If there is someone on your blogroll who makes your world a better place just because that person exists and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the internet, then post this same sentence on your blog. [via]
Now, this is a perfect segue into my Mardi Gras post. In true big-hearted Weezianan fashion, one of my fave bloggers, Diane at The Dees Diversion, whom I had the pleasure to meet in real life -- all because of these wondrous internets! -- sent me and db a King Cake in celebration of Mardi Gras. Witness its delicious green and purple frostinged beauty!
Friends, I am here to tell you that gifts from almost-strangers (but not really because so much of who Diane is -- fiercely intelligent, filled w/ compassion, righteous, funny, wry, indignant -- comes through in her words) can be so touching. db and I were so moved to receive this gift from afar, in celebration of New Orleans, a city for which we have a special fondness, and at a time when we could see first-hand that this gubmint doesn't seem to want NOLA to thrive. And it felt extra special that we were able to share the cake w/ friends and tell them the story of a friend's generosity and how it was entirely possible to forge bonds via a system of 1s and 0s, and didn't this show that there was hope for the world?
Diane certainly makes my world a better place, and I don't mean the King Cake, though that certainly brings a smile to my face. Hers was one of the first blogs I read on a regular basis, because it made me feel less crazy. I love her POV, her style, her unwavering dedication to justice (for all creatures), her choice of topic. I'm inspired to do more, to be better, to think more clearly by Diane's example. This is a must-read blog, friends. Enjoy. And thank you, Diane! You are one of the reasons the internets are worthwhile!







