On Blogs, Wienermobiles, Carousels and New Friends

The Internet is kinda weird. Never before have people who would otherwise not have any way of knowing each other wind up friends, correspondents, lovers, fans, supporters, co-workers or enemies. While I guess, with this blog, I could be categorized as one of the "Mommy Bloggers," I know I don't hold a candle to the mom's and dad's who are really OUT THERE with their lives. Some have turned their musings into an industry, while others have found unexpected communities of generosity, kindness and support.

About a year ago, I was bored at work one afternoon and reading a blog kept up by Nanette, a friend of the Messingers. She is one of the first people I know in real life who was regularly writing a blog that had followers who were not just people she really knew. She had amassed a whole new group of friends with similar interests based on her writings about such things like baking and pop culture. Figuring I liked the things she wrote about, I'd see who else she was reading and started clicking down her blogroll.

Somewhere down the list, I stopped. For a very, very long time. I had found one titled Matt, Liz and Madeline. Despite having no idea who these people were, I was suddenly sucked into the most heartbreaking tale. Long story short, I quickly figured out that Matt Logelin was sharing publicly his daily ins-and-outs in a world that brought him his daughter, Maddie, one day - only to take the love of his life, his wife Liz, the next. Through my tears that afternoon, I kept reading. And since then, I check back every few weeks to see what Matt and Maddie are up to.

Weird, right? I know. But I found myself reading his posts as I would from a friend who had sent a letter or an e-mail. I cared. I was concerned. I cheered his joys and teared for his sorrows. All the while, I watched as the most beautiful and photogenic little girl grew from squirmy baby to nearly walking 15-month-old. Matt also takes lots of great pictures, often with an edgy urban feel I admire (have to admit, been using dutch angles in my work more because of his inspriation!).

At one point, he and I corresponded briefly. I felt compelled to share his sharing and the reporter in me itched to do a story about him. But, because he is what we call "OTA" (Outta the Area) and way off my court beat anyway, I had to get special permission to do it for our sister paper in the Valley. Matt wanted to participate, but had just given an interview to a national magazine and promised he wouldn't do anymore until that article came out. Between then and the publication of that People article, the editor who gave me the green light got fired and the publicity storm around Matt swelled. He's since been on Oprah and God knows where else.

Part of that recognition came because, late last year, Matt announced on his blog the formation of the Liz Logelin Foundation. As more and more people found him and began to follow their lives, more and more people sent presents for him and Maddie. Wanting to share the wealth and honor his late wife's memory, the Foundation benefits single parents who don't have the resources they need. To further raise awareness for the organization, he holds little gatherings (he lives in the L.A. area but travels a lot) for people to come and meet him and Maddie and support the Foundation.

When I saw last week that they, and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, would be having a meet-up Sunday at Griffith Park AND that we had no plans on Sunday, I knew I wanted to go. I packed a picnic lunch and the boys to go and meet some complete strangers friends in the park.

The Oscar Mayer people sold raffle tickets for a ride in the Wienermobile, as well as a hotdog-shaped pedal car and a remote control hot dog car. Furthering our weekend of sourpuss ungratefulness, Holden's mood turned drastically when our tickets weren't picked. There's been a lot of complaining lately about things that are not worthy of complaint ... things that are fun, little boy-oriented and planned specifically with their interests in mind. We had had a nice time, and I remained as patient as I could running solo with them all day, but we needed some perspective.

I reminded Holden of all the fun things he got to do - play in the park, ride the carousel and eat ice cream. Then, thinking of Matt and Maddie, I launched into some speech about appreciating all you have and being grateful for other people's generosity, which I'm sure he didn't hear. But after meeting all the people that came out to support the Liz Logelin Foundation, I attacked with a new sense of vigor and purpose, knowing there is lots and lots of good people out there.


Here is Maddie, by far the most popular girl in the park that day. I looked forward to photographing her and glad she was a willing subject. When I first arrived, I held her for a while. But she wanted nothing to do with me and kept reaching out for my adorable companion, Holden. He, unfortunately, wasn't so cooperative and responded by taking a step back and hitting me on the head as I tried to chat.

Both kids were keen to ride the carousel. Despite the enthusiasm, Riley balked when it came time to, uh, pony up. Just before the spin started, he mounted and was fine.


Here is Maddie with dad Matt. She is on the verge of walking and it was fun to watch them interact. Matt was very gracious when I realized, kind of embarassingly, that my being there was like being a groupie. He disspelled that notion quickly and said he didn't see it that way.

As we said good-bye, I told Matt, "Thanks for sharing." Looking back, that kinda sounds lame-o and I don't think it even came close to conveying the gratitude I wanted to express. I wanted to thank him for sharing his words, photos, thoughts, emotions, adventures and life with me and the anoymous Internet. His story, and the people who have come out to support Maddie and Matt, and then their cause, can really renew one's faith in humanity. And I wanted to thank him for letting us be a part of that life, even for just one day.