Have you ever thought about reaching out to someone…but then hesitated….and the moment was lost?
If this incredible blogger had not reached out to say that her cruise ship would have a four-hour stop-over a short distance from my home…
And if this engaging (and very observant) blogger had not asked if she could join in…
And if these very receptive bloggers (1, 2) had not agreed to abandon their hectic schedules, and brave the rain…
And if these understanding husbands had not been extremely supportive of their blogging wives…
Then these remarkable opportunities for stimulating conversation, endless laughter and deepened friendships would never have happened.
I am very grateful that they did! Thanks, Sue, Natalie, Ann, Jude, Mike and Richard. It was a wonderful weekend!
How absolutely wonderful! Here’s to those blogging connections that become real live friends. Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Miriam – It is amazing how these connections happen, and how deeply they can grow. It is also amazing to be able to meet local bloggers, bloggers from out-of-province, bloggers from other countries…and now a blogger who lives continents away!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s wonderful meeting other bloggers in real life. I hope to have more opportunities in the future. Lovely to see those that I follow 😊 Fun post, Donna.
LikeLike
Thanks, Suzanne – It’s been a wonderful experience. The big surprise to me has been that there are seldom any big surprises!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true. I love a good surprise 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so envious! That’s one table I would have loved to be at…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would have loved for you to be at both tables as well, Jo. On one of your famous book tours you will need to stop on Vancouver Island. I’ll be ready and waiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a date.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful! Thanks for sharing your terrific photos, Donna. Looks like a great time!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jill – Sadly, the photos don’t begin to capture the fullness of the experience. But they do reveal many of the genuine smiles!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fun! I love meeting blogging friends. xo
LikeLike
Thanks, Darlene – Please be sure Vancouver Island is on your list of places to visit.
LikeLike
Well, you know how I feel about meeting fellow bloggers 😉💕💕.
Looks like time well spent!!
LikeLike
Hi, Deb – You’re the next Meet Up. I’m greatly looking forward to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How special!!!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Susan – It’s amazing to me when these planned events actually come together so smoothly! No delayed cruise ships, no delayed flights, no misunderstanding of meeting points…..none of more worries brought to life! 😀
LikeLike
It’s such a great network that blogging brings us isn’t it Donna – glad you got to enjoy part of yours over the last few days. I can’t believe that Sue made it to the other side of the world and managed to see you – just fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Leanne – It was absolutely incredible meeting Sue. As you know, she is a very remarkable woman. Being able to meet (the always inspiring) Natalie at the same time, and then share this experience with Jude and Ann was remarkable. It would have been wonderful to have you along with Sue on that cruise ship! 😀
LikeLike
I would have been over there in a heartbeat if I won Lotto Donna – that’s the only way I’ll be affording a cruise on the other side of the world for now. But if I’m still blogging in 10 years or so……maybe!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Leanne – A lotto win would be wonderful…or a magical travel genie!
LikeLike
Well there you go again with this making bloggy friends thing you’ve got going on. How fun for all of you that it could happen. No cruise ships ever come near here…
LikeLike
Hi, Ally – I may have used the word “near” a bit literally. The Cruise Port is a four-hour return drive from our home. It was well worth the trip. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
… and as it should be! Friends meeting with friends! Awesome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve said this perfectly, Joanne. ‘Friends meeting friends’ is truly what it is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We don’t get cruise ships inland but the interstate runs within 2 miles of my home. I’ve been a much needed stop for some bloggers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Kate – Good to know that you offer respite to weary travellers. 😀 It’s wonderful to live in an area that is easily accessible. When we first moved to a small town, on an island, only accessible by boat or ferry, I had my doubts about regular visitors. Luckily, the Island is so large and diverse, this has not (yet) been a problem at all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes! I’m with Miriam: Here’s to those blogging connections that become real life friends. A wonderful example of how blogging connects you with kindred spirits all over the world. What a treat to actually get to meet some of them.
LikeLike
Hi, Laurie – I wholeheartedly agree that blogging can connect us to kindred spirits all over the world. This would be a great topic for a blog post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love everyone for making the effort across countries and continents and thank Donna for being logistics manager and tour guide. Look forward to more meet-ups.
LikeLike
Hi, Ann – Thank you so much for being part of this past weekend…and for taking TWO ferry rides to get here. That alone deserves special recognition! 🙂
LikeLike
Reaching out can change our lives… for the better. You’ve shown us time and time again, Donna, how life can be enhanced by a willingness to take a chance! You inspire me and so do the other bloggers you’ve connected with. Courage comes in many packages and it takes courage to reach out.
Susan Grace
LikeLike
Hi, Susan – You always write the nicest things! Reaching out can take courage. When that courage is receptively met with warmth and kindness — real magic happens!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna! I think you point out something that is absolutely critical…reaching out. I don’t think the magic happens if at least one person isn’t willing to reach out and attempt a connection. Of course it helps that you are such an amazing person so most people WANT to meet you, but I’m always a little amazed when I read that other bloggers were in my area and I never heard a word until after they write about it. Now it could be me 😉 or???? As you say, it can be such an amazing experience so I hope to try it more often and see what happens. ~Kathy P.S. you all look like you had an amazing time!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi, Kathy – Thank you for this very kind and thoughtful comment. Reaching out can make such a positive difference to all of our lives. Yet, it’s easy to hesitate. It’s often difficult to make that first ‘cold call’. But what an amazing difference it can make!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful meet and greet for you guys! I met with some online friends through a Weight Watchers group once. It was fun. Thanks for sharing those great photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Janet – It still amazes me how incredible on-line friendships can truly be. So many of us have heard our share of online dating disaster stories and have allowed that to skew our opinions!.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or as I used to tell the kids, “bad” people who try to abduct you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true!
LikeLike
Wow, looks like another great meet-up!
LikeLike
Thanks, Anabel – Another reason to add Vancouver Island to your list of places to re-travel to!
LikeLike
Some day … I’d love to. I have actually been, but it was just a day trip from Vancouver to visit Butchart Gardens. Early to mid 90s, can’t remember exactly. My first visit to Canada anyway, and it was a heatwave year. I raved about BC so much my best friend visited the following year and it rained the whole time! (We are still friends).
LikeLike
Just a day trip to the gardens?! You definitely need to come back. There’s a whole amazing island to explore. I am confident that you and John will love it! 😀
LikeLike
How fun! I have to admit that anytime I am planning a travel adventure, I try to think if any bloggers I follow live in the general area. Meet-ups like that have made the whole trip more enjoyable. And, as I’ve said before, isn’t it wonderful that the spouses are having just as much fun!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Janis – I used to be much less cognizant of where bloggers that I follow actually live. You’ve made me much more aware of this. That our husbands would all get along so well still completely (delights) and amazes me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok Donna, here you go again with the awesome blogger meetups, and this time with SUE! et al as well…
I will have to stomp my feet again, notfairnotfairnotfair.
Still, how great that you guys got to meet in real life. I am such a fan of you both!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Nancy – I love the foot-stomping!!
With all of the travelling that each of us does, I know that our meet-up time will come. I greatly look forward to it! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so thrilled that you got to meet Sue from Australia! I feel like I know her personally after all these years! I couldn’t get over how petite she is standing next to you in the Facebook photos, she is a tiny one! On our winter road trip in late December/early January, we plan to connect with bloggers in PHoenix and Nevada. Reaching out is easy and yes, our husbands LOVE hanging out with us and the other hubbies!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Terri – Sue is petite — and stunningly beautiful. She definitely is in real-life what she shows us online. Sue is incredibly genuine and sincere. It was a true pleasure to meet both her and Natalie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so impressed with people who can reach out like that. I can’t. Even knowing that my cowardice means I’m missing out…I couldn’t. Somewhere along the way shy became terrified 🙂
My hat’s off to all the brave souls out there who can walk into a room and say hello to a stranger. You’ll find me in the corner hiding behind my cell 🙂
LikeLike
Hi, Aimer – Everyone has their own way of reaching out. You do so wonderfully online. That totally counts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Donna, for all you (and Richard) did for me in Parksville, and your kind description of me in this post. I enjoyed our meetings in Victoria and Parksville very much. I agreed with you about reaching out. I’ve had a great time in Tofino…Heading back to Victoria tomorrow.
LikeLike
Hi, Natalie – Great to hear from you. I’m glad to hear that Tofino went well. It truly is one of my favourite places! Wishing you safe (and dry) travels to Victoria and then back home. Please stay in touch!
LikeLike
That is so cool. Very nice. Happy for you. #MLSTL
LikeLike
It was cool! 😀 Thank you for dropping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it!
LikeLike
I think Google Maps needs a blogger app so we can see where people live.
LikeLike
Wouldn’t that break a few privacy laws? 😀 😀
LikeLike
I am so happy to read this Donna and loved meeting up with Sue! She’s a real treasure and although petite she is a full of heart and honesty. I met up with a fellow blogger in England last week and we both enjoyed the time together immensely. One day I’ll be reaching out to you too! I’m really pleased you all got to meet up 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Hi, Debbie – I wholeheartedly agree with you about Sue. I also LOVE your confidence that we too will have our own meetup one day. I greatly look forward to that! Thinking of you and continuing to send warm thoughts your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna I’m writing this from Banff as we continue our travels. The one of my most treasured highlights of our Alaska/Canada tour will be having the opportunity to dine with my dear blogging friend (that’s you btw) and her husband Richard. The bonus was also having Natalie join us as well. Mike and I enjoyed the evening with you all and it ended far too soon. Xx
LikeLike
Hi, Sue – It was a true highlight for me too. I agree that it was way too short!! Richard and I had been so conscientious of getting you and Mike back to the ship on time….that we didn’t realize until later that we still had time to spare.
Enjoy Banff. And let us know if you decide to stay longer in Canada!! 😀 😀
LikeLike
I love meeting up with fellow blo!ggers. What a great opportunity
LikeLike
Hi, Jennifer – Thanks so much for stopping by. Meeting up with fellow bloggers is such a great opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to have met eleven bloggers (to date). Each time, I’ve been amazed at how there were never any awkward silences! 😀
LikeLike
What a fantastic testimony to keeping all linea of communication open.
LikeLike
Hi, Antoinette – Thanks so much for stopping by. It was an awesome meetup!
LikeLike
Wow, friends from half-way across the globe, meeting up in real life. What a treat. I am sure the conversation was rich and intelligent and insightful. Great memory making on everyone’s part!
LikeLike
Thanks, Leslie – Being able to connect with fellow bloggers IRL is an outstanding experience. I am incredibly grateful!
LikeLike
It is just the best reaching out and having bloggers come into your life “in real life” Fantastic post. I love meeting fellow bloggers too. Denyse #mlstl
LikeLike
Hi, Denyse – Reaching out to others, bloggers and non-bloggers alike can make such an incredible difference!
LikeLike
That is so cool! It adds a whole new dimension to being a blogger and making blogger friends all over the world. #MLSTL
LikeLike
Hi, Candi – I completely agree that IRL meetups do add a whole new dimension to blogging. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it!
LikeLike
Nothing more wonderful than to spend time with intelligent, thoughtful, positive peeps. Love this!
LikeLike
Intelligent, thoughtful and positive they are. Thank you for commenting!
LikeLike
Love all the smiles in the heading photo, Donna! I am sorry I missed the “stimulating conversation, endless laughter and deepened friendships!” It looks like fun was had by all. I hope to read some more follow up stories:)
LikeLike
Thanks, Erica. I’m also sorry that you missed it. But our next meetup is coming soon. I am greatly looking forward to it! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another blogger meet-up! You’re so spoiled, Donna! 🙂 And you live in an amazing place for visitors. What a fun time. You approached the topic wonderfully – text and photos.
LikeLike
Thanks, Liesbet – I am spoiled…and very, very grateful! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how wonderful. I don’t usually like to ask…. I went to Sydney recently and said something on my site about being down there ‘in case’ anyone wanted to catch up. I ended up catching up with someone which was very nice.
LikeLike
Donna, it was fun meeting up with Natalie, Ann, and you last month, not to mention a delightful respite from Project X! You do such a fabulous job of bringing people together.
Jude
LikeLike
Hi, Jude – You are very kind. I’m glad that Project X is done and dusted (as well as having been an incredible source of inspiration). If you are free for any part of tomorrow, Erica, Deb (WBA) and I are meeting up in Ladysmith. You are most welcome to join us.
LikeLike
I’ve been blogging for over 15 years and yet have really never established any rapport with fellow bloggers until recently. It’s not for lack of trying. I am blown away when I see the volume of comments on a post like this. I now have 3 bloggers who leave comments fairly regularly and one or two IRL friends who do as well but often it feels like I blog for me. Which is in essence what I do as I love the written word. Anyway it was nice to stumble on your blog today and read about your connections with bloggers and IRL folk. Seems you live in a neck of the woods I’m familiar with as I have family in Qualicum and got married there.
Have a good day.
Bernie
LikeLike
Hi, Bernie – I went to check out your blog today but received a 404 error message when I tried to click on it. Would you please resend me the link? I look forward to stopping by!
LikeLike