For hope, not hate.

in more than meets the eye

I just read about the attacks in and near Oslo, Norway.  It’s a terrible thing that happened, but Victor tried to convince me to not get obsessed with it.  He knows that things like this grab ahold of me and don’t let go, and that my OCD and anxiety disorder make it mentally dangerous for me to watch the news.  And he meant the best when he reminded me that I need to protect my heart a little more, and that this was something that happened a world away…and something I can’t control or do anything about.  And he’s right, in a way.  But there’s one thing he can’t quite understand, and that I can’t quite explain…

Yesterday 66 people visited this blog.  They stayed a few minutes, and hopefully laughed.  Some commented.  Many are regular visitors.  They are a part of the community here.  And all 66 are from Oslo, Norway.

There’s something about the internet that makes the world a little bit smaller…that makes us all huddle together for warmth, or laughter, or simply to reassure ourselves that we are not alone.   I know some people sneer at the idea of the internet being a “community”, but to me it is.  It’s my neighborhood.  It is my tribe.  And the people in Oslo tonight?  They are us.

I promise to go back to being funny tomorrow, because I know you probably use this place as an escape as much as I do, but tonight I just want to say that we’re thinking of you, Oslo.   And also of everyone else who comes here tonight feeling alone or afraid.

You aren’t alone.  We’re with you.

PS.  Comments are open, but let’s not focus on the terrorist.  Hate gets enough attention.  This post is for hope.

340 thoughts on “For hope, not hate.”

Read comments below or add one.

  2. this is what should bring us as a world together. the internet is an amazing tool, and knowing that i am laughing at that fucking metal chicken along with people who are in oslo makes me warm and not-stabby.

  7. Amen. Things like this are always unthinkable, and a little unreal. Love and strength to the people of Oslo. xo

  8. bless you, Jenny *leaves you hugs for when you need them, and a few sheets of Xanax for whenever* and here’s to the good people of Oslo (i can’t watch the news either)

  10. You are like the Witch Doctor of this tribe. Or maybe it is Shaman…I like Witch Doctor better. Keep spreading the hope.

  11. The internet is a community. If it weren’t for my imaginary friends I’d go crazy.

    That didn’t sound exactly tight, but you know what I mean.

    Prayers to all in Oslo. Hope will live on…it’s one of the best parts about being human.

  12. Hey Jenny, and our 66 friends from Oslo: Peace and love. Thanks for the funny and the sense of belonging to one of the best–and strangest–communities in the world.
    Love form Canada

  13. Yes, let’s focus on hope. Not hate or anger, hope. Hope is what’s gotten me through my darkest times. Hope is what has kept me alive when I felt like nothing else could. Hope is what we build with, what we create with, what we love with.

  16. I heard about it from one of my friends in Norway. And, yes, I’ve never met her. I understand this post quite a bit. The internet makes my world much smaller and brings people to me, that I love and cherish as friends, much closer than they ever would be. My friend in Norway? I never would have met her if it weren’t for the internet. What happened was bad, but Norway is a strong nation and run by a good minister. They will pull through as my country did during 9/11.
    Good luck, Norway. Our hearts are with you.
    ~Alyssa

  20. The internet is my community, my neighbourhood, too. Most of my good friends live states or countries away. Tonight I’m thinking of Oslo.

  22. What sets you apart from most writers is your ability to have such amazing flexibility. This post sets the right tone. And it stands out from the thousands of words others will use to talk about Oslo.

    Having hope is not a sucker’s bet.

    It can’t be.

  24. Thank you thank you – you never fail to brighten my day, even when you take a break from being funny.

  25. The old song goes “I’d like to teach the world to sing”… I’d just like to give it a hug.

  28. Life is never easy as one person, but life gets better and better as we start to work together. I wish them well. Oslo, the world, we are all one part of a whole. Together we can all be better. Apart, we loose who we really are. Thanks Jenny for putting this out there.

  29. I’ve come here a few times, but I don’t know that I’ve ever commented. But this time, I wanted to say that I love this post. Seeing the reports come across my Facebook this afternoon was heartbreaking. My prayers and thoughts to the people of Oslo, the kids, their families, and everybody else affected.

  32. Jenny,

    If more people had your heart, we’d be so much better off.
    You know I don’t comment often, but you also know that not a day goes by where you aren’t thought of and missed {{chalupa}}

    xoxoxoo

  35. I was reading a blog post yesterday about a special needs blogger who may have been a fraud and I had a moment of what the fuck is wrong with people. But as I thought more during the day I decided to focus not on the offender or what he’d taken from readers but instead just how many kind generous giving people there are in the world.

    For all the bad there’s so much more good in the world it just doesn’t get the same publicity as the bad. Look at all the good you did with one small random act of kindness and how it ballooned. My prayers are with those who lost loved ones today and with the family of the perpetrator, they too must be devastated.

  36. Amen. Nothing but love and hugs sent into the ether tonight for everyone who needs them, or even don’t know or think they need them.

  38. It’s a small small world that is lucky to be filled with big hearts like those in the community here. Hope and love and light to all.

  39. The internet has a way of making even the largest of blogs feel like a small town, where we may not know everyone, but someone we know does … my heart is chilled, but then warmed again, at least somewhat, by the sense of community.

  41. Amen sister! Soooooo well said!! Your message brought tears to my eyes, as the news of this tragedy keeps doing.

    I totally agree that the world is sooo much smaller thanks to the Internet. I have an Australian pen pal I’ve been writing to since about 2001 & she has recently become a Facebook-pal & that’s how we communicate now. It’s fantastic because now instead of only hearing about what’s going on w/ her 2 times per year, it’s almost daily. And it STILL freaks me out when we chat on Facebook! I CAN’T wrap my head around the fact that we can instantly communicate like that from 1/2 way around the world! Hmmm, I s’pose it shouldn’t freak me out so much, I mean, the phone’s been doing the same type of thing for decades. 😉 Doh!

  42. I guess I shouldn’t wear my Norseman getup for Friday night sexual role playing tonight.
    Back to boring priest robes.

  43. I don’t usually comment here, but I just had to say that Oslo is in my thoughts too.
    As an aside, what I love most about you is that you’re funny with heart. So even when you take a break from being funny, the heart’s still there.

  49. Thanks for your positive words about community… and also about having anxiety. I have anxiety disorder too and it feels so nice to have someone as amazing as you to have that in common with. Prayers for Oslo, and thanks for making us laugh all the time Bloggess… I can’t watch the news either because I obsess over it too…still recovering from the Casey Anthony debacle lol

  50. My heart hurts for Oslo. I pray you find the sanctuary and security damaged souls tried to take from you. I pray all those who were hurt are healed, and those who cannot be healed find peace.

  52. I visited Oslo in 1985 as a teenager. The country is BEAUTIFUL, and the people were equally beautiful. I was just an obnoxious (probably) American teenager…but Norway made an impression on me. I was fortunate to travel a lot in those days and to this day whenever anyone asks me where I would go again, Norway tops my list. Thank you for welcoming me and making me feel at home.

    So, my thoughts and my prayers are with you. Wishing you peace and healing.

  54. You are spot on with your post. Sometimes it’s okay to just pause and acknowledge our shared humanity. Kudos!

  55. Amen and thank you for the prospective. I have never been to Norway – but it is on my list of places to see.

    My thoughts and prayers are out there for you.

  56. My heart aches for the people in Oslo and all of Norway tonight. You are right. This is a community, and what happens there touches us all in some way, where ever it is we live.

    My thoughts are filled with love for the people of Norway and for people like you who recognize tragedies aren’t limited to geographical boundaries. They affect us all.

  57. thankyou. i didn’t know what to say about norway. It is always better when you think in “us”

  58. praying for those people who might be a world away but are just the next click away on the internet (sorta like Mr. Roger’s neighborhood, right?)

  59. you are incredible. my heart breaks for those people. i am impressed that you take notice.

  60. There’s no smarter way I could’ve said it. That’s for sure. Thanks for saying it this way.

  61. Thanks Jenny, not only for having a big heart and being able to share your thoughts so graciously, but for being part of this community. I felt the same way when I sat down to write tonight, and I’m reminded of how we are all essentially Norway. When something like this happens, it’s even more important for communities to come together, and embrace hope.
    One more for the tribe, and one more for hope -Maria

  63. “Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame, but for greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” MLK Jr. – You achieve greatness by bringing smiles to your readers, but also by highlighting our humanity. We laugh because we can relate. Don’t apologize for being human vs being a comic strip. We can take a moment to pause and mourn with the families in Oslo because we can relate.

    Thanks for all you do.

    PS And the fame thing may also work out, so keep at it!

  64. Thanks Jenny, not only for having a big heart and being able to share your thoughts so graciously, but for being part of this community. I felt the same way when I sat down to write tonight, and I’m reminded of how we are all essentially Norway. When something like this happens, it’s even more important for communities to come together, and embrace hope.
    One more for the tribe, and one more for hope -Maria

  65. Devastating. I feel for the people of Oslo.

    But why does every bad thing have to be because of Muslim terrorists? Hitler wasn’t a muslim terrorist. Neither is Martin Byrant. Saying everything is terrorists lets them realise their goal – to create terror and fear – regardless of whether they’ve done something or not.

    Anders is a giant asshole if he is the one responsible though. I think Beyonce (the metal rooster, not the singer) should terrorise him by “haunting” him no matter where he is.

  66. Maybe it’s because we’re such a small country. My swedish boyfriend always jokes that in norway, everyone is either related or neighbours. Maybe it’s because for the longest time, we’ve been one of the countries in the world that has focused more than anything on freedom of speech, equality, mutual respect and diplomacy not even just within our own borders, but even in those parts of the world where “giants” shy away. We are the little engine that could.

    Either way, I’m so proud of how our survivors are handling themselves, how the aftermath now shows that we’re not spreading hate to those who hate democracy, freedom and have no respect for human lives, but how we cry, pray for and take care of eachother in a time of crisis we haven’t experienced since WW2. This sorrow is affecting each and everyone. I’ve cried ever since I heard about it, and I can’t stop. As a norwegian living outside the country, I can only send good thoughts and hope to fellow norwegians, wishing there was more one could do. I love them all, our country and what we’re now showing the world when it comes to all the heroes out there risking everything to save other peoples lives. The stories slowly coming out one by one from the disaster area are heartbreaking and devastating. I sincerely hope and pray no other country – race, religion or culture aside, have to ever go through anything like this again.

  68. With big hearts and irreverent laughter we shine our light into the darkness and defeat it with great love and hope….so many in the world tonight hold Norway in our prayers…..

  70. Beautifully said. Thank you. Maybe if we all focus more on what brings us together it will be harder for people to stir up all the hate. Peace and hope to those in Norway and to all.

  71. What brought all this together for me was back in the Spring when Egypt was in the middle of their “thing” and I kept hearing about Wael Ghonim. I looked him up on facebook and realized I could be his friend both literally and figuratively. We can all be friends now. It’s so much easier with the internet. I’m glad Jenny is my friend now. Come have a cup of coffee with me some afternoon but bring your big metal chicken with you.

  72. It’s not just the laugh-out-loud funny stuff on your blog which makes you awesome, Jenny – it’s also warm, caring, heartfelt posts such as this. My thoughts go out to those in Norway who were devastated by this shameful act of cowardice.

  75. The news reduced me to tears. I finally had to stop watching b/c my heart was breaking for all the families that are suffering. However, I am an eternal optimist and do believe that most people are good. You know the problem is a lack of giant metal chickens!
    My thoughts are with Oslo and best wishes to you and Victor.

  76. I don’t see your place as an escape, but rather as another place that I visit throughout the week. Another place in my COMMUNITY.

    Peace to you, Jenny. Keep doing good – you have a voice and you USE it.

    Kelli

  79. It’s good to escape reality (in fact, it’s necessary sometimes) with humor. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore it. Thanks for this, and I am sure the people of Norway thank you as well.

  80. All my prayers are with the families in Oslo as well as with the Norwegians here with us in America that may be affected by these awful attacks. This story broke me to tears and I immediately squeezed my child as hard as I could. Please know that we are here in Houston to offer warmth and open arms to the families there that need comfort in these inexplainable times. Sending my heart and love to Oslo.

  81. The internet IS a community, and several of its sub-communities are very much home to me. Your blog is one.

  82. My sympathies to the people of Oslo, and all of Norway. I’m sorry that this has come to your country.

  83. Always, always for hope, love, and light.

    I’m with you, if I watch it, or even read the newspaper, I obsess over it.

    Instead…lots and lots of love.

  84. Not only is the Internet a community, it has made the world a smaller place to the point that it is one community. When a terrible event like this happens, it affects the whole world. We all hurt, we all grieve and we all pull through together now.

  87. I can’t watch the news either, but I had to pull up the news video to see what happened and had just an awful flashback to the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 with all those papers fluttering out of the office building.

    Jenny, you said it so well. It’s okay to pause for a minute to comment on something that isn’t funny at all because, as someone said above, even without the funny, the heart is still in all of your posts.

    Thank you for being here.

    Chelle

  88. I have made some of my best friends in the world on the internet. Many I have never physically met. We are a family and a community.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Norway today and in the weeks to come.

  89. I love this post just as much as your funny ones….if not more. Thank you for writing what so many of us are feeling. It’s horrible and no one should have to go through that.

  91. Thank you for sharing your heart and for inspiring others to do the same. The Internet has also brought me many friends, as well as my DBF.
    Love, hope, and strength to the people of Norway, and to their friends and families worldwide.

  92. Been reading your blog for a few months now…. not to get all depressing, but I’m going through my own personal hell right now, and tonight in the car I asked God for a sign, that things will get better soon… and I got it, in the form of a Beatles song. And again, with this blog post. Thank you. I know we don’t know each other but it’s good to know we’re not alone out there. I wish I could give everyone in Norway a hug right now, because no matter how bad my problems may seem to me, they seem insignificant to what is happening over there right now.

  93. I always love your humor, but tonight I’m loving your heart. Very well said.

  94. Great post. I have friends in Oslo and to see this on your blog makes me so happy, thank you for spreading hope.

  95. “For all the bad there’s so much more good in the world it just doesn’t get the same publicity as the bad. Look at all the good you did with one small random act of kindness and how it ballooned.” And there’s no counting how many people donated via their cell phones after the earthquake in Japan, techno-dorks like me, that didn’t even know how to do it until you told us. Thank you.

  96. I’ve ben peeking in on your blogs for a few months now, always good for a laugh, and knowing that you have some of the same mental health issues I do (anxiety disorder that often leads to depression. I can’t watch the news either) always has cheered me up, but I have never felt the urge to leave a comment about the random goofiness. Now though I have to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ for your love and care to the community. Next door or half a world away, we’re all joined. Let’s keep joined in hope and love, not fear and hate.

  98. Yes, thank you for this.

    Oslo, you’re in my and my family’s thoughts and prayers.

  101. For what its worth, I really dig a lot of the movies coming out of Norway, especially in recent years. I hope they keep ’em coming!

  105. There is overwhelming sadness in the knowledge that walking among us, monsters lurk. This has always been and will always be. It is only through the strength of human spirit, exhibited so many times throughout history, that we can rise above. And rise we will. The tug on our very souls is undeniable in this tragedy. Our hearts call us to act and we are challenged to do so with rationale and deliberation. Calmer heads will prevail because, quite simply, they must. While the vast majority are left to simply learn from the horror the Oslo community endures, the people living through this offense will be our tutors. Lets pay attention.

  107. For Hope, Not Hate.

    Now that is a slogan I can get behind. Well intentioned post and I hope the emotion behind it goes as viral as a big metal chicken (which is surprisingly great).

  109. So much in this world I don’t understand. But I am glad we have each other to cling to like little hermit crabs. Because without that, I don’t know what I would do.

  110. I read your blog religiously but I barely ever comment but I felt the need to say something – To the people of Oslo my thoughts and prayers are with you. I don’t know how to help but if there is a way I can I will.

    I know the internet is my community and when I’m having a bad day I am always hoping its when Jenny has posted something new 🙂 Also every day I buckle my little girl in her car seat (that I got from the Christmas Miracle) I am reminded of the overwhelming kindness from people I’ve never even met.

    Hope and Love!

  113. Girl, you can sure turn a phrase.

    Sending healing thoughts and loving prayers to Oslo.

  114. I’ve never posted a comment here, though I’ve read your blog religiously for the better part of a year. Your APB for hope has compelled me to say this tonight: you bring me hope. Your outlook, attitude, heart, and humor have often times kept me plugging away at life when circumstances and situations seemingly sought to shove me into a crevice too small for a hermit crab. Which I am not.

    Thank you for bringing together a world-wide small town community. And thank you for staring life in the eye.

  115. Thank you Jenny. And thank you to everyone else who helps to make this world a better place.

    Love, hope and prayers to Norway.

  116. re: internet being a community.

    I don’t comment often. My own blog is largely unread. And still, just by reading certain blogs (yours and others) and just by communicating how I feel to the small group of people I communicate it to, I feel like I am a part of this community you speak of. It’s a hard thing to explain, so thank you for putting words to it. <3

    Thinking of those in Oslo…

  117. Why must you make me cry? Someone from my “community” died recently – yes I never met her in person, but I loved her just the same. Internet love is real. And by that I mean the un-perverted, not visiting porn sites (unless they are yours) kind. I’m not making any sense…its no wonder with all this crying.

  118. Just wanted to say I have a special place in my heart for Norway and Oslo in particular. My family is Scandinavian but nobody knows what part of Scandinavia so I fell in love with Norway. I’ve always wanted to visit and I will when (notice I say “when” not “if”) people rebuild and find a way to go on and move forward. Although I will sleep in Washington tonight my heart will be in Oslo with all those affected.

  119. This New York girl sends big love and many prayers up for the people of Oslo. I’ve been where you are and it’s a scary place. On the flip side, horrible events bring out the best in people. May God Bless.

  120. Someone today told me, “Norge har mistet sin uskyld.” Norway has lost its innocence. Nothing like this has happened there before, they haven’t had things like this become a reality for them. Norway’s an open, welcoming country, one of the most inoffensive there is. That something like this has happened is just shattering that. It’s a huge shock.

    What happened in Oslo is horrible. But it wasn’t the only attack in Norway today, with that shooting at the youth camp near Utøya a couple hours later. So many people from 14 to 24, dead at the youth cam p. Just like that. That’s people my age– I just turned fifteen last May. That’s people like my friends and their families and my family. That’s people we interact with every day.

    I understand I’ve focused a lot on that shooting, but that’s the thing that hits me the hardest, because there are just so many more people lost in that, and so young with most of them teenagers. They’re both horrific and will have a huge impact.

    Norge er i mine bønner.

    (I took up learning Norwegian because I could last year. I didn’t ever think I’d actually use it much, and this was never one of those situations I imagined where I might.)

  121. I’ve met so many wonderful people from places all over the world, while sitting in the chair in front of my monitor. It doesn’t matter if they’re in Oslo, or Taiwan, or next door. They are on MY PLANET, and everyone is my people. My hope for them is healing, and love, the return of smiles, renewed hope and the feeling of security we so often take for granted.

  122. So beautifully written. Thank you for putting into words what many of us could not. <3

  123. Also, what Jodi said about her family– my dad told me his several-greats ago grandfather was from Scandinavia, but he didn’t know where. I also fell hard for Norway, though I’ve since done a bit of math and tracking and inferred it was Sweden. (Who, by the way, also had their own sort of attack about eight years ago.) It’s a guess, but it works as well as anything else. I still love Norway, though.

  124. I don’t think anyone else could have said it better and I 100% agree. Here’s to hope. My heart goes out the people of Oslo.

    And ok, now I feel like I have to confess this. I just found mytself googling “when to use a semicolon”, and then I realized that you wouldn’t care.

  127. I am a Nowegian-American. My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. when he was a child. My mother is in touch with some of her cousins there. This hurts deeply.

    But, freedom and openness trump terror every single time. They will not win.

    Healing and peace to Norway. We are all with you in spirit, raising you up.

  128. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Norway. What a horrific thing to have happened.

  129. When someone in another country reads something that I’ve written it always amazes me. It really is crazy how people from completely different cultures and backgrounds still seem to have so many things in common.

  131. @Sam: You are an articulate, thoughtful, empathetic, and intelligent young woman. The world needs more of you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Please continue — you, and others of your generation like you — WILL make the world a better place.

  132. Thanks for what you said–my heart goes out to Oslo and all those suffering. Without hope, we are nothing. Thanks for being a reminding light, and I hope you are feeling it, too, as the “neighborhood” comes out to say, “we DO care.”

  136. Great post. Thank you. Love, hugs, and prayers for those affected – in Norway, and around the world.

  139. Thank you for this post, Jenny. I know we all typically come here for off-color jokes and crazy stories about giant metal chickens on the doorstep but I also know that your community of readers are an incredibly loving group. I have seen some amazing support in this comments section.

    To everyone, especially all our friends in Norway, even those we haven’t ‘met’ yet: Hold on to hope. Seize tomorrow and use it to be furiously happy. There is not a moment to waste.

  140. Praying for the people of Norway and in other parts of the world where there is turmoil. Thank you for the laughter, Jenny.

  141. You are awesome! So much negativity get too much attention. I have a friend who works in Oslo near that building and when I read about what happened this morning, my heart sank. She is thankfully OK and we are praying for everyone. And by everyone I mean EVERYONE. Thank you for making my mornings with your posts. People like you make the world a much brighter place. Well, you and “Beyonce” anyway!

  142. Sende bønner og elske til Oslo.

    When I saw the devastation it just brought back memories of 9/11 all over again. My heart just dropped to the floor.

  143. I agree Jenny! I totally LOVE being a part of your community. While it is wonderful to be able to laugh over life’s little challenges, events like these should make a pause and remember the value of our relationships. My husband works in Africa supporting military operations in the Somali region and I *need* to believe the world is that small. Thank you for making my days a little brighter 🙂

  144. I’m pretty new here, I just found your blog a few days ago and have been reading the hell out of it, but getting wrapped up in other sites you link at the same time! It’s never ending and awesome, but I just wanted to stop in and drop off a <3 for you and everyone else!

  145. You know, there was a news article today, talking about how the Internet is a game-changer – apparently a lot of people are ragging on Netflix raising their rates, and it could backfire on them because we are all talking on the net and organizing boycotts. In Israel, the major dairy companies all agreed to raise the price of cottage cheese 75% – one man started a boycott on Facebook, and boom, he had over 100,000 “likes” to his boycott, and the dairies lowered their prices again.

    It really IS just one planet, our ONLY planet, after all, and if the internet helps us to pull together to make the world a happier place, then so be it. Getting everyone laughing about a giant metal chicken ain’t a bad place to start.

  146. PS – I hope Ferris is recovering from what apparently was today’s regularly-scheduled feline trauma, and is back to imitating Eric Northman quite soon.

  147. “I can’t do this, Sam.”

    “I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.”

    “What are we holding on to Sam?”

    “That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”

    (Because sometimes, SOMETIMES, Lord of the Rings quotes are totally appropriate. Oslo, and everyone, a new day will come. I’m holding onto it.)

  148. I love this post for hope and not for hate. The world is certainly a small place. Although we can spend hours holed away with this thing called “Internet” it’s amazing how many connections we can make across the globe. I wear my heart on my sleeve and give it away sometimes too freely, but I wouldn’t want to change that.

  149. Looking at my global stats is sort of awe-inspiring at times. How, in such a short amount of time there are people from a handful of countries all over the world who read and connect with what I say. Surprisingly Germany is third in pageviews. Behind the US and Japan (as is to be expected). This always amazes me, because it just puts into perspective how deceptively small our world is becoming.

    I think this is amazing, you actually looking and seeing WHO your readers are. It shows that it’s more than the numbers to you, it’s more than just getting your word out to as many people as possible, but rather really wanting to connect with those out there. I think that’s why people come back, why people follow you. Because even though you’re sarcastic and dry and have all these issues – you still care about people. And that is really important.

  154. I spend a lot of time on the internet, and I love the connection I feel with my far away relatives, FBers and the bloggers I read. Birds of a feather flock together and Jen, you can be sure your readers feel just as heartsick as you do about the tragedy in Oslo.

    And you know what? I went to a rummage sale last week and was just rummaging and got a few things. But when I saw a wooden cut out chicken I just had to buy it. It’s a lot cuter than Beyonce and it’s a little thing that sits on a shelf, but what it will remind me of is – yes, choose your battles, and nothing beats the fun of shopping with a girlfriend and having her “egg” you on to buy something you just think is so ridiculous!!! I’m a new reader and am loving your blog!!

  155. JENNY, HOW DO YOU KNOW ALL MY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS?!?!?! I REALISE THIS COMMENT IS LARGELY FUELED BY VODKA BUY I MEAN IT. You always say what I feel so much better than I ever could. Thank you. Spreading love and hope all over the place because of you.

  156. I sat on a NYC rooftop for the last couple of hours with a good, good friend that I met on the internet (she lives in DC, I live in TN). We’ve spent about 5 days (total) in each other’s presence over the last few years but we love each other like we live next door. The interwebs are good people.

    Love and hope to Oslo.

  157. You are right..we are a community and I understand how this sort of thing is taken to heart because I feel the same way about it. Like I want to throw my hands in the air and scream.. “Whyyyy? What makes a person do this?” I don’t see it as being overly sensitive though. I see it as being a normal human being. Someone there should be more of in this world and obviously by the response to this blog..really is a lot more of us then we feel at times. I am glad to feel I am not alone. Thank you for today’s blog.

  158. Jenny, Thank you for focusing on the hope.

    I found out about the attack from my husband before it was on the new. He had been on a conference call with a supplier who is in Oslo when the gentleman relayed the news. Immediately my husband DM’d me to try and find out more. It was a reminder of my experience of the Oklahoma City bombing.

    Today we are all Norwegian!

    With kindness,
    Sara

  159. Agreed. I’m new here, but still want to reiterate that you are not alone.

  161. Prayers, thoughts and love to all those in Norway and their loved ones throughout the world.

  162. Amen.

    I am not reading comments tonight. The tragedy is too much for me. I am praying. And wish ing a peaceful country did not have to endure this national heart break.

  164. I think Melissa (#135 above) best summed up how I feel. This is the OTHER reason why I come here.
    ==========
    I enjoy telling people that I’m 1/4 pureblood Norwegian, and the rest mutt. It’s the mutt part that makes that scrawny 1/4 something notable. Most days I don’t have any reason to trot out that little factoid. I’m not in touch with my inner Andersdotter. About the only Norwegian language I know is Krumkake and Sandkake (Christmas treats). [pardon my butchering the spelling and not knowing how to make dots on my letters when appropriate]

    But whenever I hear anything about Norway, it *ping*s a little bit of recognition, of belonging (at some level), of “that is connected to me, I need to take note.” Today that ping had a sting. We’re bleeding with you, Norway.

  170. This community is the best. It’s support and love in all situations is what gives me ultimate hope. It’s times like this when it is really important to be reminded of the good in humanity and the support that now surrounds all that happened over there. God knows they need it.

    Thank you for being so awesome and putting together a post so beautifully worded.

  172. Thanks for this. I’m grateful for the internet which allows us to come together as one community and express our sorrow anytime tragedy strikes. Prayers for all who were hurt and the families of those who perished.

  174. I’m a teacher in Tasmania and Martin Bryant’s attack on Port Arthur is still large in my memory for several reasons. My sister and her husband had planned to go there that day but changed their minds. The senselessness of the killing, the deaths of the children. The way the students in my classes imagined horrible vengeance and how I tried to explain that those thoughts meant that Bryant was continuing to hurt us. But mostly I remember the outpouring of support from all over the world and how that comforted us. To the people of Norway, my thoughts are with you.

  175. Jenny,
    Thank you for writing this. I can’t explain exactly why, but it feels heart-warming that people outside of this tiny country remember us.

    Nedyfay,
    west coast of Norway.

  176. You are so right about this blog and others like it being a community. My husband surprised me with my own mini Beyonce yesterday, so now I have a bit of the Bloggess in my house. You do bring laughter to so many. I hope those who need it also find some comfort.

  178. I can’t imagine the pain of the families in Oslo. Bless their hearts.

  179. I was thinking about the people I’ve met from Norway and wondering how they’re all faring. Thank you for this. Keeping them and all of us in my heart.

  180. What you said! Prayers for those affected by this violence. Posts like this illustrate that, no matter where it happens, violence and hatred ripple out and affect us all. May the people of Oslo find peace and comfort in knowing that we care.

  181. Stand strong Norway. We are thinking of you of you and send love and prayers from Massachusetts!

  182. We’re all in this together, folks, and we need to love each other a little more than we do.

    Love to you all, Ted

  183. I think when these things happen around the world it is absolutely vital that we send as much love and support as is humanly possible. When our country was attacked, so many people around the world sent us incredible amounts of loving support, our pain was soothed. Unfortunately, 9/11 wasn’t the end but the beginning of the nightmare. Horrific attacks have happened around the world to people who once supported us in our time of need. We owe it to them to return the love and support they so graciously gave us. As cliched as it may sound, love and hope are the only things that will ultimately end the hate. Thank you for reminding us of that and focusing your post toward love. We needed that.

  188. Many inexplicable events, some terrifying, some wonderful. Most times, we have no control over the occurrence of either, and just need to roll along. How we react is the most important. Thanks for directing the focus to hope.
    Mostly I avoid the news, but sometimes I have to come out of *my* world to see what is happening in *the* world. Some things are upsetting, scary, and beyond my understanding.
    Here’s to sending hope and comfort to the people in Norway who share the world with us.

  190. very true. we as people (normal people) are much closer to each other now because of the internet.
    I’m sure you get visitors from all over the world, and this is a clear indication that regardless of where we are from, what our religion is, what language we speak, we as humans have a thing or two in common. we laugh, we talk, we eat, we shit, we sleep. we are humans.

    keep it up.

  193. I obsess the same way you do, and it’s more difficult for me, it always seems, because I have ties to the places where things like this occur. I have a visiting student who just returned home to Oslo. I come from the Joplin area. I had ties to New Orleans, and friends in New York City during 9/11. I know that I am not alone (and we all can find a connection to place in such a manner), so I know that if we can find connections that make us hurt in the real world that are somewhat tangential, we can find much stronger connections with those we interact with everyday on the internet.
    My logic sounds a bit faulty here, as I write it out, but in my mind, it all gels. We all have to have hope. I could not imagine the outcome if we didn’t.

  194. I’ve been so busy at the dog show the last three days I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t seen or heard a thing. A meteor could be heading this way and I’d have no idea.

    Guess I’m on the way to CNN,com. now.

  195. Jenny, how many more read via a “reader” that don’t show up on your map (like me)? You touch so many more lives that you think. You give us all a laughter release and yes, in times, sadness. But laughter will prevail as will the Norwegians! Thoughts and prayers to them as they find peace.

  196. You are just so wonderful!
    Thank You for being a part of my life and letting us be a part of yours.
    Thank You for reaching out, for touching my heart with your generousity.
    You make me laugh, you make me cry but most of all, you make me feel.
    Thank You, All Of You.

    Blessings and strenght to all affected by the tragedies in Norway.

  197. You’re right, the world is MUCH smaller. When you can keep in touch with friends in Madagascar and Bahrain via FB, miles between places don’t exist anymore.

  198. There is a reason there is good and bad in the world. The bad helps us see just how beautiful the good is, and the good makes us stronger for the bad.

  200. This post just brought me to tears. I’m an American living in Colorado, yet my heritage is 100% Norwegian and I have many relatives in Oslo. The hate and senseless deaths are so… paralyzing, and yes, they can seem like a world away, but it could just as easily have been in my back yard (ex. the Columbine High School shooting).

    Thank you for thinking of Norway…

  201. ek–Thank you for sharing your perspective. When I heard the news yesterday, I thought of Norway’s experience in World War II. I was also so incredibly impressed by the words of Norway’s Prime Minister yesterday.

    The internet *has* begun to help us realize a fundamental truth more than ever before: we are all truly connected. What happens to one of us affects all of us. Communities do laugh together, but communities also cry together. And in the crying together, the pain is shared and room is made for hope to be reborn.

  204. Well said, Jenny, well said. Oslo, and all of Norway, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

    My husband works in counter-terrorism, and we have quit discussing his work. (Most of what he does he can’t tell me, anyway). I can’t take the constant heart-break, so I completely understand this post, Jenny.

  205. I have friends who don’t get the community feeling as well. They think I’m crazy when I talk about the support and comfort I get from the many, many people around the world, most of whom I will never meet, who I consider friends because of our online contact.

    Our hearts go out to the people in Oslo.

  206. What you said about needing to protect your heart . . . my husband has a tender heart and takes things so personally, and while sometimes I think he over-reacts to things, he shows tremendous love for other people without thinking of himself. I have seen that in your writing and actions, too, and it is admirable and rare.

  207. Several nights ago, the news was the most depressing one I’ve seen in ages. Every story was murder, rape, fatal accidents, fires, terrorism, drownings, on and on and on. It has stuck with me all week. Being pregnant, I may be more hormonal and emotional than normal, but it (the world) just seems to be getting worse and worse. That’s not very hopeful, now is it.

  208. I discovered yesterday that I have two tweeps in Oslo. They’re okay. This makes me happy.

    I wish everyone peace and happiness.

  209. My prayers go to the people in Oslo. Let’s not allow terror to keep us from seeing the love in the world. A big hug from the bottom of the world, Chile .

  211. This is such a beautiful post. I have come to think of the internet – especially the blogging community – as my online family and my heart really does go out to all those who have somehow been affected by this tragedy.

  212. I do avoid the news due to my small children, so I just read about these terrible events online. I was filled with yuckiness and thought I need to go to the Bloggess, she’ll know what to say, and you did. Thank you.
    Norway our hearts and prayers go out to your country.

  214. No matter how hard we all try to lighten things up with comedic renditions of the events in our life, things like what you speak of here make us really put what happens around us in perspective. The only answer is acceptance and love, but until that exists in every heart, those of us who are already capable have to love extra hard to make up for the hate that lives in the others. Thank you for this post. My heart goes out to those who were affected by this tragedy.

  215. That was beautiful, Jenny. I often refer to you as “my friend in Texas” because I don’t know another way to explain WHO got Will Wheaton to collate paper or WHO told me the funniest chicken story ever. Calling you my friend may be wishful thinking but there is no doubt that I’m self-nominating for membership in the tribe. Those 66 people are MY people. Oslo is next-door.

  216. I don’t know anyone in Norway, but I want to say that I’m so sorry for this horrible act. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims. I wish I could do more than offer my deepest sympathies.

  217. Pingback: Words of wisdom from Samwise Gamgee « Write, Knit, Read, Purrrrr

  219. Thank you so much, Rachael (comment 143) for the Tolkien reminder. It’s as perfect as Jenny’s post, so I have “stolen” and requoted it on my blog, linking to both of your blogs.

    You have both put much-needed bandages on my heart with your thoughtful words of hope and love. Thanks for letting me be part of your community.

  221. It’s so hard to fathom things like this when they happen. Thank you for encouraging us to share in a moment of hope and positive thinking.

  223. My first thought was, NORWAY? REALLY? My heart bleeds for the families of those who lost their loved ones and those injured by the senseless violence and I am at once taken back to the horror of the Oklahoma Federal Building bombing. It’s a terrible thing for any country, any HUMAN, to ever have to witness or experience, regardless of where they are from. We, as humans, all bleed the same color and feel the same pain.It’s sad and devastating and I am glad to see that the people on your web site can still feel. Too many people are numb and don’t care and are just want to point fingers, without thinking about the poor victims and their families. I know I hugged my kids a little closer and am a little more thankful for everything I have now.

  224. I don’t watch the news either – for many of the same reasons – so this is actually the first time I’ve heard about what happened. Thank you for your very hopefull and human post and to all of our friends in Norway, stay strong and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  227. What a beautifully written post with a wonderful sentiment: For Hope, Not Hate. Thank you for posting and thanks to Victor for expressing his loving concern for you.

    My thoughts are with all those affected by the events in Norway. Here are some big, cuddly internet hugs for everyone one who is reading this, because everyone needs & deserves a hug today.

    **HUG** **HUG** **HUG** **HUG** **HUG** **HUG** **HUG**

  228. Thank you, Bloggess. We can get back to the laughter and snark tomorrow, but today is for holding each other close. Poor Norway. They don’t deserve this. Nobody does.

  230. Warming and beautiful words.

    It is an immense resource, the internet commodity to experience the perspectives of other countries and cultures more closely. But as with you, when reading devastating news from the “outside world” I would invariably get upset and have bf tell me not to let it get to me. But I could never quite kick it, as the internet has made it so much easier to relate to people’s daily lives, for instance people living across the Atlantic.

    Now the unthinkable has happened here, in our little country. I am endlessly grateful not to have been struck personally, and living in a different city. Still, since yesterday afternoon the whole nation has been getting mid-summner chills. The nightmare hours that were endured by the brave teenagers at Utøya will forever be remembered. Still, as a people we focus on being there for each other now, to nurture and keep all innocence and optimism we can, and to maintain our freedom of speech and openness. Attacks of this monstruous kind will not be allowed to detriment any society’s quest for fairness, prosperity and happiness.

    Empathy from the good people around the globe is lighting up this dark day. Thank you.

  231. I’m new here…just started reading your blog a week ago. EVerything I’ve read has made me laugh and laugh, I’ve shared your posts with friends, but I haven’t commented on anything until today. Today’s post makes me want to hug you. So there: HUG.

  232. This is the first time that you brought a tear to my eye without laughter. I am touched.
    My heart goes out to all of the people in Oslo and other areas that were recently hit with tragedy.

  234. I’m a new reader, Jen (thank you metal chicken) and am already a devoted follower. Thank you for providing this terrific post.

  236. Amen! It will take time to heal, but my hope is that life only changes for the better as a result of this tragedy. Living in fear is not the answer. Living for today and making the most of this life we have is the best gift we can give to ourselves and our loved ones.

  237. Thank you for this. This tragedy has hit Norway very hard, and all I’ve been doing since first hearing the news yesterday is trying to track down my friends and ensure that they are safe, and continuosly refreshing the various newssites to get more information. I’m a big fan of yours and always read your blog, and even though this disaster is all I can think about I was not expecting to see a blog post about Norway from you. It feels so comforting to know that people are thinking about us and praying for us all over the world. A good friend of mine was on the island when that maniac started shooting people. Her name is Pamela. She’s one of the few people that are still missing. Please pray for her and for her being found safe and alive. It’s all we can do right now.

  238. Thank you for everything. You are a wonderful person. My heart goes out to Norway. Victor is a lucky man

  239. I am sitting here, watching TV, and there’s a show on about the shootings at Columbine years ago. I log in to CNN.com and see that there are almost 90 people dead in Oslo, some still haven’t been found, all for no apparent reason. And on top of that, a superstar singer who’s battled drugs her whole life was found dead in her apartment this morning. It’s tough to find hope in any of this shit, but you’re helping. So thank you.

  240. I always love reading your post. But this post has put you at the top of my reading list. Thank you so much!

  241. prayers for those that need them, not just there, but anywhere.

    I was wondering whatever happened to your giant metal chicken? Is it still in the yard? In front of the only office window? And how does one get a miniature copy of said chicken? That post, I have shown to so many people.

  242. I know I’m probably the internet equivalent of the weird kid at the back of the room who never really talks to anyone, but I just wanted to mention that it’s not just the funny posts that I come here for. You’re absolutely hilarious, of course, and I love to laugh. But there are lots of funny blogs out there. What really touches me are the posts like this one. Like most people, I have my own irrational fears, concerns, imaginary friends, mood swings, whatever… And sometimes in the “real world”, where there’s this huge social pressure to always be “fine”, it gets a little lonely. It’s refreshing and a bit comforting to hear someone honestly talk about what they’re going through. Somehow it makes me feel like I’m a tiny bit less alone. The fact that you keep such a great sense of humor through it all inspires and (quite frankly) astounds me.

    I do hope that our friends in Oslo are safe today, and my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. 🙁

  243. I’ve just moved to a new town and will be starting a new job in a few weeks, so discovering this blog has been a great comfort. Who can be nervous and scared when they are so busy laughing? After reading this post, however, I know (as if I didn’t already) that I’ve been coming to the right place. Thanks a million and my thoughts are with the people of Norway.

  244. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. Even though we all like funny, we sometimes need to take a moment for the serious too.

  247. I don’t comment here often. I feel I’m not witty enough, but I do have a big enough heart. A big heart to send out love and hope to the people of Oslo.

  248. I appreciate your hope and reverence in this case….. and I appreciate the times you make me smile when there seems to be little to smile about.

    Stay away from the TV for a few days. 🙂

    Thanks for writing!

  249. I must be the last person in the world to have discovered your blog, and I love your irreverent attitude and humor.

    That said, today’s message mirrors the way I feel. Years ago during the bicentennial of the United States, we had “Hands Across America,” where everyone went outside and held hands in the street at an appointed time, the idea to make a chain of people all the way across the country. Today, the Internet makes us global, it allows us to be friends with people all over the world, and we need a lot more “Hands Across the World,” ways of connecting with each other instead of being so us versus them. Thanks for the reminder.

  250. While I’m not a religious man, I understand the power of prayer. It is hope for a better future and an end to pain.

    To all those affected, I am praying for you.

    X

  251. I completely agree…the internet is also my neighborhood, my community, my tribe. And my sympathies and thoughts continue to go out to the people of Oslo.

  252. I guess Victor is right in that the internet is not just a simple community… To me, it is more like a family, comprised mostly of people that I don’t know, but people that I love dearly. It is a place where you can lean on others who are going through exactly what you’re going through, and it is a constant reminder that we are not alone – that there are people out there that care, even if they have no idea who you are. All of my heart, thoughts, and love to Oslo.

  253. My father is from Oslo and his mother, brother and my cousins live there. In talking and texting with my relatives in the US and Norway, we agree on one thing, Norwegians will not let this harden them. We will not let hate change us.

  255. I send you hugs Jenny, and to the people of Oslo, love and prayers and all of the other GOOD things about humanity and kindness that make tragedy surpassable.

  257. You’re such a sweet thing Jenny. Sending my love to Oslo, Norway.

  258. What happened over there is absolutely horrifying. It’s sad, and it’s scary, and it’s mind boggling. It’s terrorism, and that’s why terrorists do what they do- to scare people, to upset the world, and to feel like they won something.

    The shooter was obviously messed up- either with something, or in the head. My heart goes out to the people of Oslo and all of Norway. It was senseless violence, plain and simple.

  259. My great grandmother came with her parents to America in very early 1900’s from Oslo, Norway. I don’t know very much beyond that. Considering how small Oslo is, chances are I have family there. I may never have met them, but my heart goes out to them and everyone else there. I remember that fear. I remember the internal strength it took to get past that fear. I also remember that it didn’t happen over night. May they find strength with themselves and as a town and country. Much love to Oslo.

    Personally, I have avoided the TV …. or atleast the channels covering it. I too get quite overwhelm and compelled to the point of obssesion. No shame in knowing your limitations. :0)

  260. Thank you. I don’t understand why this happened, nor do I claim to. I’m just an obnoxious American teenager who goes by Norway to her friends and the Internet, but my heart broke yesterday when my parents told me about this. One of my friends tried to tell me it was okay, and life goes on; another just didn’t get why it mattered to me. Thank you for capturing the pain we all feel, for a people most of us have never met. The country is in my thoughts and my prayers.

  261. I’ve been walking the safety zone by keeping up via NPR, where the coverage is calm. metered, on-topic, and (obviously) never includes violent images.

  262. Yo, my girlfriend reads me your column while I’m cooking her dinner. (she totally has me p-whipped). Double periods–just in case. Anyway, I am writing to confess my undying love for Victor (in a totally heterosexual commiserating sort of way). Maybe I got the period right. I don’t know why he puts up with you, nor do I know how I put up with my boo. I am starting a support group. Tell Victor the first step is always the hardest.

    Fisher

    Ps. Been wanting to comment for some time so this has absolutely nothing to do with your above post. I just fucked up the timing.

  263. Thank you.
    I’m Aussie, but also Norwegian, because I live here.
    I had three of my kids with me down town on friday, we were just over a block away from the bomb when it went off.
    It was surreal, unbelievable.
    We are ok, physically, we got home safe.
    But those scenes we saw will be with us forever. As this day will.

    But, as I said to my friend earlier today, I’m impressed by people, how everyone comes together. How everyone wants to help, wants to comfort others, how people come together, take care of each other, and stay together in this time. We need that, and we do it.
    It’s a strength.
    We are in mourning and shock, but those actions of goodness towards strangers gives me lots of hope. In the middle of these very black days, there is hope.
    There is light.

  266. You are absolutely right. It is amazing that we find the power of community here on the Internet. Some of the dearest friends I have are people I met later in the 3-D world after we’d already shared so much. My hope is that we find a way to harness this for so much good…. so that the evil out there doesn’t stand a chance of winning.

  267. What happened was truly heartbreaking. I agree that the internet closes the gap of the distance between us – Norway doesn’t seem too far away. Bloggers, forum members and even people on Twitter and Tumblr speak with people in other countries every single day – just as often as we speak with the people next door.
    It’s something that I love about the internet – it keeps us all connected.

  268. Big hugs Jenny and to all of Norway. A special shout out to my friend Modit in Frogner a little borough in Oslo who has finally stopped shaking. Love to all here! I never would have heard about it if my friend had not called me. I got rid of cable television a year ago because I couldn’t stand the “Henny Penny Network” style news. Then to read it on here too. I guess there is no real escaping the ick of the world.

  271. We are all brothers in the world, other countries stood beside us in our time. We stand beside them in Norway.

  272. There’s a lot that I don’t understand in the world and alot that I find so very painful – yet in the midst of the suffering I can still see the rainbows from the crystals hanging in the window, I can still afford to feed the menagerie of fur that chooses to live here, and I just attended a Kalachakra/World Peace event with H.H. The Dalai Lama in D.C. 15,000-20,00 people in the Verizon Center every day for 11 days. For the purpose of internal peace that leads to external peace in the world.

    I can only pray (and hope!) that if we focus on hope and kindness that the pain and suffering in the world will lessen.

    To all my Norwegian brothers and sisters – may your hearts be healed and may hope find a landing place. There is love coming to you from all over the world – I hope it helps in some measure.

  273. Ever since having kids I have a hard time with these horrific events – I also get sucked in and feel like I could drown in the sadness. Providing a forum to express love and hope (and humor!) is a beautiful antidote.

  274. Ur right about the internet being a community and I love that U make it a fun place! Re. Oslo, Norway has the highest human development index globally & they must be asking many why’s….so the hope that you’re spreading in your own way is great.

  276. I don’t pray. I have given up hope on the future of this world. BUT my love and thought are with anyone who is remotely involved in this tradgedy. That would be the entire human race.

  277. This is my first post. I first found this blog when Beyonce went viral. I’m glad the people in Oslo who visited your site found solace in your humor. I hope they can come together and move past, though it will be hard.

  278. I obsess too…between Oslo and the Famine in Africa….my heart aches. Thanks you for your thoughts today.

  279. You rock. I was gonna say f’ing rock but this isn’t the post to say that. You make me hope!!! You are the best. We love you peeps in Oslo.

  280. Thank you for this post. I have friends who live in Norway, and this was so hard to watch. I am so glad that they are all ok, but I know how long it will take for the country to grieve and heal.

  281. For me, ever since I had kids, the news is an instant tear jerker. I end up internalizing everything and can’t stop grieving, especially when kids are involved. I don’t know why we can’t all love people like kids do – wholeheartedly. We’re all generally the same and deserve the same love and respect. The internet definitely does make the world smaller. I talk w/friends from around the world daily. God bless those in Norway and around the world!

  282. Hugs and love to all in Norway. You have my empathy, prayers, and wishes for good things. As someone with Norwegian heritage, I hold your country close to my heart.

    meg

  283. Too many guns and shootings in the news today. Chill out people. No argument or religion or disagreement is worth shooting another human being. Lets learn to laugh and enjoy our differences, not shoot each other over them. Thanks for the laughs other Jenny!

  284. Sweet Jenny, you’ve a heart of gold. Laughter is most appreciated by those who need it the most. Carry on.

  285. Thank you for posting this. I lived in Norway for a while and have many friends and family in the Oslo area. Violence is uncommon there and the toll this has and will continue to take is beyond my comprehension. Please say a prayer for those affected.

  288. Hi Jenny- I am from India and like you’d said- a world away from what happened. But, despite that it hurts. thanks for putting words for all of us and thanks for all the laughter.

  289. Thanks for breaking away for a moment to honor this terrible devastation. I am a new reader/fan, and truly appreciated that you could pause a moment and extend condolences to those who have been victimized. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them. Sigh…

  293. (((hugs))) to your tender heart. Take the time you need, we will still be here to read and laugh.

  294. I was gonna write something intense, heartwarming and patriotic… but it all falls flat. How do you tell people to enjoy themselves in malls, restaurants or just fucking go to work? The odds of falling victim to such a thing is so small… yet it keeps happening. Closer and closer… How do you cope?

    How do you fight back?

    Simple really… the message has to get out there. Normal people will continue to visit parks, go to work, fly on planes, etc… and we will do so knowing ASSHOLES are out there too. They bomb. We mourn. We continue to live our lives.

    Those that choose to end it for us… well… I’m not sure their future is as secure…

  295. Jenny, your humanity has touched a great many people. I know because I am one of them.

    For our brothers and sisters in Norway, please know that each and every person here wishes they could give you all a hug. You are very much in our hearts and minds.

  296. I was horrified when I saw what happened, and unfortunately (or fortunately) most people are not aware of what is happening in other parts of the world, let alone their own country.
    And, you are right about the internet being a community…we are connected….and I hope care about each other….so whether it is near or far….it is still close

  297. It’s sad that this has become a worldwide epidemic. Between the terrible terrorism that is being perpetrated everywhere (even against people in our very own countries) and the drug and alcohol addictions that are claiming so many talented people, I think the world needs a wakeup call!

  298. Jenny, you’re right in so many ways. The internet does make this world so much smaller. I’ve made friends around the globe, some of which I know I’ll likely never meet face to face, but I couldn’t feel closer to them if they were family. Victor means right, he doesn’t want to see you hurt, he knows you so well, and that things like this tragedy really does hurt, and sadly, there’s not much we can do. The one thing we can do, is help them keep hope, and keep them in our heart, as hard as that is. We mourn, and we must go on. Thank you for a wonderfully written heart felt post. You are an amazing woman.

  299. Until we figure out that we’re all connected, things like this will continue to happen. The best we can do is what we’re doing – fostering community, offering comfort, standing up against those who would divide us.

    My heart breaks for Norway, and for all of us

  300. Jenny, I couldn’t agree more. I am always stunned when tragedy happens in unlikely places. It is a reminder that there are F’d up people all over the world. You are right — writing your blog, you have your own group of followers (I am one of them and LOVE you) and it it therapeutic I’m sure for you and your readers.
    I know where Oslo is because of some of my kids’ favorite Jan Brett books, one in particular, “Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve.” Weird little trolls coming to wreak havoc in Norway. If you aren’t familiar, read it to your daughter… http://www.janbrett.com/newsnotes/whos_that_knocking_page_2.htm
    My kids love to yell “Knocketty-knock!” (reminds me of your chicken post) and they think it’s hilarious when the troll thinks the polar bear is a cat. Anyway, from reading your blog, I thought of this book and that you and your daughter would enjoy it, so check it out.
    Love from a fellow Texan.

  301. Have been reading ever since you spoke about giant roosters, and I pop back every few days to see what is new in your world. This is the first time that I have commented. I awoke to hear about this the other morning and I couldn’t help but wonder what possesses someone to go to such extremes. My hope is that from it all come tales of courage and that those effected can get some comfort and find something good to come from the bad.

  305. My heart aches for Norway, I am 1/2 Norwegian and when I visited Oslo the cab driver said Welcome Home!!! The people are phenomenal, the country is astoundingly beautiful and it is totally wrong that one deranged creep can wreck so many lives and families. I only hope that they can feel the love and sympathies of all of us to help them through this darkness.

  306. hey Bloggess,
    This is the first time to your site and I have to say — you need not apologize for not being funny. if there is one thing the internet has too much of it is people trying to hard. getting large friend counts of people they hardly know, to post posed videos of having fun, that is why people sneer at community, but what you are doing is why people still surf. I loved that in 30 seconds I just bonded with you and your man or friend or whatever. I had a similar conversation with a friend who has an anxiety OCD disorder. but I loved that you shared that and not some picture of how cute you looked at a kegger. Do not get me wrong being funny if you ARE funny is great and I have read some of your stuff and laughed heartily I just drop boxed a friend your photos of your cat doing Eric Northman. we send each other stuff that is not just funny but perhaps worth saving in a digital vault of amusements that are safe from the ravages of time and server wipes. Anyway, I get what you are doing and I wanted you to know that others are huddling too and are just as horrified and scared of the seemingly random violence in Oslo. Bottom line my only other observation is that there are places where you can have community and then there are other places. Blogging and even video blogging done with the right intent are great ways to connect. the unfortunate part is that there are always people trying to find the prom king or queen moment, as well as those who are trying to market stuff. But you keep doing what you are doing and others will respond. Just like me I just spent quite a while on your site and took time to write you a poorly constructed unedited but completely sincere comment of identification and support. just remember how big the world is and that the Oslo event looks more and more like a person who got lost and is mentally ill. and well “Stuff Happens” which sometimes is scarey but other times is terrific so process the event how ever you want but know your blog entry when you were not funny is what made me stop, think, and write back. 🙂 be good, Occam’s beard aka Rob

  308. Love and warmth to everyone in Norway, from under the heat dome.
    The only thing I believe we, as individuals, can do is to put as much time and effort into creating peace in this world, as that wrong, wrong man put into his orgy of destruction.
    The Internet can be, should be, the territory of the peaceful and creative. Oslo, we hurt with you.

  312. Confession time-When my kids (adult children) are out too late or I am worried about them, I come here at night while waiting up for them and read your old posts. I can understand why 66 people from Norway visited your blog yesterday. I don’t know why your blog is the place people go when people are stressed, but for some reason, it’s the place to go. God Bless the people of Norway during this terrible tragedy.

  313. I couldn’t agree more about the Internet being akin to friends and/or family.

    I firmly believe some of my closest friends are ones I’ve never met face-to-face and likely never will. While spending time with someone feels great I’ve learned friendship comes in many flavours and those which are shared exclusively via a stream of one’s and zero’s are, to my mind, no less precious.

  314. I send much love and hope and healing for Norway. Thank you, Jenny, for this perspective.

  315. You never cease to amaze me. You are so hilarious, I have almost peed myself reading your blog. But you are also a beautiful, compassionate person. It is people like you that are so sensitive and caring that it makes me have hope for a world where terrible things like this happen. Thoughts and prayers for those in Oslo.

  316. Thinking a lot about the people from Oslo. Its amazing to me, on my Facebook page yesterday after the Amy Winehouse news dropped, there were instantly like 10 comments about that. But on Friday, nothing about Oslo for hours except from various media outlets. So sad when we put one person above a whole city that has never shown, to my knowledge, anything other than kindness.

  318. My mom lived in Norway for a few years, although not in Oslo. She lived in Stavanger, in the south. I was lucky enough to be able to visit her a few times discover that Norway is an amazing place. I have fantastic memories of Norway and am so saddened that such a beautiful country is going through this.

  319. One minute I have tears streaming down my face from reading about Beyonce’s ding dong ditch, and then I see this and the tears stream from a very different place. It blew me away the 66 Oslo part, no words. Love, peace and hugs to all.

  320. You explained that beautifully, Jenny.

    I don’t often come all the way to your site, because I subscribe to it on my RSS reader and don’t comment very often. But I just wanted to let you know that I flat out love everything that you write…even when it makes me cry instead of laugh.

    You have such a gift, but it’s not just your way with words – although that is always totally awesome. Your perspective, though you may consider it skewed, shows us the world another way. Sometimes you make us feel better for knowing we’re not the only ones who feel a little off, other times you remind us to look at things in a kinder and more gentle way or to get angry instead remaining passive and/or jaded.

    You ARE a gift. To us.

    I hope, when you are feeling depressed or anxious, that knowing this will help at least a little. YOU are never alone, because we’re here for you in all different time zones. Thank you for everything you bring to our lives.

    My heart goes out to you and everyone in Oslo. Praying for peace everywhere.

  321. Am frantically trying to protect my kids from seeing footage on it – so GRAPHIC, the event so AWFUL. I too love that the visitors from Oslo visited you, a funny lady on the other side of the world. I love what Redneck Mommy said, and echo her thoughts here. It’s easy to hate, much harder to hope. Let’s all pull together to make the latter happen.
    ?
    BB (of Oz)

  323. I definitely come here for the insanity, and the laughs, but here’s what I love most:
    You know how to bring the crazy, for sure, but your heart is also bigger than should be allowed. Your care and concern for others shines through all the rest. I am thankful for every word here.

  324. Praying for those that are left to pick up the pieces of this tragedy. Our hearts are with you and your families. And Jenny, you’re right – this is our community and our family…it’s our world.

  325. Thank you so much for this post. The base cause of the worlds problems is hate. If we all focus on the hope as you wrote we will be that much closer to peace.

  326. You’re an amazing heart, sweet lady. Your Victor and MyChad sound a lot alike. I think they are saying they wish they could protect our hearts more. Thank you for putting yours out here. You are a blessing to so many.

  328. I was lucky enough to be up at the cottage all weekend spending an idyllic weekend with my nieces and nephew… I managed to miss all news reports so when I came home on Sunday I had quite a shock in store for me. What a devastating tragedy… hope the people of Norway can feel everyone’s love and support.
    *hope not hate* – words to live by.

  331. In tears! I love this blog!!! I come for a good laugh at the end of the day but I ALWAYS appreciate a peaceful message that comes from the heart. Thank you for that.

  332. I love that you are funny, brilliant, real and relatable. Most of all, I love that you are compassionate. If there were more people who thought like you, the world would be a better place for it.
    Peace and healing to those affected in Norway and around the world.
    <3

  334. fucking hell woman. Maybe the beers maybe the Norwegian ancestry whatever. onions. fucking onions.

  336. This is why I love you. To hope! Internet will win over the nationalists who want to draw circles and keep people “where they belong”.

  337. Yes I am on some hormones so here I am sweating like a pig and a slight emotional so yes you made me cry. I will cry for Hope. (at least then I have a reason.)

  338. I am not from Oslo, but I am from Norway. I read your post last saturday, but didnt really know how to comment – it was still so fresh. The thing about this is that he attacked a youthcamp with kids from the entire country – this makes every single one of us affected. We are such a small country that that makes us all know someone. I, luckily, have not lost anyone close, the ones I knew got home safely – but my heart is still aching. The fear they must have felt, the families not getting home their child, the family of the terrorist – it all breaks my heart, and I still feel like crying every time I think about it, which is about every second of every day. This has truly been the worst thing ever happening to Norway since WW2 – but at the same time it is truly heart warming to see how much love we are showing eachother and how much we are getting from the entire world. We are holding hands, we are hugging and crying – and we are all appreaciating the love coming towards us – towards the victims, the people who love them and all the rest of us that are suffering with them. I read somewhere that if the tragedy should have been “translated” to the US, it would have been 5000 kids killed (victims vs population).

    Anyway, I have to wrap it up before the writing get to messy, I just wanted to say thank you. Your blogpost means the world.

  339. I met the love of my life in Oslo during an early-20s backpacking trip through Europe. My thoughts are with everyone there – it’s an incredible country.

  340. I just came across your blog the other day .. and I love your zest for everything .. and this post made me smile. Small little online family indeed, just need marshmellows and a bonfire. Thank you for being you.

Leave a Reply

MY BOOKS:


shop

Subscribe to the bloggess, y'all.

Enter your email address and receive notifications of new posts by email. It\'s like I\'m stalking you, but more efficient.

Archives

ALL THE COOL KIDS ADVERTISE HERE:

I fucking love these people & not just because they support my wine-slushee habit:

Flourish in Progress: (T)hug Life: Part hood. Part good.

Pregnancy Calendar at Alpha Mom: Amalah’s week-by-week guide to the miracle of pregnancy and all the various indignities that come with it.

The Mack Files: Digesting life in bite-sized pieces through the lens of clichés, quotes & “truisms”.  Often irreverent, always honest.

Barking at the Moon: If your dog is your furry child, you will laugh out loud at Tracy Beckerman’s book about her family & a one-dog wrecking ball named Riley.

Kieran’s Humor: Not suitable for children, the sensitive or those hoping to get into heaven.

Go Doc Yourself Podcast: When a good doc ends, the klatch begins… Join hosts, scientists, and friends, Erin McCourt and Erin McCartt in weekly documentary dissection.

Welcome to xanaru: A mostly funny blog about the quest for happiness through authenticity, Great Danes and indiscriminate swearing. Plus hand-painted, custom artwork on bags, jackets, backpacks & more.

How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: Humorist Lucie Frost shares daily Instagram reels with learnings of the day—words, music, whatever–with plenty of laughs and all the curse words.

Beautiful Writers book: Writers! This coming-of-career memoir (w/ the BEST advice from celeb authors, real shit you haven’t heard) is life. A page-turning beach read doubling as how-to. #Magic

The Dating Days of Marta O: When I told my sister I was building a blog she said: “Do people still read blogs?” I do not know, but if YOU want to read it, here it is. Keep in mind, my stories about dating after 40 are for the brave.

Where Do I Belong? A memoir of Sarah Carrington: The unbelievable story of growing up in a religious cult in the mountains of Northern British Columbia. What happens to you in life doesn’t make you strong; rising above it does.

CONNECTED: A Personal Journal for Ketamine Therapy Created by writer & patient Katherine Davis for this powerful clinical treatment. If considering ketamine for major depression, check out this essential tool.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh: SO GOOD.

Discover more from The Bloggess

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading