There is almost nothing better as a blogger than getting unexpected and random appreciative feedback in the form of emails from unknown readers. We all love comments and social media shares, in fact we rely on them to help get the blog post seen, but when someone who has never manifested themselves before gets in touch to thank you for something you’ve written, well that just warms your heart.
It not only warms my heart but makes me realise I’m being read by more people than I realise. Obviously I devour my website’s statistics and know how many page views I get every month and where in the world most of my readers are. But these are just cold statistics. When someone who isn’t a friend, isn’t part of any of the linkies and blogging support groups I belong to and isn’t a member of my family actually takes the time to get in touch, simply to say they enjoy my blog or have found something useful, I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels. It’s touching, motivating and inspiring. Really it is. It makes me happy.
Recently I received this email, entitled “wonderful blog”:
Robert said he wanted to show me his painting but he couldn’t attach it to his email. I wrote back thanking him for his kind words and a few days later he sent me the painting after all. He gave me permission to share it if I wanted and I do, I love it! Here it is.
Robert G. Brito. St Paul de Vence. Acrylic on canvas board. 22″ x 28″. Copyright: Robert G. Brito, 2015.
This isn’t the first random email I’ve had like this, I’m pleased to say I get quite a few and I’ve even had a phone call once from someone enthusing about a walk he’d done thanks to my blog! But it’s the first time I’ve had a painting sent to me. Merci énormément Robert, I’m happy to share your beautiful painting with my readers, thank you for taking the time to tell me you enjoy my blog.
Little random acts of kindness like this make my day, I must remember to do more myself. Have you been the recipient of a random act of kindness recently?
Further Reading
An evening walk in St Paul de Vence
13 of The Best Hill Villages Near Nice
How lovely that you recently received a touching email too Susan, I’m so happy for you. Your mother must have been a great painter too if this picture reminds you of her work. I hope you have some of her paintings in your home now.
Absolutely Vicky, it’s so good to hear from unknown readers.
Another lovely story Rosie!
I agree Emma. This one was just so extra lovely in that it didn’t ask anything, just let me know he enjoyed my writing and photos. So heartwarming.
Isn’t he just!
What a lovely tribute to Robert, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
How lovely to hear from a friend of Robert’s, and lovely to find out a tiny bit more about him. Thank you Neil.
Thank you Catherine.
Sharing Robert’s painting was a must – it helps spread his good cheer!
Isn’t that the truth!
I know you keep saying that Richard, and never say never but just not right now!!!
Oh dear, don’t you hate statistics!!! Maybe you should post a picture of a cat, I hear they do even better than dogs! Thanks for making me chuckle.
Hi Phoebe, ahh, that funny thing called statistics. I was happily exclaiming to my family that my Google Plus page had hit the 40K mark, just last night. My son, sitting next to me on the couch, did a quick dive into his computer and came up with a number of his own – 35K – for his Google plus page. Problem is, his [b]only[/b] post is one picture … of a dog. Deflated, my husband’s advice, which I am sure you can guess, didn’t really help!
I’ve told you a number of times that I think you should consider putting some of your blog together as a printed book (a real one, on real paper!), which would have more lasting value than a few million stored electrical impulses. How about it? Robert Brito’s comment shows how much it would be appreciated. And yes, what an excellent painting.
Hi Phoebe, how excellent it must feel when someone takes the time to email and acknowledge one of your posts. We all love getting comments, but taking the time to reach out by email and to send you a painting is special.
#happynowlinkup
What a Gent and a great painter Robert is, no wonder you were chuffed!
Wren x
Oh that picture and painting are gorgeous! What a happy email to receive indeed. Sometimes it feels like we blog our hearts out only to get some not very kind critiques. I love that you shared the good that can come from blogging and sharing!
Robert has done an excellent job capturing the essence of France. He continues to really grow as an artist. It is a great pleasure to know Robert. He worked hard all of his life teaching students and now he is thoroughly enjoying his retirement. We always discussed our travels together and Robert is now experiencing it all and capturing is in his art work. Thank you for including Robert in your blog.
What a lovely tribute, you deserve it and what a lovely painting. Well done.
Your blog has inspired me to paste an introspective question on my desk; one that asks if I have done a random act of kindness today. Thank you for reminding us all of a very basic soul warming thought and deed.
Robert is an auspicious person and painter. One of my greatest pleasures has been knowing this gentleman and his talents. His depiction of St. Paul de Vence illustrates the joy and appreciation of his visit and for life. He is truly a gifted individual.
What a very kind comment from an unknown reader Phoebe.
He’s also a wonderful painter!
So lovely to receive such a nice email! I have had a few over the years asking for help in moving to a location, or a recommendation for somewhere else, and it’s so lovely. One of the best rewards! 🙂
What a lovely story thing and I know exactly how good it would have made you feel. Years ago I worked in a lab and one of the lads there said his Dad liked to paint old farmhouses and did I have any photos of where I was brought up. I gave him a photo and thought nothing more of it. I left working there in the May and that Christmas I got a box inside which was a paining of the farm he’d painted for me. It is hanging now by our bedroom door so I see it every day.
And the other way round, when-ever I am in the UK shopping because I don’t have loyalty cards I give the points to the person behind me if they want them – it always makes them so happy 🙂
This is so totally lovely Phoebe. I always feel that a comment from an unknown means so much (not that the other comments don’t!) but it just shows you that you never know who is reading 🙂
Hi Phoebe, how truly wonderful, and the painting is gorgeous, it reminds me very much of the paintings of my late Mother in law who painted and exhibited a lot in Provence. A simple act of kindness goes such a long way. There is nothing more heart warming as a blogger than to receive encouragement from strangers, I had an email from someone on Sunday which literally brought tears to my eyes with the kind words within. Like you, I know my stats, I know all the details, but it is the comments and the interaction that makes it all worthwhile. Bravo for you, I am so happy for you. Susan x