Dear tumblr.,

You came into my life in the summer of 2009. Don’t you remember? I confessed to you over a glass of sun-warmed wine about how I had been in a rut. I hadn’t written anything significant in a long time, musically or otherwise. I wanted to create again.

You listened intently as I rambled. You were always a good listener.

I told you about that blog I had a few years ago. I updated it regularly for a time. It treated me right and got along well enough with my friends. I wrote and wrote and wrote and every now and then a little diamond would appear in the rough. I would revisit those posts years later and wonder if I could ever write (love?) like that again.

Last summer, tumblr, our initial foray burned brightly. Like my other passions, I became swiftly addicted and pursued you with diligence. I sent you flowers and took you to the nicest restaurants. I had it all figured out. White picket fence. 2.5 kids. The whole bit.

I got ahead of myself though. Soon real life got in the way and I retreated like I often do. I still feel guilty for ignoring you. Your tab on my toolbar bored into me as I visited other sites. I didn’t give you the attention you deserved and I suffered for it.

Not long ago, two relationships of mine ended within a couple weeks of each other. One romantic (ironically, it was she who introduced me to you - I hope this won’t make things awkward), and one a close friend. It turns out that unlike you, tumblr, people are not always who we want them to be. This year was not off to a good start.

As I waded through the murky swamp of loss, I found that what I wanted to do most was write. And about so many things. Songs, micro-prose, memoir. I couldn’t contain my ideas. I knocked on your door, sheepishly hoping you’d forgive and forget. To my great pleasure, you welcomed me back with a warm heart. I fell into your arms as you said you’d make it all better.

And you have.

Thank you, tumblr. Thank you for giving me a space for my ideas. Even if they just sit as unfinished drafts for a few weeks (or months!). Thank you for not judging me if I feel the need to talk things out like I do. I know I think too much. But you don’t care. You love me just the same.

More than that, you and your friends from all over the world enlighten me every day. They are so different from me and completely my twin all at once. I want to call them family.

You know that everyone has something important to share. And you are just right for those who can’t keep it to themselves. For those who feel that art and ideas and humor and grief and joy need an audience. Even if that audience would barely fill a school bus.

I am happier with you in my life. And I’m just hoping to catch a drop of inspiration on my tongue in the creative monsoon that is you.

xxoo

~rareandsublime