Somethin's happening

How does it happen that less than 24 hours after I decide to retrench and get outta Blogger-Dodge I receive something in the mail from an unexpected source, one that could almost surely entice me to choose otherwise? Those of you who subscribe to Ensign magazine, and I know several of you do, did you get your July issue today? And did you happen to catch the cover article by M. Russell Ballard, an Apostle, on sharing your stories and sharing the gospel via the internet? Wha-a-a-t? I mean, come on, could that timing be any more perfect? As busy as this day was for me, when I saw what was in my mailbox, I laughed out loud and sat down for a little reading break. Yes, I'd already heard Elder Ballard quoted on this subject, but figured his remarks were aimed at a specific audience of young graduating college students (in Hawaii, no less) of which I am not a part. But this Ensign article hunted me down in my own little world. Okay, okay, then, I'll give it a fresh think with an open mind, Elder Ballard. How does your counsel fit into my situation? How do I fit into the counsel?

Then an email from a friend who phrased a suggestion for a stay-put compromise in almost the exact words that had come to my own mind earlier in the day. Okay, okay, then, I'll think it over, c-dub.

(I wasn't hoping anyone would try to talk me out of de-blogging, by the way. And I'm not feeling especially fickle. I was just telling you in advance because I know how I hate it when somebody pulls the plug without warning. Plus, I needed time to figure out how to save what I'd written in another format, so I wouldn't lose a few years of the public part of my journal-life.)

Then I told my husband about all this. I shared with him how my recently-acquired (as in: last night) food allergy detox model of healthy change was suddenly in conflict with my even more recently-acquired (as in: this afternoon) Word of Wisdom model of healthy change (and I bet even you fellow Mos out there are wondering what in the world I am talking about, but I'm simply too tired to 'splain it all to you right now). I told him that the WoW model seemed to gaining advantage in the ongoing arm wrestle of orientations—an unexpected advantage. I told him some of the background of why I thought I should give up blogging, and he listened very indulgently as I talked myself in circles. After I expressed that I was now having serious second thoughts about leaving Bright Street, he said he thought I should keep writing . . . and blogging.

So, what is this? The Law of Witnesses in action? An Apostle, a girlfriend, and my soulmate?

Okay, okay, then. I'm thinking. Okay, I guess I'm probably staying. Gee, that was a fast retraction. Kind of embarrassing.

But why should I feel embarrassed? Life is a never-ending comeback, or should be. Look at Peter Frampton! (And read the lyrics below. They are just how I feel tonight.)

Hey, Peter, you think I should keep blogging? Yeah, I thought so. And I think you should keep rockin' too.



Who said it's my year? Was it you there?—Can't go wrong
I see a new way, you'll be in my play—Sing my song
Where is the reason I keep teasing?—If I knew
To see the new year not being blue here—Evermore

You know it's alright, somethin's happening
Hold tight, it might be lightning
Turn up the lights, somethin's moving
Can't sleep at night, my heart keeps missing a beat

Well, I know it's my year, ain't got no fear—Hold me down
Take it easy if not for me—Sing my song
Where is the reason I keep teasing?—If I knew
To see the new year not being blue here—Evermore

You know it's alright, somethin's happening
Hold tight, it might be lightning
Turn up the lights, I feel like dancing
Can't sleep at night, my heart keeps missing a beat

Yeah, ooh baby, don't ever let it bring you down
Ooh baby, that's not the way I want it to sound
Ooh baby, don't ever let it bring you down
Ooh baby, I'll pick you up off the ground

Alright, somethin's happening
Hold tight, it might be lightning
Turn up the lights, I feel like dancing
Can't sleep at night, my heart keeps missing a beat

Yeah, ooh baby, don't ever let it bring you down
Ooh baby, that's not the way I want it to sound
Ooh baby, don't ever let it bring you down
Ooh baby, I'll pick you up