How fitting that this post is the one to put me over 100,000-  and to think that I did it all without getting HI-JACKED or FEATURED!

My start into social blogging was a little slower then some.  One way to find my 'voice' was to reach out and connect with others by starting a little 'group'.  Those peers that participate in the RAIN know that there are hundreds of groups to hang out in.  Most groups attract writers with similar styles or content.

I wanted to have a 5th place to post where we could attract good writers to share their work outside of the normal categories.  The "my name is Cheryl" group does just that.  I 'found' many of the Cheryl's from the RAIN and we bonded pretty quickly.  We have also have several non-cheryl's join which is great b/c it adds diversity to the library of posts.

My original post has gotten many comments from people not in the RAIN.  I am going to share today's E-MAIL which was preceded by a very nice phone visit.

To: "Cheryl Willis, MO BROKER Mt Vernon, Monett, Aurora, Barry & Lawrence Co." <ozarkcastle@yahoo.com>

You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.

Message details:
From: Cheryl Ann Cotter in Reedley, CA
Email: cotter.cheryl@yahoo.com
Subject: Blog Virgin and hello again (Sent via Activerain)

Dear Cheryl W.
I tried to write a blog last week to you and all the other Cheryls but I did not realize that I had to become a site member. (Perhaps that is why it did not make it through) I do not want to interfere with your business or work time... Just very excited to meet you.
I talked to Sergi and Susan Marles in Anacortes, WA after we spoke, owners of the tug boat from the blog they sent you. Susan and I are both painters and I want to include watercolors with the children's book I am writing for my granddaughter. And I would like to include you and your group as well. It will be called "Finding the Cheryl Ann". I have already decided to try and travel to Washington next summer when work permits. I read several blogs talking about a get-together of Cheryls and Anacortes in August might be a cool setting. I have a couple of friends who would love the adventure because they know the story of my name, and a few relatives in that neck of the woods that I need to touch base with. Again I want to thank you for your generosity in sharing your story and time with me and others. I was impressed by the "gutsy" attitude of the Cheryls of our generation. They could have been embarrassed by their name sake, but instead they have embraced it and ran with it. I have been through alot in my life, and there is scar tissue to prove it, but our Lord says scars show there was healing. He continues his work in me as we speak.
In closing, I would love to give you and everyone the many details behind our name and I think you would be fascinated to hear about my grandfather who set this ride in motion. I to would love to hear about you and yours. Perhaps you could E-mail back when there is time.
God Bless and Thank You, Cheryl Ann

I have told the "story" about our name- I have 'been found' just by writing a post and starting a group.  Now it looks like this is starting to snowball.  I call dibs on getting to write the intro to the book.

I'll keep ya posted as to when we need to pack our bags!  cw