When I started my blog I never thought much beyond my writing. I never thought that I’d make the connections that I have and that those connections would become friends.
And I never dreamed thst I’d meet them in real life.
But that’s what’s happened. Last week I met two bloggers and I feel like it’s opened up a whole new world of connections.
And I also have some lovely new memories.
First it was Louise from The Year I touched my Toes. I wrote about it in my last post Loving the Connection and Louise wrote Meeting Miriam. It’s the first time I’ve had a post written about me. I joked to her that it sounded like something out of When Harry met Sally.
Then on Friday we met again with Debbie from Deb’s World who was visiting her sister in Melbourne. Deb asked whether she should wear a carnation!
I recognised her instantly, just as I recognised Louise, Deb’s face so recognisable from her blog posts.
Both of them are as animated in person as they appear on their blogs and we enjoyed a fun couple of hours laughing, talking and getting to know each other. Deb wrote about it in her post Blogger meet up – Fun Friday Photo
It’s the eyes that do it. When you meet someone for the first time what is it you notice? For me it’s the smile. And the eyes.
I remember when I first set eyes on my hubby. It wasn’t love at first sight, probably because he was asleep. He was supposed to be helping his brother paint but instead he fell asleep on the couch.
But when I saw him again that night his twinkling green eyes captivated me. And his smile. From the first day he made me laugh.
Now decades later, amongst our framed photos, we have a collage of snapshots, of memories we’ve made.
Our photos and our memories tell a story that sometimes words can’t.
So do our eyes. They say the eyes are the window to the soul. I only have to look around, even amongst our furry four legged friends.
I love it when you lock eyes with someone and feel a spark, a connection. Whether it’s love or friendship it’s like a jolt of energy. Sometimes it’s instantaneous.
However, often we don’t feel that level of comfort because we haven’t got to know them yet.
It’s different with bloggers. We already know each other. We’ve delved, shared stories, opened up and allowed ourselves to be vulnerable.
That’s what made meeting up last week so special.
We had already shown who we were on our blogs. Our blogs are like a window into our personal world.
We’re all so different. It reminds me of the dogs I’ve owned.
Bluey, our first dog, was the most gentle of heelers. He looked as though he had permanent eye liner on. Cozzie had a mean glint in his eye from day one and didn’t stay long. However sweet Harry has kind old soul eyes, as though he’s been here before.
Our memories are precious.
However it’s good to make new ones. Otherwise, for all of the fun times, we’ll just keep reliving the past.
Real living is about living in the moment, taking opportunities when we can, keeping the fire burning, whether it’s a love relationship or a new blogging friendship.
Whether it’s words that are written, posts that we share or meetings that are arranged making memories are important if a moment is to stay alive.
Cheers to love, friendship, blogging connections and embracing those opportunities.
I hope that more of us have an opportunity to meet with each other. The 2017 Annual Bloggers Bash in London later this year will bring heaps of bloggers together. How I’d love to be there!
Within the blogosphere and reality it’s not such a big world after all.
After all, you know what they say “The best thing about memories is making them”.
Wishing you all love and light as we keep on writing and enjoying the journey.
All so magical
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Yes it was.
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Wonderful that you have met your blogging friends in real life. You both look very happy.
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It was s great catch up.
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So true, Miriam. I’ve had the privilege of meeting several bloggers and each time it’s like we’ve always known each other. Our friendships go way beyond the computer. Have a happy week.
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So very true Carol. It’s a nice feeling isn’t it. Have a great week yourself.
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What a lovely post Miriam, I am so pleased to have met you and made a ‘connection’ with you and Louise. You say it all so beautifully and draw us in with your stories and reflections. I am honoured to be one of your many fans and now I’m a friend as well 🙂 Thanks again xx
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Oh Deb, what a lovely thing to say. I honestly think that we all inspire each other. 🙂 Yes, it was great to meet you both and next time hopefully it’ll be in Tumbarumba. Have a good trip home. xo
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Great post. It makes me want to meet folks I follow and who follow me, and those who I haven’t connected with yet!
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Well, you just never know …
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The time you had with them seemed magical and fun. But the memories you share will last. This is awesome!
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Thanks Bernice. So very true.
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So fun to follow someone halfway round the world…how sweet that you got to meet in person!
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Makes a world seem like a much smaller place, doesn’t it?
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This was lovely, Miriam. Thanks for sharing your story. I feel I’ve made some new and wonderful friends through this blogging community, and a few of us have been talking about finding a way to meet. I find it marvelous that these 21st century virtual friendships can be just as real as the “brick-and-mortar” friendships we have in our physical communities.
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Oh, absolutely Donna. I hope you can find a way to meet some of your blogger friends too, you’ll love it. Cheers from Melbourne.
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Great post. “Connections….” is what we are all making and you have brought it to the point of physically meeting. We love it. I believe as we link more and more as bloggers we’ll know each other on our travels by the smiles we sport.
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So very true. And you’ve put a smile on my face this morning so thank you. 🙂
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It is so good to physically meet the friends we’ve been connected to virtually for long.
Good experience for you folks!
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That’s so much fun! I’ve met three fellow bloggers and its always been good times!
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That’s so great Diane. Hope you’re doing well.
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I am, thanks, Miri. Waiting for my hair to grow — which is a little like watching paint dry :D. Hope all is well with you!
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It is Dee. And I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well. Before you know it you’ll have a beautiful head of hair again. 🙂
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Amazing! I’m so glad you got to meet your blogging buddies!
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Yeah, me too Wendy. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend.
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How exciting that you were able to connect in person with your fellow bloggers. I’ve wondered before what that would be like, if I would like them as much in person as online (and vice-versa). Glad you all did.
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Yes I know, that same thought crossed my mind too. In this case both Louise and Deb are as lovely in person as they sound on their blog. Have a great week. x
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Oh how lovely… 2 meetings in one week – wow! And you all look so happy to be sat round table 4… clearly a magical table full of fun and laughter by the look of it. Miriam – you look radiant! x
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Oh Wendy, thank you. One day it’ll be you and me sipping champagne around a table! 🍸xo
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Absolutely Miriam – it will and I’m looking forward to it! x
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Me too!
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xx
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I haven’t heard about the bloggers bash, and I will be in London in early August! I need to look into this, I would love to meet some of you guys (you sure you can’t go Miriam?)
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I’ve just edited my post with a link to the bloggers bash so you can read more about it. Trust me, if I could be there I would! 🙂
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The eyes have it, good on ya. 🙂
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Ha, thanks Maverick!
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Miriam, I’ve only recently discovered what blogging is all about (connections- rather than being one of the millions of voices clamoring to be heard), and your most recent posts have highlighted the amazing possibilities. Making those virtual connections real – how cool is that!
Thanks for sharing, and for inspiring this rookie blogger to keep reaching out for connections in this blogosphere. We never know where it will lead!
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So true Gabe. I was just a rookie too when I started and still in some ways I’ve got so much to learn. But the one thing I have learnt is that it’s more than what we write (yes, there are millions of voices out there) but it’s when we put ourselves out there, read and comment, that we find those connections. And then it becomes so real. Happy connecting Gabe.
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Such a lovely story Miriam. You have described your wonder and awe with such love and excitement….thank you. Makes me think I somehow should make the jump into blogging 👌🌹🌹
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Oh you should seriously consider it Di. You’re such a wonderful writer.Trust me, you’d love it. ❤️
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Thank you for your lovely comments Miriam. I know CAE have a course in blogging…..🤔🤔🌺
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Might be fun but do you know what I honestly think … you don’t need one. Seriously, if I can do it so can you. Jump in, I guarantee you won’t regret it. 🙂💥
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Wow Miriam! Another meet-up with fellow-bloggers…that’s so awesome!!! It looks like you three had a lovely time together. I’m sure you had a lot of fun!
I love the pic-collage of you and your husband. That’s a great way to “store” memories. Now I wanna make one for me and my hubby too! Haha!
And I am falling inlove with Lamby! Look at those charming eyes! 😊😍
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Aw Nina, yes we did have a great time. As for those collages, I always loved making them, taking the best pics of a trip or occasion and framing it. Memories still on my wall at home keeps them alive. Have a wonderful week. 🙂 P.S Lamby says Ta and Baa.
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I’ve always love the idea of having one wall in the house just for family pictures. 😊 I can imagine myself looking at them every single day!…one day I’m gonna have that wall! 😉 Have a lovely week Miriam! ☺😚
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You too Nina! I’ve got a wall like that downstairs. I did it years ago when the kids were little. Go for it! 😊
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Miriam. What can I say? Another beautiful post. I like how you brought the eyes into the post. I saw the twinkle in yours. Ooh and there is Lamby. I’m cooking up a post now.Have a lovely week my friend. Expect an email or two. x
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Thanks Louise. I had originally hooked it up to a photo themed travel challenge which was on Eyes but then changed my mind but kept some of the words. Anyway, can’t wait to read yours. x
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Oh, Miriam, this post really moved me. I almost started crying. So true how the eyes are the windows to the Soul. (Especially with Lamby 🙂 ). And I love that last quote about someone dreaming of meeting someone like me. Gave me validation on doing what’s in front of me to do with forgiving!!! Love, Debbie
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Oh Debbie, I’m glad this post resonated with you. Take care and hope you have a lovely week ahead. xo
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Wow! I’ve met two bloggers too and one of them literally has become my agony aunt in Seoul. I was so skeptical of blogging and I’ve changed a lot. I think, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people. 🙂
I loved how you recollected your first meeting with hubby! I agree, the eyes are mirror to the soul. They can’t hide behind the masks we wear. 🙂 I know, I say it too many times, but I love reading your posts. xo
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An agony aunt, how awesome! Yep, blogging really is a great way to meet people, though I didn’t realise that when I started. 🙂 Glad you enjoy my blog Cheryl, I always love hearing from you. x
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Beautiful. Yes, you are right about the eyes. You can see the person’s feeling through the eye. I am glad that you have met two of your bloggers. What a connection! I can see how exciting it was! That was a great, easy and wonderful post, Miriam. Keep on moving, and keep making connection! 😊😊😊
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Thanks so much Oristel. 😊
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You are welcome Miriam.😊
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Wow…so glad you all met 🙂 I always wondered what would it be like meeting these people I have come to know so closely because of their blogs 🙂 this truly made me smile
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Who knows Anisha, maybe one day you’ll meet up with a fellow blogger as well. Glad this made you smile. 🙂
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fingers crossed 🙂
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Bubbling over with the joy of life, Miriam! And our rather special blogging world. It’s brought me so much happiness. 🙂 I know Deb a little but not Louise, so I’m off to say hi. Have a great week!
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We’re lucky, we do have a special blogging world, don’t we? Have a lovely week yourself Jo. 🙂
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What a beautiful story, friendship across the blog sphere. Amazing. And you are right, we keep good memories with us wherever we go.
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We do indeed. Thanks so much Otto.
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It would be so fun to actually meet some blogging friends! I’m glad you got the opportunity to do that. And I completely agree about the eyes. I can tell most of what I need to know about a person by looking them in the eye, and sometimes a simple look between two people who know each other well will convey a wealth of information. It’s not the color or shape of the eyes, it’s the expression that they show. And lastly, I have to say that your lamb has one of the most expressive faces I have ever seen!
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It’s true isn’t it. Sometimes no words are needed and a simple look can convey more than any words can. Which is just as well in the case of my lamb, she only needs to give me a look and a nudge and I know she wants her pellets! 🙂🌿
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Obviously, she is as smart as she looks!
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Absolutely!
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This is totally wonderful. I just love the community that blogging creates and meeting up with other blogger friends in real life would be totally awesome for me 🙂
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Hope it happens for you one day Jackie. 😊
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Another great post that captures the heart of blogging and what the blogging communities are all about, Miriam. I agree about the eyes capturing us. They can tell us so much about a person, but you have to know how to recognise the signs they make. Or, are those signs already built into some of us? 🤔
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Thanks Hugh and yes, perhaps these signs are already built into us.
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Hi, I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Mystery Blog Award. Acceptance is optional, but if you want to accept, here’s all the info:
https://petiteloulouseverydayadventures.com/2017/02/21/thank-you-for-the-mystery-blogger-nomination-view-from-the-back/
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This post just grabbed at my heart from the beginning. I hope someday to share in this experience. I’ve met online friends before and it’s fantastic. ❤
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I hope you can too Nikki. ❤️
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Thank you for sharing this. It’s amazing how writing and sharing can bring people together.
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That’s so true Marc and Ann. I love it.
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Sounds like you must have talked non stop. Enjoy this beautiful weather.
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We did and I will! You too Lindsey. 😊
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I really like what you’ve said here. So much meaning. So much to think about and just feel in our hearts. Blogging is quite an exciting journey to be on. Thanks for joining me.
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Happy to have made you think. And equally happy to be on this journey with you.
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Wow, Miriam! This was so cool 🙂
Mo-hugs and kisses ❤
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Aww, thanks Monica. Hugs back ❤️
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I hope, one day, we will meet, too 🙂
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Yes, me too! ❤️
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Who knows? ❤
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What fun to sit down with blogging friends face to face! I’m sure the conversation never stopped– so much to say that you wouldn’t write out to the whole world. Fun post Miriam! hugs hugs!
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Thanks Rhonda, it was lots of fun, no doubt. Hope you have a fabulous weekend. Any plans? x
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I’m getting started making a quilt for my daughter getting married– fun project! Hope you’re in the middle of a refreshing weekend there Miriam!! xo
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That sounds lovely. I bet she’ll love that. When is she getting married Rhonda?
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Hi Miriam- It’s a wedding in the woods of Wisconsin– August 12th. So I’ve got some stitching to do! Hope all’s well with you.. xox
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It is Rhonda, thanks, and that wedding sounds positively lovely . xo
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It’s pretty amazing how easily we connect with people once we read about what they write. This is what I love about blogging.❤
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Yes me too Bel. It makes us realise how many other people are. going through what we are x
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It is this deep connection with souls that stoke life long friendships and you’ve put it so well. Glad that you were able to meet your blogger friends and I am fortunate to know some of them through this online space. Love the collage of pictures. You write awesomely well. I am glad to be here.
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Wow, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. Happy to have you here.
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Miriam I truly love your blog and your travels and photo’s. I’m so pleased you met up with some blogging friends, how very special for you three. Thank you for your blog. Your treasured pets too.
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Hi Barbara, thank you so much for your lovely comment and I’m so sorry for the late reply. I just fished your comment out of the spam.
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How joyful to meet other bloggers and have that connection! I feel like it would be that way between you and I, too. 🙂
And of course, I look at your collage and note that it just makes sense that you fell in love with a green-eyed man – look at how you love nature and rolling hills! All your pics have green in them! 😀
I fell in love with a man whose eyes are chocolate colored. 😉
*hugs* ❤
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What a wonderful comment Ness. Yes, I have absolutely no doubt that you and I would have a special connection were we ever to meet (how great would that be!)
Love your comment about the color of green. Your man’s eyes sound delicious! 🙂 Hope you’re well my dear friend. Big hugs and have a happy week. xo
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