit up in my reader again. :)
Welcome back David!
I have a few 'gone away blogs' in my Google Reader just in case they make it back. You're the first one to actually achieve it!
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{David}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
and a great big G'Day!!!!
Welcome back.
OMG, how could I have missed this???? All the sparkle fell out of blogland when you left, David - my God, have I missed you! My Jaw is still on the floor as I type - I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to see you back in here, it's like all my Christmas' have come early! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, I am so happy, happy, happy, I want to light up the sparklers and hand round the sherbet fizz's..! Welcome back bonny lad (it's about bloomin' time, too)!
David you are just too damn good to be forgotten, lol. Welcome back! Anna :)
It's GREAT to see you back, David! Bentornato we say here, well-returned.
I can't wait to see, read and smile with you again!
Ciao
Lola at Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino
Now that you are back on blogspot, hope to drop by here whenever I can so as to enjoy more of your humour and fabulous photographs.
Welcome back David, and great to see you again!
It's like "old home week" out here. I've only just realized that all if these familiar names are bloggers I cherish and only met because of you. It is fantastic to welcome you back David. Sorry it took me so long!
Welcome back!
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