Translating my pearls of wisdom.

I've always been fascinated to see where my blog readers come from. I have visitors from Russia and Pakistan, even from Iraq as well as many European countries. My first thought is always that their English must be bloody good.  My second is asking myself why and how they might be interested in what I'm saying.

Isn't it humbling to watch a newscast on TV and they are interviewing people on the street in Russia or Serbia and out comes fluent, perfect English. How many people in Kansas City could come out with ANY words of Russian? I know English is now the world language but shouldn't we at least speak some other languages?

Anyway, things have just got easier for people in far flung countries who want to follow the words of wisdom in my blog. I now have a translate gadget in the sidebar. All you have to do is click on it and you can read what I'm saying in Serbian or Outer Mongolian..

I suppose they must have improved translators these days. I remember an early one being asked to translate the English phrase "Out of sight, out of mind."
It came up with the French "invisible, imbecile."
And when I think of the odd words that appeared on my screen when I had to use speech recognition software, I wonder whether it will give anything like a true translation. So if you're reading this in Russia or Bolivia and you speak both English and your native tongue, please let me know if the translation is good or not.

In fact please chime in and let me know if you're reading this in another country

What do you want, already?

This blog is a new venture for me--solo blogging is akin to solo sailing, which I have done. I'm at the helm and every decision counts. So I want to ask you--my friends, my fans and those who just like dropping in on interesting blogs:
what do you want in a blog? What makes you keep coming back to check out one particular blog more than another?
Do you primarily want news about what's going on in my life?
Do you want funny and quirky tales to make you chuckle?
Do you want insights into writing and research?
Would you like me to share some travel tales?
Would you like a day of writing tips?
Would you like regular guests--in which case what kind of guests?
If there's anyone you'd like to see interviewed on the blog, let me know and I'll do my best. I can't guarantee the queen,the pope or Obama, but apart from those I know a lot of people.  Is it fun if I can rope in a celebrity?

Do you enjoy pictures on the blog?
Do you like a blogger to post on regular days or just when I have something special to say?

And be honest... what don't you like?
So please, please let me know. A blog takes time and I want it to be worthwile for both reader and writer.
And to those of you who are already following me--thanks a million!