My 'g': What Inspires Me as a Gather Member

Those that know me are aware that I am a big fan of social networking, and especially of this site.  While other matters drew me away from Gather over the past few weeks, it did not take long to recognize the familiar signs of sharing and caring that, for me, are the hallmarks of this great community.  The interaction, camaraderie, creativity and compassion are just as evident today as they were for me over 13 months ago, when I was first fitted for the bald-headed orange avatar. 

Each day the tapestry of Gather is woven with personal accounts, unique observations, accomplishments, set-backs, hope, inspiration, and selfless acts of kindness.  There are articles that entertain and educate, and images that bring a diverse and colorful world easily within my grasp.

From the altruism of Stephen Saqui, to the inspirational collection of wishes by Kathline Gore, members also reach out to help each other every day in imaginative and generous ways.  The Gather community has also added books and DVD's to the shelves of a library in New York devastated by flood, and provided the same for patients at the New Orleans Children's Hospital, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Throughout my history on Gather I have seen the lives of members...the people of this community forever changed by their participation here.  Artists reaching a new appreciative audience, writers being recognized through their participation, and ending up between the pages of major publications.  Even those gaining the courage to write for the first time, or others simply finding their voice.  As a community, Gather touches the lives of those that participate in distinct ways, from the profound to the immeasurable. Therein lies it's strength, and for me, fascination.

From monumental to minor, we each have stories of the positive impact that the community, or individual members, have had upon us or upon those with whom we interact.  Therefore, I am encouraging others to share these stories, and to reflect upon your observations and experiences during your time as a member of Gather.

Are you a better writer, thinker or photographer?

Has Gather allowed you to realize a potential, live a dream, stretch your boundaries, or change a perspective?

Have you learned something new, made one friend, or even just found a friendly voice in the middle of the night?

So that others can readily identify your article, please feel free to incorporate My 'g' in your title, and use the My 'g' image for your article's icon.

To copy the My 'g' image for your own article:

1) Click once on the icon above, or the one below to display a larger version of the image.

2) Right-click on the larger image.

3) Select 'Save Picture/Image As...', and save the image to your computer.

4) Upload the image to your own 'My g' article!

I can't wait to read your My 'g' story!