Bloggity blog blog…
Raise your hands if you know what I’m talking about when I say that there are LOTS of people out there who just don’t understand this whole blogging business. Really, if someone doesn’t have a blog or read blogs, they think the whole lot of us are just crazy folk. I don’t know how many times I’ve said something about “one of my blogging friends” to have the person I’m talking to roll their eyes and look at me like I’m a few crayons short of a box. I actually had one friend’s daughter say to me “well at least I have real friends!” Ha! Funny. I have real friends too, so there (sticking tongue out)!! If I even mention the word “blog” I see a glazed look pass over faces, sometimes there’s even a snort. I know what they are thinking…”Don’t you have anything better to do than “talk” to imaginary friends online? Hmmm…let me think about that…nope!
Now when these eye rolling skeptics find out that I travelled no small distance to meet one of these “friends” in person they question my sanity and ability to reason. “How did you know she was who she said she was and not some creepy 60 year old man waiting to haul you off in his nondescript van to take advantage of you and leave you without a trace?” Good question.
Well you know what? I’m happy to say that this “imaginary” friend of mine turned out to be one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world (real and online). It will forever be one of the highlights of my life. AND now I’m very, very excited to say that another of my blogging buddies will soon be an in real life friend. YEEEEEEEE!!!
My dear friend Kimberly (who really is an absolutely fabulous person, you should go say hi and read her awesomeness) happens to be coming to my part of the world for a wedding in August and WE ARE MEETING!!!! I’m so excited it’s beyond words! There are not enough exclamation marks to put behind it to say how excited I am. I think I’ve told her that like 13 times already : ) Like Val, she’s one of those people that I had an instant connection with and knew that one day I had to meet her. I just didn’t think it would be this soon. So I’m super duper pumped (I must be since I said duper, lol).
I tell my skeptics that the people that I have met online through blogging have transformed my life. It’s a community of people who are inspiring, encouraging and so wonderful. People who have taken me at face value (I really am very real on my blog, just so you all know. I’ve been told I write exactly like I talk, so you can just put a voice to the words and it’s like I’m talking to you!) and ya’ll love me for who I am. Just the kind of people I need in my life. You guys make me laugh and smile on a daily basis. So thank you!
And given the chance…I’d meet each and every one of you : )
I so know what you mean
and I feel blessed to have you as a (bloggy) friend of mine
Comment by jen — July 18, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Aww…I’m getting all sniffly! And my tummy just did that flip-floppily excited thing. I’m so stoked!
Comment by Kimberly — July 18, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
Very good post Erin!
Don’t forget you have friends that live real close to you too.
Hugs!
Comment by Jen H. — July 19, 2008 @ 12:28 am
One day, one day! We HAVE to meet too!!
Comment by Randi — July 19, 2008 @ 6:03 am
So when are you coming my way??? ONTARIO.
Comment by Carol VR — July 19, 2008 @ 8:36 am
Sounds cool! You’ll have a blast
Comment by Louise — July 19, 2008 @ 10:31 am
there is an award for you on my blog
jen
Comment by jen — July 19, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I totally understand what you are saying.
For the record, one day I would love to meet you too.
Comment by Nadine — July 19, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
You are loved Erin! And I hope you don’t forget that
I am floored by how many people you know IRL and online, and to keep their names straight! hehe. I am very glad that I met you, especially since there were some major factors you helped figure out with the designing of our house. Thanks hon!
Comment by PamJ — July 19, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
This funny Erin because I know we’ve all experienced this at one point or another!! If you’re ever done in GA, I’d love to meet up b/c I think we’d bet along great
Comment by staci — July 20, 2008 @ 8:13 am
I tell people that blogs help me have friends all over the world, not just in my city. And they are friends, some of whom I know better than people I’ve actually “met”. So…right there with ya sister! I for one am glad you blog, because I get to read a little part of your life every day.
Comment by Quirky — July 20, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
It’s okay. Not everyone needs to understand. But those of us who’ve shared your experience of connecting with someone online - and later meeting and discovering that they are, in fact, exactly the friend you’d expected - get it.
Heck, I met my husband online. And that’s a much larger social stigma, trust me
We must compare schedules soon… It’s been too long since I’ve seen you - and you’re only 45 minutes away from *this* blog friend - hehe.
Comment by Lindsay — July 20, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
You go girl! Bloggers unite!
Comment by Mel — July 21, 2008 @ 1:08 am
No, people that aren’t involved in the blogging community don’t get. I’ve stopped paying attention to the nay sayers, although I have to admit, there haven’t been many. Most people I know are interested when they find out and stop by at least once to check it out. My husband gets a little perplexed, especially when I start sending off strange packages
However, he is very happy when Coffee Crisps arrive!
Comment by joanne at frutto della passione — July 21, 2008 @ 7:38 am
I’d love to meet you too! Someday… hopefully
Comment by Alexis — July 21, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Here’s to bloggin’ buddies!
Comment by lil ole me — July 22, 2008 @ 6:43 am