Have you ever been on a Blind Date?

Blogging, Creative non-fiction, Creativity, Emotional wellbeing, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Kindness, Positivity, Relationships, Wellness, Writing 3 Minutes

I was slightly nervous.  My hands were a little clammy.  I was out of my comfort zone.

I was also curious and looking forward to this Blind Date.  

I have had the opportunity to meet many new people in my life.  This was different.  This was a first for me.  I was meeting someone face to face when we had only communicated in cyberspace.  

          Spoiler alert:  Donna is even nicer and more interesting In Real Life!

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Donna   Retirement Reflections  and I initially met last Fall, when I was reading anniversary stories on WordPress blogs.  I was deeply moved by her beautiful letter to her husband, a gift of words.   A Love Letter    When I found out that Donna and Richard lived on Vancouver Island, I knew we were destined to meet.  I believe that our paths were meant to cross.  I believe in synchronicity.

As many of you know, Donna and her husband Richard are preparing to hike   La Via Francigena   this Summer.   Monday nights include a two hour drive each way into Victoria to attend Italian lessons.

Donna and I had arranged to meet before the class at a restaurant called “Victoria Sushi.”  

An initial big, warm hug was followed by over an hour of non-stop talking about many topics. 

We talked about blogging in general.  Bloggers know the challenges of writing, editing, revising and critiques.  We know the feeling of vulnerability when we share our stories.  

We shared personal stories.  Donna has led a varied and interesting life with adventures in many exotic locations. I always look forward to opening my inbox and reading Donna’s stories. They make me laugh.   Bear Attack!!    They inspire me to be a better person and a better writer.

Early on I recognized Donna’s warmth, kindness, intelligence and wit through her posts and her comments. Donna has a supportive and kind comment for everyone.  She has a gift for recognizing and validating the core message and underlying emotions in a story.

I know that Donna has a large following of bloggers that admire and respect her.  I am one of the lucky few that have had the privilege of meeting Donna In Real Life.

 I had the opportunity to see her face light up when she talks about her family.  I saw how she smiled at Richard when he entered the room.  I can see why they will be celebrating their twentieth anniversary next year.

 

 

 

I enjoy this positive corner of the internet.  I have met many like-minded individuals.  I have also met people with diverse interests and different perspectives. You have enriched my life on many levels.  I live vicariously through your adventures and photos.  You make me laugh. You inspire me with your stories, your writing, your wisdom. 

I have also made friends along the way.

If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend you go on a Blind Date with a fellow blogger.  You will not regret it.  

Especially when you meet someone as genuine and kind as Donna.

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Postscript:   “Outtakes” 

I always have a lot of material to condense when I write. Since I enjoy watching outtakes, I decided to add a few notes.  aka “my inside voice“ 

  • Donna sent me links to past meet ups with fellow bloggers.  In the photos I see bottles of wine on the table and glowing cheeks on the bloggers.  Thank goodness for Marty’s timely wine post.   Snakes in the Grass   We can stay within a budget. fullsizeoutput_7768
  • Do I warn my husband about my computer history?  I did research “blind dates” and “what are the ten best dating sites in Canada?”
  • Re: IRL.  Susan’s   Swooning Grace   comment on Donna’s Retirement Reflections blog  made me smile. “Is IRL a secret code word among bloggers? ha ha.”  I am naive about the blogosphere, too.  I saw IRL a few times before I figured out the meaning.  Susan, you also made me cry on the same day you made me smile.  I read your beautiful post,   Tribute to a Father
  • In the age of Marvel comics and superheroes, Kindness is a quality that supersedes all of the other powers.  Thank you Donna, and all of the bloggers that continue to make this community fun. 
Published

120 thoughts on “Have you ever been on a Blind Date?”

  1. Hi Erica,

    I also went on a “blind date” with Donna, and I second your opinion!
    I’ve met several bloggers now IRL and I haven’t been disappointed yet. In fact, I now have regular IRL adventures with one of them – Joanne of My Life Lived Full. As you wrote, this is a very positive aspect of the internet – allowing you to meet kindred spirits whose paths you may never cross (virtually or IRL) otherwise!
    Great post!

    Deb

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Deb, I enjoy reading the posts when you and Joanne have gone on a date. It is fun to read the different versions and different perspectives on the same story. And, yes, allowing us to meet kindred spirits. Thank you for your kind comment😊

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    1. Hi Donna, I am glad you liked it. My hands were a little clammy posting it😅Thank you for your support. I look forward to our second date, too. Next time possibly some wine or saki?🙂

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      1. Hi, Erica – Wine or sake on our second date?! You are totally on!!
        I see what you mean about your WP Comment system. I thought that using WP Reader would be a brilliant workaround…but when I just replied to Ann’s comment individually — it appeared as a general comment and not a reply. I wish I had more advice to offer here!

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        1. Hi Donna, Thank you for giving me feedback. I want to identify the problems before I contact WP. I thought it was only an issue when I was commenting and replying. Things appear normal when I comment and reply via Reader. I think many people communicate using their dashboard or on their actual post site. I see your reply to Ann as a reply immediately after my reply to Ann (I spelled as Anne) when I look at my site via Reader. This is correct and how it should appear. Otherwise all replies appear as general comments when I access and view the post in other areas of the WP site. I will eventually get this solved. Re: Sake and Wine – I could use some right about now🤪Enjoy your weekend, Donna. Gorgeous out there!

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  3. Even after all this time I’ve never been on a blind date with another blogger. I live nowhere near any of y’all so I just have to live vicariously through you.

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    1. Hi Ally, First Blind Date (via blogging) and I highly recommend it. I just read your About page and your Martini post. I think the comments are closed. You have a fun and “eclectic” site. Maya Angelou’s quote is one of my favourite quotes. Nice to meet you and I appreciate you reading and your comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Ally – Don’t be surprised if one or more of your loyal followers tracks you down and suggests a meet-up. I, for one, would love to meet you (and pick your brain about so many things. I would start with your incredibly alluring blog titles}!

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    2. Hi, Ann – I greatly enjoyed our first “date” — as well as our second and third. I look forward to even more. If in Toronto, I would definitely look up Natalie (Natalie the Explorer), Joanne (My Life Lived Full) and Deb (The Widow BadAss). Deb is technically an hour and twenty minutes from Toronto….but close enough if you were able to each meet part way!

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  5. Hi Erica – So wonderful that you and Donna had a positive blind date. I haven’t gone on a blind date to meet a blogger yet so I’m learning from you and Donna. If you ever stop by Toronto, please let me know 🙂

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    1. Hi Natalie, Deep down I knew a Blind Date with Donna was going to be a positive experience. I highly recommend it. Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Natalie – I look forward to you making it out to Vancouver Island whenever works best for you (summer is honestly the loveliest season here). I was last in Toronto in 2015. I am well overdue for another visit there! I’ve just heard that you and Ann have plans to meet up this month. That’s so cool!

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  6. Hi Erica (and Donna) ! I’m one of the lucky ones who has met Donna IRL as well. Of course I never thought of it as a “blind date” but that is a cute way of describing it. I have also been fortunate to meet several other bloggers that I like and respect and I agree that Donna is WAY up there at the top for her kindness and generosity. I’m looking forward to meet you IRL this summer on Vancouver Island and getting together with other women who love to blog too. While I doubt I would “click” with every blogger in the world…when we find others who resonate it is always a sweet and rewarding experience. ~Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy, In today’s world of social media and google searches, no date is truly blind🙂I knew Donna and I would have things in common, and I already liked and respected her. The actual meeting is more of an ice breaker for future dates. I look forward to seeing you in the summer on Vancouver Island. Thank you for your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Kathy – I’m so looking forward to you, Thom, Janis, and Paul coming out to Vancouver Island this summer. As I may have mentioned previously, I am already planning and scheming things for us to do! ☺

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  7. What a wonderful post. For as often as I used to tell the kids not to “talk to strangers online” I can say that I have “met” some wonderful folks. I did have a meet up with some ladies who were doing Weight Watchers when I was on the message boards there. We had a great time getting to know each other too. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Janet, I knew Donna and I had things in common. It was fun to meet up. I subscribed to your site. I left you a comment on your About page. I am all about the smiles. Thank you for reading and your kind comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Janet – As a retired Principal, I am also guilty of frequently warning children about speaking to “strangers” online. Thankfully, none of my past students have commented on my blog to remind me about this (…at least not yet)! ☺

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  8. Donna was one of the first bloggers I had the pleasure of “meeting” when I first started my blog, and I had a similar instant feeling of kindness and connection from her. I have not, however, had the chance to meet any other bloggers IRL. I am open to blind dates with the many wonderful friends I have made online when the opportunity presents itself. I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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    1. Hi Christie, If you have the opportunity I highly recommend meeting bloggers you follow IRL What is different about meeting IRL versus only communicating online? Seeing Donna’s face light up when she talks about her family. Further layers to stories in general, especially personal stories. Of course, it isn’t always feasible to meet. Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Christie – As much as we learn about each other through our posts, there are still so many delightful surprises. I hadn’t realized that I was one of the first bloggers whom you meet online. Your writing and blog site have always been extremely inviting, friendly and professional. I greatly look forward to continuing to follow your thoughts and adventures.

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    1. Hi Diane, Donna was very welcoming and introduced a few Vancouver Island bloggers to each other. The sea air always makes a difference🙂 Nice to hear from you:) Erica

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  10. What a clever post! I think it’s great that you live close enough to one another to have made a meet-up happen. Or is that a hook-up? Oh, never mind, I don’t think I can pull off your witty entendres, Erica. 🙂 And thanks for the shout-out here, I almost missed it! – Marty

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    1. Hi Marty, You are right. The key ingredient is we live close enough to make a meet-up happen. Thank you again for your personal time helping me with my WP issues. You brought to my attention that I do have reply/comment issues on my site. You also helped me with a solution for now. Kindness is also one of your superpowers. Thank you! Erica

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  11. How nice that you two were able to meet up IRL! I think Donna was the third or fourth blogger I was fortunate to meet face-to-face (and I love that picture of Donna, Kathy, Terri, and me in Palm Desert, CA) and I felt that same instant connection. I absolutely agree with you: If you can, make the effort to meet another blogger you follow and enjoy in real life… it’s well worth it!

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    1. Hi Janis, I also like the picture of the four of you, especially with the three bottles of wine in front of you. You say it very well, “instant connection.” I look forward to meeting you this summer. Thank you for your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Janis – I also felt that instant connection! And, you are the only blogger whom I follow who also had the chance to meet Cody. (He totally approved)!
      I can’t wait until our next meet up!

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  12. Aw, this is awesome. I think of that often, and wonder…hmm…if I was to travel to that town, would that blogger want to meet and chat with me?! It’s fun to read about your meeting and your discussions. Thanks for sharing! Happy Blogging (and Blind Dates) to you!!

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    1. Hi Shelley, It was easier for us to meet since we live relatively close to each other. Fifteen minute drive for me to the restaurant. I am definitely looking forward to the next date. I visited your site and left you a message there. Nice to meet you and thank you for your thoughtful comment:) Erica

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      1. Ah, yes, 15 minutes is easier than across continents or states. I have a couple blogging friends in the same state as I live in, I’ve been tempted to drive to the other side of the state to say hi. Your post encourages me to consider it and hopefully do it some day!!

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        1. I think our paths cross for a reason. I knew Donna was lovely, yet I was a little apprehensive. We knew we had to make a meet up happen, especially living close to each other. Donna has been very supportive and made me feel welcome in this blogging community from the beginning. I find this is a common thread in comments from other bloggers. I agree with you, Shelley. Across continents and states, not so easy. Enjoy your weekend:)

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          1. I agree with your philosophy on us crossing paths for a reason. And the support we find here in the blogosphere is so touching. It brings such joy to find such wonderful folks here, even if we never meet in person, it is still warm and comforting!

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    2. Hi, Shelley – If there is a blogger (or bloggers) who you have become close with, and they live a doable drive away…. I’d say go for it! For my first meet up, Janis and I each drove 1.5 hours each way to meet each other. Technically, I was already a 25-hour drive away from home as I was on vacation. Doubling up with other travels makes it a double-win!

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      1. That is such a fun idea. I need to start paying attention to where bloggers live so that I can see how far away or close they are. It would be fun to meet them in person. Thank you for the encouragement to do so!

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  13. Hi Erica I’ve been on a blind date with some local Bloggers in Brisbane and it was wonderful to meet them in real life. I will be visiting Vancouver Island for a few hours on a cruise in September and plan to catch up with the lovely Donna then. She is one of my favourites, we have much in common and have formed a close friendship even though I live on the other side of the world. I’m so pleased you were able to catch up and meet her. Have a fabulous weekend xx

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    1. Hi Sue, You will have a wonderful time connecting with lovely Donna in person. No surprises here. It is great that you are both taking this opportunity to meet up. I don’t know whether you have been to Victoria in the past? Enjoy the cruise!

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  14. I loved this post! One day, I hope to have a blind date with Donna. I have no doubt, she is exactly as you described,, Erica…genuine. Her kindness and sweet demeanor radiates in her beautiful smile. And of course, I love her hats! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Jill, You would definitely enjoy a date with lovely Donna. I did not think about her hats until you mentioned it. I will have to look back on photos🙂Thank you for reading and your kind comment:) Erica

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  15. I laughed so hard at your outtakes. As an author, there have been plenty of times when I’ve been more than a tad concerned about my husband stumbling over my browsing history lol.

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    1. Hi Jo, Sometimes potentially embarrassing sites appear when searching topics. I don’t clear my history very often. I had one of those “if something were to happen to happen to me” conversations with my husband. Don’t worry about my browser history. I am not leading a secret life. His response. A long belly laugh. I don’t think he is worried. Thank you for reading and commenting🙂Erica

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  16. I enjoyed this Erica and as I’ve met a few bloggers in real life, I know the feeling well! My husband was very sceptical at first but is now a convert, although re refers to my blogging friends as ‘drug crazed truck drivers’. One day I will meet Donna too 🙂 . Lovely post to read about a fun meeting.

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    1. Hi Debbie, Drug crazed truck drivers? All of a sudden I am picturing all kinds of scenarios. Our meeting was very tame in comparison. Our second date may be a little crazier. You would definitely enjoy meeting with lovely Donna. I would warn her about your above description first😉Thank you for reading, making me smile and your kind words:) Erica

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  17. I’m just going to ❤️❤️❤️ all over this.

    I’ve had the privilege of several blind dates and each has been a wonderful experience. All the reasons why we like a blogger in the virtual world, is magnified in the real world. A few – like Deb @ The Widow Badass – have crossed over as ‘real life’ friends, and Deb and I have a bold adventure planned together in a few short weeks. Non bloggers don’t understand this and I’ve given up trying to explain it.

    I’ve not met Donna yet, but I’m guessing it will happen … eventually 🙂

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    1. Hi Joanne, I like your words “magnified in the real world.” I am looking forward to reading about your bold adventure. I mentioned to Deb how I really enjoyed reading your version and then her version of the same weekend date. I hope you do have the opportunity to meet Lovely Donna. You already know the both of you will hit it off. Are you keeping the bold adventure under wraps for now? Have a great weekend:) Erica

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      1. I could let you in a little secret …. I was looking for a partner to join me on a hiking adventure to Newfoundland to explore the East Coast Trail. Deb jumped at the invitation and it would be tough at this point to gauge which one of us is more excited. (me! 😉)

        28 more sleeps!

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        1. I am all excited and goosebumps for you! So many details and questions on this one. Packing list? How long? Where are you staying? I guess this is one of those…….”to be continued.” Thanks for sharing Joanne!😀

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    2. Hi, Joanne – I loved all of the little hearts and am thrilled that you see a meet up for us in the future. My goal now is to make that the NOT too distant future! Your upcoming hiking adventure with Deb sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read more!

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      1. I suspect Deb is as excited as I am about this trip. Not only is this a destination that’s long been on both of our to-do lists, we are well matched. I predict shenanigans 😉

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  18. Imagine your wife saying she is going to get together with someone she met online. You’re read the news and heard the stories. Should I let her go; am I in for a missing persons report; nail biting investigations…..honest officer I didn’t do it. FYI Erica was elated after meeting up with a fellow blogger and I thank God there is a Donna IRL.

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    4. Hi, Chuck – I just figured out who you are (yup, sometimes I can be that slow!). I’m glad that you didn’t discourage Erica from our meet up. For my first meet up (with Janis), Richard (and our dog) came with me and stayed the full time! For this one….Richard was just around the corner (at Starbucks) and would have been able to hear any screams! ☺

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  19. Hey! I’m in the picture, Erika! I LOVE meeting up with bloggers! It’s like having friends all over the world! I have met two this year so far, one in Las Vegas and one on the Big Island of Hawaii! I think my husband also has a blast meeting my fellow bloggers. Thanks for the fun post! Donna is a special lady!

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    1. Hi Terri, Nice to meet you. All four of you had big, beautiful smiles. The meet up looked like lots of fun. You know first hand how Donna is a special lady. Thank you for your kind comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Terri – Bloggers’ Meet Ups in Las Vegas and Maui sound like way too much fun!! You are the one who first encouraged me to attend a WordPress Conference or WordPress MeetUp. I have now participated in both and am very glad that I did!

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  20. What a fun and satisfying meet-up, Erica. I can’t believe how many topics you covered in one hour of talking. And, how you managed to eat sushi on top of that. 🙂 Beautifully written post! I’m wishing you many more BBDs (Blind Blogging Dates). By the way, unlike IRL, this is a bogus abbreviation.

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    1. Hi Liesbet, I think you have attended one of the meet-ups. You know first hand how much fun it is to connect with fellow bloggers. We did cover a lot of topics. Donna makes everyone feel welcome. Thank you for your lovely comment:) Erica

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    2. Hi,Liesbet – Erica and I definitely covered a long list of topics in a short time (as a result, Erica took some of her sushi home). Come to think of it, I believe that you, Mark, Kathy, Tom, Richard and I also covered a wide range of topic over food and drinks! I still remember some of the topics very clearly. ☺

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  21. Wow, this is perfectly awesome (and not just because you give me a shout-out). In this crazy world, a dose of kindness is indeed a most welcome prescription and I get big does of it with you E/E, and with people like Donna. I had a very similar chat and tete-a-tete with Donna as you did. We met in a yoga class at a retirement community in Palm Desert while she was renting a home there. We sat on a mat next to each other and couldn’t stop talking. Sadly, I was only able to get together with her one more time due to scheduling conflicts.

    I love what you wrote about Donna – so true and masterfully worded! —

    “She has a gift for recognizing and validating the core message and underlying emotions in a story.”

    I really enjoy reading your blogs and that of Donna’s and will check out all you reference above. Somehow I have a sneaking feeling I will encounter kindred spirits.

    Perhaps one day I’ll have a blind date!

    Kindest regards to you,
    Susan Grace

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    1. Hi Susan, I was wondering how you and Donna met. Is that how your blogs found each other and you followed each other? Interesting on the ripple effect of one meeting. I am very much with you on the dose of kindness. One kind word or gesture can make all the difference in someone’s life. I know it has in mine. I enjoy reading your stories. You write very thoughtful posts. Thank you for your kind comments:) Erica

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  22. …. typo. It should have read above… “I get big doses of it…” in the second line. Darn those too fast typing fingers of mine. 😉

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  23. Hi Erica,
    I was totally taken in by the title…a Blind Date…and then realized you were talking about your gettogether with Donna.
    Loved hearing all about it.
    Am putting Vancouver Island on my list for places to travel to in our new land yacht!

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    1. Hi Nancy, It will be nice to meet you and your husband face to face. I was not sure whether you would travel via land yacht or y’not. Victoria harbour gives you this option. Nice to hear from you:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Nancy – Even though I was part of the “real life experience”, Erica’s title got me too! When I first read the title, my brain began formulating a reply about meeting my husband Richard that way. I didn’t realize until I read a bit further that the title referred to our blogger meet up! ☺ Yeah to you visiting Vancouver Island!!

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  24. I love that immediate connection that develops whenever I meet a fellow blogger in person for the first time. As Donna’s energy jumps off the page of every one of her posts, it is no wonder that you found her so delightful online and offline. Lovely to meet you in the blogosphere, Erica.

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    1. Hi Lisa, You said it well. Donna’s energy is evident on the page. We are fortunate to meet many like-minded and kindred spirits in the blogosphere. Thank you for reading and commenting. Nice to meet you, too:)

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    2. Hi, Lisa – Thank you for your kind words. I love the immediate connection, and non-stop chatter/laughter when meeting a fellow blogger for the first time. Lexi’s post about her first meet up with you was so powerful, all of your combined energy seemed to vibrate off of my screen!

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  25. Hi Erica/Erika and Donna … and all bloggers here – I’ve met a fellow blogger over here … and will I’m sure meet more – but am a bit frustrated that I’m away from the Island now – and learn there are so many of you! Brilliant place though … and yes blogging has lots of positives … cheers to you all – Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary, When did you live on Vancouver Island? I started blogging approximately one year ago. I am glad that I did. Like you say, many positives. Thank you for reading and your comment:)

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    2. Hi, Hilary – I deeply regret that we did not get the chance to meet up when you were here. Hopefully, there will be another chance for us to meet up either here or there (my youngest son lives in Lincoln).

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  26. I’m new to your blog (how can that BE?) but thanks to visiting Donna’s site, I found about your “secret” blind date here. 🙂 Yes, I love the way you express what we all have found here through blogging – a positive corner in the Internet, and dare I say, in the world. I have met so many wonderful intelligent kind and thoughtful people through blogging. I can’t wait to have a blind date with some. The one that I did accomplish was amazing, a woman Karen Sanderson (who blogs less frequently now because of life’s demands – https://karenrsanderson.wordpress.com/) gathered a bunch of us bloggers who had never met – from NY, NC, MA, ND – and we all gathered in DE (yes, Delaware) for a weekend of writing and laughing and joining in friendship. Delightful.

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    1. Hi Pam, I went to visit your blog just now to find out your first name. My eyes are teary from reading your Mother’s Day post. Beautiful! You are right, about the positive corner of the world. It sounds like the group of you had a fun time when you met. Thank you for stopping by and your lovely comment:)

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      1. The interesting thing is that we only met that one time almost four years ago, yet we e-mail each other frequently and support each other’s writing by promoting our works and buying each other’s books. 🙂 We call each other Comrades of the Keyboard, which I think is funny and clever. We’re each very different women and write different genres, yet perhaps that diversity is what makes it so special. I hope to meet other bloggers in the future, like you and Donna have done. So much fun!

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  27. Hi Erica – until December last year … long story which I won’t go into here … I went over to help a cousin of my mother’s … disastrous time … but I loved VI … and would love to have stayed, just the situation was simply not right. So I know a little about the place … I was there a year … would love to be back, but am enjoying England! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary, Nice to meet you. I have not had the opportunity to visit England. I hear there are many beautiful places to visit there. Thank you for reading and commenting:)

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  28. Maybe someday Donna and I will meet and I know it will be a meetup to remember! I have to say you never know what you’ll get in your inbox when Donna’s blog posts come thru, like the one you mentioned titled “Bear Attack!!” I was so worried when I saw the title and was almost afraid to read whose eye, nose, and partial mouth were lost!

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    1. Hi Dee, Nice to meet you. I had goosebumps when I read the title “Bear Attack since there are many bears on Vancouver Island. Thank goodness the story was very funny. Yes, meeting Donna is a date to remember. Thank you for reading. I look forward to stopping by your site:) Erica

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    2. Hi, Dee – I would love to meet you! I remain forever grateful for all of the kindness and generosity that you extended to me when I first began blogging. You are awesome at building “blogging community.”

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      1. Hi Donna, I will triple check the different access points to the site over the next few days. Thank you for your patience on this post. It was frustrating to try to respond to the very kind comments (well deserved compliments:) Always a learning curve when tackling a new venture 🙂

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  30. It took me a while to work out IRL … in real life! I remember reading this a few days back and went to check on Donna’s love letter to her husband and it just happened to be at the same time I was writing a ‘secret’ letter to my husband, who was away at the time. So yes, synchronicity at play 🙂

    What a wonderful meeting of the 2 of you!

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    1. Hi Susan, You gave me goosebumps. A letter to a loved one is a special gift. I find it easier to express thoughts and feeling when writing than when speaking. I am sure your husband will appreciate the letter. Thank you for sharing:)

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  31. Hi, Susan – It is wonderful to hear from you. I agree that letter writing (often a lost art) makes a big difference…both with the letters that we send, and the ones that we write just for ourselves.

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  32. I’ve met a few fellow bloggers over the years – it’s interesting in a way, because you already know a lot about each other – and slightly strange for anybody with you, because they don’t know all the stories you already know about 🙂

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    1. Hi Jonathan, I agree. I did find it interesting. My husband would probably be ok, especially with another blogger’s spouse. Somewhat like going to a reunion. Thank you for reading and commenting:) Erica

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        1. A reunion of strangers? I’m fine with that. I think of it as a day I will be able to make noise around the house.

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  33. I met Donna IRL during her first year of blogging. I was visiting Vancouver Island, considering whether to retire here. Ultimately, we did make the big move and we are so happy we did. Oh, and I get to see Donna in real life quite often now, for coffee, at dog walks, and things like birthday parties and art events.

    Jude

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    1. Hi Jude, Nice to meet you! As you can tell from the story, I live in Victoria. We have lived here 27 years. You likely live very close to Donna. My first official blog post was in August 2018. Fun, although I do find the technical side challenging at times. I think I will have the opportunity to meet you IRL in July. Thank you for reading and commenting. I look forward to stopping by your site:) Erica

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  35. Very heartwarming! We have had the pleasure of meeting two other bloggers recently. They were both planning trips ( not together, haha) to our home base in Sri Lanka last year and both were invited to stay with us for a couple of days and accepted. It was an absolute treat to meet both of them in person after reading each others blogs for some years now.

    Peta

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    1. Hi Peta, Donna is very friendly and she has a warm, thoughtful personality in her writing. It does not come as a surprise that our meet up was fun and comfortable. Blogging is definitely an interesting world. It has enriched my life on many levels. Thank you for sharing your experience:)

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