blove: punky and the city

Today’s “blove” goes out to a woman who I would have never “met” (in quotes as we have yet to embrace IRL, but I feel like I know her, if you know what I mean), had it not been for blogging. And it’s these connections – with people from all over the globe, of all different ages and walks of life – that have not only enriched my writing experience, but me personally as well.

Jen Sobel is a perfect example of how the writing of others can add depth and dimension to your own life. Jen writes Punky and the City (which, the more I read of her, the more the name so perfectly suits her), an accounting of a 20-something woman as she enters a new chapter in her ever-evolving life.

photo courtesy of punky and the city

My fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter know that Jen’s posts are frequent favorites – I truly, genuinely, look forward to each and every one. For many reasons:

To start – her fresh, honest and really good writing is a joy to read – even when the content is less than joyful. I’ve written before about the challenge of writing “well”, while staying  “true”. It is by far one of the hardest tasks I face as a writer; one that is much harder than it looks. Yet Jen makes it look easy. You can feel the life and heart she breathes into every post – into every word – with the sense that there is no filter. She genuinely lets you in.

Then there’s the appeal of peeking into a world I’ve long since left behind. As the mother of a daughter who is on the brink of 21 – and who, this time next year will be a (sniffle!) college graduate – I feel like Jen’s blog offers me a glimpse of what life for a young woman is like. How scary, and exciting, and wide open with possibilities it can be. And while I’m reading I often think about Chelsea and her future, and I so appreciate the picture that Jen paints.

And finally there is the unique perspective that Jen brings to all of her writing. On the surface it would seem that there is no common ground that we share. But it’s her completely different take on just about everything that really embraces what I love more than anything about the world of blogging. That, just by opening up a link you can read something – something really, really profound – that makes you look at your own life, or just a particular situation – in a totally new way. And that can only come from someone who is in a totally different spot from where you stand.

Some favorite “Punky” posts:

Her post on patience, and this quote that she shared there: “Where you are now, remember, is the goal of a former moment in time.” I loved that.

A difficult moment at work led to some self-reflection that struck a chord for me and the challenges I face in running my own business.

The joy, fear and excitement of starting a new chapter (in this case, her blog). Possibly my favorite of all.

Jen is moving to New York this summer – another brave and bold move that I admire so – and I hope to really meet her (sans quotation marks). In the mean time I will continue to enjoy the adventure that is this smart and lovely young woman’s life. Go give her a virtual hug – I know she’d like that!

Wondering what the heck “blove” is?

http://www.punkyandthecity.com/

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10 Comments

  1. Melanie on May 16, 2012 at 9:42 am

    I just want to give Jen a hug. And I’m going to at Alt Summit! Jen, you’ve been warned. 🙂

    • sheri silver on May 16, 2012 at 10:21 am

      Same.

  2. Alexandra on May 16, 2012 at 11:47 am

    AMEN! Jen is the coolest. Thanks for featuring someone we all admire so much!!!

    xxx,
    Alexandra

    • sheri silver on May 16, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      She IS the coolest! 🙂

  3. Punky on May 16, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Oh my, Sheri. This is really quite the collection of sweet words. I am completely and utterly flattered. And honored really. (I’ve been praying EVERY NIGHT to make it onto this series of yours.) (YOU THINK I’M JOKING.) (im not.)

    You are definitely one of my favorites. In blogging/probably life too. I can’t wait for the opportunity to meet you “IRL”. I might cry.

    And you are right about the magic that is in this blogosphere where two unexpected souls have the consistent potential to connect. One of the many reasons why I think so many of us do this… you know this whole “blogging thing” (haha, what a negative connotation that one can sometimes ring, if only the blog-less people knew!) (they just need some blove.)

    Thank you for this. Really really! You’ve made me so very happy this morning.

    • sheri silver on May 16, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      I’m so happy you’re happy! Truly, it was one of the easiest posts to write – I meant every single word and it means the world to ME that you think so highly of my little blog……hugs to follow. xoxo

  4. Justine @ The Lone Home Ranger on May 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    My mom still calls me Punky to this day, so I’m already on board. You have a real knack for discovering gems. It is a gift! Thanks for sharing.

    • sheri silver on May 16, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Ha! That’s so funny! Jen is truly a gem; thanks for writing! xo

  5. Alexandra on August 9, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Love Punky. I can’t think of more adorableness, groundedness, honesty than in this woman.

    I had the pleasure of meeting her and hugging her at BlogHer, and her take on life is something that reminds me of Marlo Thomas in the 70’s: single girl, taking on life.

    She is a love.

    • sherisilver on August 9, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      I LOVE the “That Girl” reference – perfect! Looking forward to hugging her myself in the not-too-distant future!

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

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