Homage to Jackie


The first blog I ever found, read, and commented on was Jackie's TV Blog (please click on that and give her a visit -- she's got a great group of commenters too). She reviews all kinds of TV shows and even live blogs some of them, and has a hearty group of commenters who go there every day to chat with each other while they comment on the topic du jour TV and Jackie's many other writing gigs (which she gives us links to). It's highly entertaining when reality shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Bachleor and Dancing With the Stars are on, but there are many other things she writes about. It's hard to aptly describe the true vibe of her blog. You just have to "tune in" and see for yourself.

Over the holidays and into this month TV has been hibernating. In-between the shows that Jackie posts on -- and the forums she creates for her followers, who are in withdrawls from Project Runway, Dexter and Nip Tuck and loyally stick around -- she will post about her life and the things she finds on her famous photo stomps around town.

Known for her unique wit and humor, she throws in some surprising things... Months ago, she posted a picture of a decorative Kale plant that is on her way to work. She photographed it again as it continued to bloom, and again in the first snow, then after the snow to show it survived.

It's funny how something like that can make a person a little... well... invested in such a thing. Sure enough, when I was last in NYC, I came out of the subway and was greeted by a bed of decorative kale. I had to take a picture, chuckling to myself. Any other time I probably would not have even noticed, or if I had, would never have stopped to take a picture of it.

Then another poster, Sizzie, completely by coincidence commented on Jackie's blog that we each should take pix of kale and use them as our avitar's when we post comments there. You seen, I am not the only one who has Kale on the brain.



















It may seem inconsequential, even completely unimportant. But to me this is a great little illustration of the ripple effect. Or the butterfly effect if you prefer.

Never forget the power your smallest, most random acts have to influence others, whether it's over a picture of a plant or a smile or act of kindness, a choice to do the right thing when no one would ever know or it really doesn't seem important. This is also the case with things that aren't so positive.

What you do (including when you do nothing, which is an action too), affects the world and other people in ways you might not readily see -- but it happens just the same. I find that rather cool. The interesting part is that we hold the absolute power and utter freedom to make the choice, in each and every moment.

But then, I would be telling you something you already know, deep down.

Today I'm just here to show you the kale.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Great post Sydney! Jackie has elevated a solitary activity (watching TV) to a group of fun for me. As well as giving me a way to meet many new friends.

I am going in search of Kale today. : )
Laurie said…
new appreciation for kale. When I saw Jackie's post with the ice and snow on the kale, I fell in love with this hardy plant. I watch for it now, too, here in sunny San Diego. It's used quite a bit in gardens around here and I'm betting folks have no idea it's living through the frozen tundra in the east.

Terry in CA got me to watch my Big Brother and then to read Jackie's blog. I was hesitant at first, but now I'm a full-fledged member of the blog and the community we've built from that blog. You just never know what's around that corner, do you?

I'm looking forward to meeting up with some of my "imaginary friends" later this year. I already know I like all of them, now I will get to hear that laughter we enjoy so much!
PDX Granny said…
Jackie's was the first blog I had ever visited as well. It took me a while to comment, but it didn't take long to discover what a great place it is to visit and how many wonderful people are there!

Syd, as usual you have said it perfectly!

Jackie, if you're reading this, I thank you for adding another dimension to my life that was total unexpected, but absolutely loved!
Anonymous said…
What a wonderful, lifting post. I love the writing too. It is a delightful tribute to a wonderful blog. I have mentioned that I do not ever recall seeing kale, but I plan on looking for it.
meb said…
I have been telling Jackie since her first picture of the kale what a beautiful plant this is. Every time she would post a new one, I had to reiterate its beauty.

Sydney this is a wonderful entry, and I appreciate your pictures as well... they are unbelievably gorgeous in their deep purple...

Thanks.
Anonymous said…
"...we hold the absolute power and utter freedom to make the choice."

That is perfect :)

xxsm
Absolutely gorgeous, Sydney. I don't know if I have seen kale around here or not.

Great tribute to Jackie.
RBennie said…
Thanks, Sydney, for the wonderful tribute to Jackie. I'm so thankful that I stumbled onto her blog several years ago. The vibe and comradery that you find here is truly unique. I've got to go out and look for some kale, LOL. But probably not this week, it's seriously freaking cold in NYC right now!
Anonymous said…
quite an unusual plant--I like your blog! I salute you!

Cheers,
Clayrn Darrow
M.IV
Jennasmom said…
Thanks for the homage to Jackie & kale! Can't wait until our "shows" start up again. I miss Jackie's clever way with words! I used to have kale in my garden - now with the drought, I don't even have a garden. Everything here is so dry and brown. I hope 2009 brings some rain! If not, I'll just stay inside, watch TV and read Jackie's blog! ;)
Jinksy said…
So glad I chose to visit this morning. The glorious colours in that kale photo gladden the heart on a very grey day, and the ripple effect you mentioned is a subject that's been dear to my heart for years. See you again soon...
Debbie O'Neal said…
It is the small things this world that hold such beauty but we pass it by most days without even noticing it.

Thanks for reminding us to "STOP and SMELL THE KALE"...well, you know what I mean.
Erica Herbert said…
HA HA HA!!! You had me HOWLING!!!!!!! feeling the leather thru the screen?! you are one witty woman! you rock!
hugs & kisses to YOU!
LOVE.e
Anonymous said…
I had to come visit and show you my new photo. Thanks Jackie (and Sydney)
meb said…
I don't know how I did this, but if it all works out, there should be a beautiful kale as my avitar. I did mine a little differently cause I liked the colors.

wv fartar I mean really!
meb said…
OMGosh Sidney... I had no idea I had posted that on Jackie's... yes, I thought I was posting it to you. And when I got your email, I thought you were talking about the first post I wrote to Donna and Sizzie. Now this is when you start really worrying about your age.
Jackie S. said…
:::blushing::: aw, shucks.

You guys make it rock! Thanks, Sydney -- gorgeous kale and I'm loving the avatar!