Sometimes things feel out of kilter and small everyday difficulties can become a little too consuming. Perspective is needed. I think Ali may have been feeling the same this week. I adore living here on the edge of the Fens – I feel more in tune with the seasons than ever before – but the people I like to chat with most are just that little bit further away geographically. As wonderful as the internet is for exchange of thoughts, banter, creativity and images there’s little to beat being together with someone for an hour or two.
Val and I met through this curious online world but as with several other of the people round these parts our friendship has become something real, tangible and rather joyous. Gossiping over a cup of tea was exactly what I needed yesterday afternoon. Whilst our children made princesses out of Hama beads we discussed the important topics of (in no particular order): miniscule beaded hearts, woven and crocheted successes, passing that age milestone, running workshops, the excitement of commissions and a hare made of bendy sticks. Worries faded away. Perspective returned, as did laughter.
Then Val taught me how to make a willow flower and all was well with the world. All the blog comments, ‘Your tweet got a reply!’s, perusals of Pinterest, emails and Google plus wotsits in the world couldn’t match it. We took a picture, because that’s what bloggers do, but friendship was the thing for those few hours.
J9's Happiness in the Every Day says
I can sooo relate. Glad you had a like minded person to lift you and share some chat with. Love the flower too. J9 x
Sue says
Yes! That's exactly it.
Jackie says
I agree that reality is best.
But if it wasn't for the internet I wouldn't have got to spend those lovely few hours with you in Ely or chatted on the phone.
Rachel says
A lovely day, indeed!
SaraJ says
Sounds a good day – and I love those flowers – they would look perfcet in my garden!
Ali says
We're lucky to have the real and the virtual, even if the real doesn't happen as often as we'd like, it is good when it does.
Frances says
I do know what you mean about the joy of actually getting together with friends. I've been so fortunate to meet many fellow bloggers in person…and Emma, that certainly includes you!
Thank you for today's link to Val's site. I really enjoyed reading her recent posts and will be visiting there again, too.
xo
dottycookie says
Oh, you naughty person, you've made me cry. I do hope you know it goes both ways …
Debs Dust Bunny says
Your willow flowers are wonderful. That dottycookie is so clever! I do envy your 'real' chats. : )
Mrs. Micawber says
How wonderful to meet a bloggy friend in the flesh … I wish that could happen more often! It is such a treat when it does.
Those willow flowers are beautiful.
driftwood says
real virtual friends are truly special. And everything is better with a willow flower xxx
Madelief says
Sounds like you had a good time Emma! Your flower looks very pretty.
Happy weekend!
Madelief x
l.wilks11 says
Those willow flowers are just great and would look good in my garden….xx
Chel C says
Those willow flowers are wonderful! I would imagine meeting a blogger friend would be just like meeting a long lost friend as you know the way they write and their interests. Brilliant! Have a wonderful week (let's hope that the weather in the fens was as good as it was today!!). Chel x
Handmade in Israel says
How wonderful! Sounds like you had a lovely time together.
Gina says
That sounds like the best couple of hours.
angharad handmade says
That sounds like a really very lovely afternoon!
Toffeeapple says
I know exactly what you mean – last week I spent time with someone whom I had met via the Internet, in Scotland, it was magical.
Val is very clever with her Willow wands isn't she?
Monica says
you got it.
I second every word. And I'm really jealous of those willow flowers.
wonderwoman says
a cup of tea and a chat with a friend is just perfect! xx
Caroline South says
How lovely, sounds like you had a wonderful time together. I love the willow flowers. x
Annie @ knitsofacto says
Brilliant post! I have a bestie who was a blog friend first (well we met when were both contributing to an animal rescue's website, but it's basically the same thing).