“I Can Tell That We Are Going To Be Friends”

#hiking, Blogging Friends, British Columbia, Friends, Gratitude, Trails, Vancouver Island 3 Minutes

“We all come with a slightly different point of view…It’s like a band where we each play our own instrument, but then when we come together, the sound is greater than our individual parts.” (Jennifer Whalen – Baroness von Sketch Show)

Friends at this Year’s Blogging Get-together

Donna Retirement Reflections Deb Widow Badass Jude Dr Sock Writes Here

Janis Retirementally Challenged Kathy Smart Living 365 Ann The Unretired Life

Abby 4-legged Fur Friend belonging to Jude

From the left: Donna, Ann, Kathy, Janis, Deb, Erica, in front Jude & fur-friend Abby

Challenging to make it happen

Distance, border closures, border strikes, family commitments, Summer busyness, a pandemic.

4 Things I Learned At This Year’s Blogging Get-together

1.  It is not a short hike if we get lost

Moorecraft Regional Park

“AllTrails” describes “Moorecroft Regional Park” as an easy, 1.8 kilometre hike. This is one of many beautiful trails and coastal views on The Island

We meet here and the nonstop chatter and laughter begins.

A member in our group eventually looks up and realizes we are on private property.

After a few more wrong turns we manage to weave our way back to the parking lot.

Note to self:  Always be prepared with extra water and trail mix. Especially when we are immersed in conversation, shenanigans, and fun with fellow bloggers.

“NO Trespassing!” – Circuitous hike back to the parking lot – No bears, no cougars…this time

2.  My husband does not remove his pants at all blogging get-togethers

I asked my husband whether he would like to join us this year.

Before I could finish my sentence, he said “I am in!”

This time, my husband left our house wearing shorts prepared for a warm Summer’s Day.

The first part to this story can be explained here My Husband Returns Without His Pants On. We Were In For a Fun Time describing our blogging get-together in July, 2019.

Black Goose Inn, Parksville, B.C. 2021

How do the spouses get along when bloggers meet up?

I agree with Donna’s comment on her post Silent Sunday Protection Island. “Fortunately, they all get along amazingly well and have gotten into deep conversations together. At first, we thought it was a lucky fluke. But when you think about it, the super large blogging world allows like-minds/like-values to find each other – so the natural fit really does make sense.”

Warm greetings, great conversation, thoughtful, inclusive, laughter, fun!!

Of course, my husband says “I am in.”

3.  Bloggers have many hidden talents

I was disappointed to see my husband had given out his gifts to Deb and Donna before I arrived for dinner.

In all fairness, he did not need to wait for me and he could choose the timing.

Deb and Donna reward us with an Oscar-worthy performance, titled

“The Reenactment.”   

You ladies are hilarious!

My belly hurts from too much laughing.

“The Reenactment” – An Oscar-worthy performance by Deb & Donna

4.  The difference between Virtual Relationships, In Real Life, In Person

Virtual Relationships and In Real Life

Kind, inspirational, wise Sue Women Living Well After 50 left me with a thought-provoking concept during one of our conversations.

Sue suggested how the Virtual Relationships and friends we make blogging are part of our Real Life. 

I wholeheartedly agree with Sue. Every blogger I meet, reading their blogs and exchanging comments has enriched my life. I am entertained, learn something new, gain a different perspective.

We share and support each other. We become blogging friends.

You are all a part of my Real Life.

In Person

Meeting In Person is a unique opportunity and a privilege.

It brings the relationship to a whole new level.

Thank you everyone for our get-together!

“I can tell that we are going to be friends”

“I can tell that we are going to be friends”

Behind the Scenery

Thank you, Jude, for your warm welcome hosting us at your home.

Thank you, Donna. You have a gift for recognizing the good in people, bringing out the best in them and bringing people together.

We missed you Joanne My Life Lived Full and Following a Bold Plan Wish you could be here.

Thank you everyone! You always make a difference in my life!

As always, the best Present is your Presence ❤️

More Blogging Get-togethers

Have You Ever Been On A Blind Date?

Do You Have Different Friends for Different Seasons?

The Almost Perfect Visit

All The Time In The World

Photos

Most of the photos are mine. A few photos were AirDropped into my photo album.

Song Credits

“We’re going to be friends” (lyrics: Jack Johnson) (song: Caroline Pennel)

“Count on me” (Bruno Mars)

If you feel comfortable sharing, which Blogger would you like to meet In Person and why?

Published

175 thoughts on ““I Can Tell That We Are Going To Be Friends””

  1. What a wonderfully heart warming post to read Erica, the fun simply oozes out of your words and all of your smiling faces in the photos. Thanks for sharing your wonderful get together and I wholeheartedly concur Sue’s sentiments that virtual friends are real. I’ve been fortunate to meet up with a number of bloggers over the years that I consider friends. Who else would I love to meet in person? Why you, of course! Have a fabulous week. xx 😊

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    1. Thank you, Miriam. I should have added except for me, since I am curious who you would like to meet and have not yet had the opportunity. I am sure everyone would love to meet you in person, Miriam, with your joy for life and adventure.❤️ And, of course, living in a beautiful area of the world.xx

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      1. Aww, you’re very kind Erica. Ok, aside from you, there’s so many people I’d like to meet. But my Spanish Gypsy at Heart blogger buddy Maria Elena probably tops the list right now! xx

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  3. Hi Erica – as I said on Kathy’s blog, if there was somewhere (other than where I live) that I’d retire to, it would be Vancouver Island. It always looks beautiful all year round – and it seems to attract an amazing array of bloggers (and their spouses!) You all looked like you had a ball (again!) and I’m just a tad jealous. Nothing beats meeting virtual friends in real life – other than finding that you like them even more than you expected. x

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Leanne. Vancouver Island is usually beautiful in all four seasons. I have seen photos of your part of the planet. Also, a beautiful area.
      You are absolutely right how you find you like the bloggers/friends even more in person. Grateful we could get together this year. xx

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    1. Your comment made me smile, Tony and Margie. “Cool gang…” 🙂We did have a great deal of fun. I am glad we took this window of opportunity to get together. I have been away and off the grid often. I look forward to catching up with your life and adventures. 🙂

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            1. another ha, ha, Ally, you remind me of the memes where Canadians are always depicted as saying “eh” and “sorry”…..I don’t know where that started….btw, also my initials….ironic, eh?🙂

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  8. How wonderful Erica that you have taken this group of blogging friends and created an annual event to meet and deepen your connections. I’ve often thought if would be nice to meet some of the people that I’ve made heart connections with through our blogs. It would be a long list for me including Tania, Miriam, Maria, Diana, Janet, and many more! Thanks for reminding me that these relationships enhance my regular life, even if we don’t meet in person.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, Brad. You zeroed in on some of the reasons why a get-together like this is extra special. “…deepen your connections…” I love your phrase “heart connections.” And, yes, enhance our regular life. Thank you for sharing part of your list. I recognize some of the names and they are also on my list, along with you, Brad 💕

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  9. Happy you got together with my home girl, Janis. She’s the only one of this crew I know other than you, and she lives in my same city(ish.) Same county anyway! It’s so great that you do this. Looks like such a grand time. I have had the pleasure of meeting one blog friend in Minnesota when I was there a few years ago. She drove 3 hours round trip to pick me up and take me to tea. She even bought! Seeing her again would be great. I would meet with any and all of my blog friends if I could. Such a fun community. These mostly virtual friends are the best part of blogging.

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    1. I did not know about you and Janis living relatively close to each other. (Same county). Truly a friend, when someone drives all that way to visit with you, Betsy. You said it perfectly, how these mostly virtual friends are the best part of blogging. I wholeheartedly agree. You are definitely one of these friends. ❤️

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        1. I am not sure how some of the blogging friendships happen? Janis was one of the first bloggers I met approximately three years ago, when I began blogging. I had the privilege of meeting her in person two years ago. I love our interaction, Betsy, and your fun, genuine take on life and family life. ❤️

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          1. My blog keeps me sane, I think sometimes, Erica. The chickens… let me tell you. I know I owe a post, but Hubs and I were just standing, hands on hips, contemplating the mess that is the chickens, and all I could say was, “Well, at least they provide entertainment for my blog friends.” I mean, if I have to find a silver lining with those birds, this blog provides it! 🙂

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            4. I would not even begin to know how to identify male/female chickens, Betsy, and a great deal of work/mayhem. Yes, entertainment for the blog. I realize I get only one percent of the story and there is usually a huge back story.🙂

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    1. You are absolutely right, Tracy, how we all have a different twist on this get-together. Yet, a main theme of lots of fun with life-minded friends. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughtful comment. 🙂

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  11. Thank you, Erica/ Erika, for sharing your fun get-together photos and video. Your post and Donna’s post make me want to book flights to go to VI before everyone leaves 🙂 I’ve met Ann, Donna, Joanne, Jude and Sue IRL. I’d love to meet you and a number of bloggers from the USA and Australia that I’ve been connecting regularly via blogging. Have fun!

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Natalie. It is great to see photos of you in Donna’s post.❤️ It will be great to see you in person one day. We were not sure whether this year’s get-together would happen with all of the restrictions. I am glad we had this opportunity.

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  12. I would love to meet anyone in these photos who I’ve never met “in person” before, including you, of course. And, I wouldn’t mind revisiting the group I have met before, in the US or Canada. 🙂 You all look young, vibrant, and healthy. I’m sure the talk and laughter would have gotten me lost as well. Wonderful post, Erica! ❤

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    1. Liesbet, I love when you share some of your get-togethers with bloggers in your posts. Donna shared some great photos of you and Mark.❤️ The huge smiles say it all. Wow, “young, vibrant, and healthy”….can you repeat that please?! 🙂We are lucky how we are all mobile and still ‘with it.’ We are also lucky we had the opportunity meet in person.❤️

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    1. Thank you for your lovely and supportive comment, Deb. You always make the adventures and the days extra special and fun! I will tell you more about that first song “We’re going to be friends” in person. Ironically, I came across the first few bars of someone else singing the song on a podcast on the way home from our get-together. I looked it up the next day and it gave me goosebumps and felt perfect for my mini slideshow. I love your words “captured the spirit…”❤️

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  15. Hi, Erica – This is such a beautiful post and video. You captured the friendship of this group perfectly. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I am so grateful.
    You are absolutely right – the moment that I met you, I knew that we would be friends — good ones! 😀

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    1. Thank you for your lovely and supportive comment, Donna. I briefly mentioned to Deb how part of the song “We’re going to be friends” was in a podcast on the way home from our get-together. The next morning I looked it up and I liked Caroline Pennel’s version and it gave me goosebumps. I wholeheartedly agree, good friends!❤️

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  16. Your video is amazing, Erica! One of the things that have surprised me the most in my slightly over two years of blogging is some of the friendships I’ve formed with bloggers from around the world. I feel like it is a microcosm of the way life should be. Instead of looking at our differences as negatives, we should appreciate that we’re all different in a way that makes life more interesting—big thumbs up for chatter and laughter among friends.

    I was curious about what the spouses of your blogging friends thought of all this. I’m glad they dove into the deep end and got into the spirit of things. By the way, I can’t think of too many people who would feel threatened if your group accidentally wandered onto their private property.🤣

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Pete. I was hoping to capture the “No trespassing” signs in the video. Like you indicate, we are not a scary group (at least most of us)🙂.I wholeheartedly agree about the friendship part of blogging. I also had no idea when I began blogging 3 years ago. You make an excellent point about how we are a microcosm of the way life should be. I have learned a great deal about life, people, homes, nature in far away places. Differences and similarities.

      My husband tried to add a comment here re spouses version of the get-togethers, yet his ipad was not allowing him to comment on WP? Usually he has no issues? Paraphrasing his comment on how ‘tell the spouses we are meeting at a pub for lunch and they are all in.’ 🙂They have met a few times before and it is always a relaxed fun get-together.

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  17. Erica, I agree with both you and Sue that blogging friends are a part of our ‘real lives.’ A while back I wrote a post about virtual Pen Pals that touches on the subject. While blogging is about chronicling our lives and sharing information, it is also very much about connections. I cherish those connections and look forward to the ‘next installment’ of what is happening in your life. Of this bunch of ladies, I feel most familiar with you and Donna, but I have been following Deb, Cathy, and Janis for a long while also. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to have a sit-down conversation with any one of you and am happy that you all made it happen. I think it’s great that the guys were all involved too.

    Getting lost with friends is the best kind of lost!

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Suzanne. I wholeheartedly agree with you about “connections.” I love your word “cherish.” You ‘get it’ and describe well about not passing up an opportunity for a sit down conversation. The first time Donna and I arranged a meeting, I had major butterflies in my stomach. I felt out of my comfort zone. I am glad we did meet. This was our “Blind Date.” On an aside note – my husband was a little concerned about whether this was a cult or scary people – sort of, with humour – we did meet in a sushi place in Victoria. Hang in there with your move and the challenges that come along with it. 💕

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  18. I love Sue’s wise comment, Erica. Of course this blogging community is real life full of real friendships. It’s a lovely thought, and how could it be otherwise. Like minded people do find each other and make connections. Getting together in person does look wonderful though, and it seemed that there were lots of opportunities to laugh. Thanks for sharing the fun day and the great photos.

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    1. You are one of the kindest, generous people in this community, Diana. You inspire me.❤️ I am glad we had the opportunity for this get-together this year. Many challenges for everyone to make it happen. Thank you for capturing the spirit of the post.🙂

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  19. What a fantastic post, Erica! The photographs are wonderful, particularly the “reenactment” so funny! Of course, I’d love to meet you in person, along with so many other bloggers I’ve grown to love over the years. Thanks for sharing your experience! xo

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    2. Thank you for your lovely comment, Jill. I was wondering whether I correctly described the “reenactment” and how funny it was to watch these ladies. I agree with you how I would like to meet all the bloggers I have known to love. Of course, you! ❤️

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  20. This is wonderful, Erica! 😍😘 So far I’ve met three of my blogger friends in person. Look forward to meeting more… Our Blogger Friends are real friends, wherther online or face-to-face. They’re friends we can rely on to make us smile, be there when we need them. So grateful you’re one of mine, Erica! xoxoxo Thanks so much for takeing us along to meet some of your amazing friends… xoxoxo

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    1. You ‘get it’ and say this perfectly, Bette, “…friends we can rely on to make us smile, be there when we need them.” Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment and your generous spirit in this community.❤️

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    1. Nice to meet you, Tony. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I like your phrase “offline as well as online.” I agree how we “gelled really well.” Thank you for the follow. I have been browsing your site this morning and I have subscribed to your blog. I look forward to learning more about you.🙂

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  23. It’s been ages since I met up with a fellow blogger ~ early on, I met:

    (1) February 2011 ~ Flying Gma & her husband (AMI)
    (2) January 2012 ~ Renee (Life in the Boomer Lane) (AMI)
    (3) February 2012 ~ Pix & CH (Venice)
    (4) October 2012 ~ Robyn Oyeniyi (Orlando @ Season’s 52)
    (5) February 2014 ~ Pix & CH (AMI)
    (6) January 2015 ~ Pix & CH (UTC)

    I’d like to meet, inter alia, Kate Crimmons (and her cats), Ally Bean (and her husband), Jill Weatherholt (and her hummers and Derek), Debra (Breathe Lighter), Nicki Chen, Erica/Erika (that’s YOU!), L. Marie, Val (& her Middle Ground), Joanne Sisco (but only if she’s in a somewhat sedentary mood and NOT dragging me off to camp in the frigid north), Pam (Roughwighting), Carolyn (Nuggets of Gold), River’s World (and see her amazing Barn Bar plus Lord Dudley), et al!

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    1. I extra love your comment, Nancy! I was wondering about adding the end question. I was a bit selfish since this is a way for me to meet new bloggers. (By referral from wonderful blogging friends) I recognize some of the names on your list and new ones. I agree with et al!🙂

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  24. I love this and can’t wait for the day when we can meet in person too – and I know we will. My on-line buddies are definitely part of my real life. Virtual or in person, they’re still treasured friendships.

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    1. You say this really well, Jo. I wholehearted agree with you. The spirit of this post turned out to be friendships in general and in every form. I know we would have a great time meeting “in person.” xx ❤️

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  25. Oh Erica, this made me smile the whole way through, especially watching the video of you all! My thinking is that friends are friends whether they’re in ‘real life’ or ‘online life’ and I am so glad to have you as a friend. You are such a generous warm hearted person and I can’t wait to come and visit you one day! xx

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    1. Thank you for your supportive, kind comment, Deb. I am learning a great deal from all of the comments. Especially the concept of friendship and what friends mean to all of us. We appreciate each other’s differences yet hold many of the same values, share concerns and what makes us happy. I have learned a great deal from you this past year. Back at you for being warm-hearted, genuine and generous with your spirit. I look forward to continuing our friendship in whatever form it takes, virtual, in real life, and in person!xx

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  26. This was so much fun, Erica! You captured our get togethers beautifully. I feel so lucky to have met all of you IRL and I definitely consider all of you dear friends. When Paul and I first traveled to your beautiful Island two years ago, we knew that we’d be back. Now – even after all the challenges we faced crossing the border – we have returned and, again, feel right at home. I am so grateful that I hit “publish” for my first blog post so many years ago because that post, and the many since then, has led me to some incredible friendships.

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    1. I am glad you and Paul made it back to the Island! 💕 I realize it is a long trip and increased challenges to get here this year. Many bloggers speak (write) fondly about you, Janis, and your generous, kind spirit. You likely recall me mentioning how I found your blog when I was searching Anniversary posts. I had only been blogging a couple of months. You were on hiatus and still responded to my comment. Thank you! Now, I ‘get it’ on the blogging breaks/hiatus/off the grid. I am also glad I pressed “publish” and met you and Paul.❤️

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  27. I figured out how to read you post on my iPhone using the Reader icon. That enables comments as well. You might want to try a WordPress theme that is enabled for phones. This might be the same problem Chuck is having. I’d like to meet Lisa Doerenfest who sailed around the world. I like hearing about everyone’s adventures both virtually and in real life. I finally got a friend to go one zoom last week and she really enjoyed the screen sharing. There are so many cool was to connect. Hope to see you soon.

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Ann. Chuck is not on WordPress and he was an email follower on my site. He used to leave the occasional comment when his desktop was working. His desktop is about 10 to 11 years old and finally had it. I also love following Lisa Dorenfest’s journeys/photos. You make a great point, Ann, hearing about everyone’s adventures in real life and virtually. It was a treat to see you last Monday.

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  28. Hey Erica! Such a fun post! As so many said, you definitely captured some of the joy we had being together. The only difference I would say is that I may have started by seeing you all as “blogger friends but now I just think of you as dear friends. Sure we blog, but it is our history and friendship that matters most to me. And yes it is great that our spouses also seem to like and resonate with one another. So wonderful to see you and Chuck (with or without pants!) and can’t wait until the next time. Take care until then….~Kathy

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    1. Thank you for your lovely, kind comment, Kathy. I am glad you and Thom made it to the Island this year despite many challenges to make it happen. I had a few stories and photos I wanted to share. And, as you and many bloggers indicated, the theme turned out to be about the concept of friendship. Like you say well, the “joy” we have together! It was a treat to see the both of you!❤️

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  29. Oh Erica! Stop with the videos – they always make me cry. So beautiful. What a wonderful experience for you all and friendships, virtually or in person can be so very special. It is these moments that mean so much and especially after the last 18 months of lockdowns. I just see joy and happiness in all the photos and the video. Thank you for being such a kind, beautiful soul. I am honoured that you include me as your friend. xxx

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    1. Oh, Sue, now you are going to make me cry with your lovely comment. I was not at all aware it was your birthday yesterday. Totally a coincidence/serendipity publishing this post. I have never forgotten the conversation you and I had about friendships and how all friendships become part of our in real life (IRL). You said it better, although I think you know what I mean. You are such a wise, kind spirit who makes a huge difference in many lives, including mine. I am honoured to be your friend!xx❤️

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  30. Thanks for thinking of me, Erica. I did miss not being there this year and my envy-cup overflows 😏 However, there is always the next time to look forward to since this now has the feel of an annual event!

    It’s wonderful to see all the smiling photos that many of you have posted, however you’re the first person to mention getting lost on a hike. Lost?!! 😱 I have to say, my stomach is still lodged firmly in the back of throat after reading that.

    … maybe it’s just as well I wasn’t there. Then you’d discover the real barely-holding-it-together me! 😳

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    1. Of course, I thought of you, Joanne! And we talked about you, fondly, and the great time we had last year. I placed a few of last year’s photos at the end of the video since they add to my smiles. The ‘getting lost’ was not too scary, just worthy of a funny story. Especially when I have photos showing the ‘No trespassing’ sign. The irony is that I was quickly snapping photos and trying to keep up with the group. I also did not look up and see the sign. (Note me banging my forehead right now…)🙃I look forward to our continued connections and future dates. 💕

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    1. Thank you for reading and listening, Liz. I am glad we had the opportunity to get together, especially when we have seen rapid changes and restrictions this past year.

      I preordered “Grief songs” and I think it arrives in my Kindle app in September. I greatly look forward to reading this book on our next off the grid trip. I hope all is well with you and loved ones.

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      1. You’re welcome, Erica.

        Thank you for preordering Grief Songs, Erica! I greatly appreciate it, and I hope it will spark fond memories of your own loved ones who are no longer with you. My family and I are doing okay. Our daughter, who is on the West Coast, is trying for a trip to visit us next month.

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  32. What a heart warming post this was to read! Had me smiling from ear to ear and wishing I was there to enjoy in all this fun! Okay what were those interesting weird looking gifts?

    So lovely ! Love this post of joy friendship and fun.

    Peta

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    1. Thank you for stopping here and reading, Peta. I know you are an extra busy lady these days with your great news! I loved the news interview with you and Ben!❤️

      The weird looking gifts for Deb (Widow Badass) and Donna (Retirement Reflections) were pieces of driftwood from when we met up camping this past May at Long Beach on the West Coast. They each chose a piece of driftwood and my husband sanded the wood down and glazed it. I think there are fancier names for this process. He had these driftwood pieces ready for them for this visit.

      Thank you for your lovely words “…friendship and fun…” I look forward to following you on your adventures!

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    1. Thank you, Mark, we did have a fun time. I am glad we took the opportunity to visit. Life is changing rapidly these days with new restrictions. You know first hand about the different layers of blogging friendships and how they can evolve. 🙂

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  34. What a wonderful post, Erica! It’s great that you’ve been able to meet many of your blogging friends. And I love the idea of being like-minded in this virtual community. Your photos are both beautiful and super fun. A couple of years ago, I met Pam at roughwighting.net. You know her! Anyway, she is originally from my county and was doing a local talk one evening on her children’s books. I enjoyed meeting her, and of course, I love her books too. Aside from Pam, there are so many friends to name who would be fun to meet, including you. Maybe someday!
    Thanks for sharing such a memorable time together! 🥰💗💗

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    1. I had to think about your word “many,” Lauren. I guess it is all relative. I think I have met 7 blogging friends and it is a privilege to have this opportunity. It is almost impossible for some people to meet each other, yet we meet and share on other levels. I love Pam’s blog and her books.🙂 It must have been fun to meet her in person. The first time I met these bloggers, it was a surreal out of body experience. I had butterflies in my stomach. As you can see it turned out to be more fun than I expected. And, yes, meeting you Lauren…maybe some day!💕

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      1. I guess it is relative, Erica. I was thinking of my 1 when looking at your photos, also remembering your past blog post, so “many” sounded logical. Even more logical now knowing you’ve met 7 of your blogging friends. 🙂 Anyway, I’m sure everyone had the same feelings as you did – I know I would too. But Cheers to you and the others for being able to make it happen because look at the fun you all had! Moments to treasure for a lifetime. I’ve taken a lot of needed blogging breaks, but I honestly don’t know what I’d do without this continuing virtual connection.
        Have a wonderful day! 💜💗

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        1. I had the opportunity to meet kind, Donna early on and I did not realize it is actually rare to meet a blogger in person. A rare sighting…lol. You are right, Lauren, 7 is a lot to get together in one place. I ‘get it’ on the blogging breaks, being away, off the grid…I try to catch up when I can and hope I am forgiven for reading posts late. Likely, self-imposed pressure. I always greatly appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comments. And, your beautiful posts, Lauren.❤️

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  35. What an uplifting post Erica. So glad I came across it. Exactly how I know it would be when I ever get to meet up with far away friends. We already know them for so long it’s like old friends connecting. Seems you all had a fantastic time. Thanks for sharing. ❤

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    1. Thank you Debbie for visiting here and sharing your kind, thoughtful comment. I love how you say “…it’s like old friends connecting.” It does turn out to be more fun than expected. Restrictions are rapidly changing for everyone and I am glad we took the opportunity to meet and visit. I hope you are doing all right, Debbie. Extra hugs ❤️

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    1. Thank you for your kind, thoughtful words, Anabel. We would love to have you join us. I have already told you my husband and I may end up on your doorstep one day. You share such fascinating and beautiful posts about Scotland. I am trying to stay in the moment, yet challenging to always stay positive with our tumultuous planet. I am glad we took this opportunity to meet up while we could.

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  37. I wonder about the IRL versus OL and I feel like her explanation made sense. I think it’s amazing what you have all developed and how your men meshed. I also read your back story about Chuck’s pants and his unselfish gift you. He’s a keeper.

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    1. Thank you for visiting here and your thoughtful comment, Bernie. I think it was a matter of seizing the opportunity and shared values on where our priorities lie. I give Donna a lot of credit for her kind, inclusive spirit. I know other bloggers write about the event, so it is fun to give a different perspective. I like reading about the little things and the extras, and I figure I would incorporate that here. I realize everyone is busy, yet some people like to read the extra layers. The short video was the major time challenge since my photos app scrambles up the photos when I make a “project”. Therefore I have to manually try to place the photos in some sort of order again. (Too much info, Bernie?)🙂 Ultimately all a labour of love. And, yes, both of our husbands are keepers!

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  38. Also I’ve never even come close to meeting a blogger friend. I can’t imagine you guys pulled off 7 at once! I’ve just read all the comments (longer than the blog itself) and it shows what a deep heartfelt connection you have with many.

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    1. It is a surreal feeling to meet a blogger in person. Each time I have been overcome with emotion, since they are even nicer (and more beautiful) in person. Bernie, you would definitely be welcomed and have fun!

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            1. Thank you so much for noticing this, Bernie. I somehow got on Youtube a few years ago when we travelled to Ontario to see family. I wanted a way to share photos/slideshow with them living in different regions. Now, I have it figured out ‘sort of.’ Always some hiccups. Too long to go into here. Thank you again for noticing the extras and your thoughtful comments. 🙂

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    1. Thank you for sharing your kind words, Miriam. You are absolutely right, a priceless connection. I am happy we had the opportunity to meet. As you know, our planet is rapidly changing again and we don’t know when we can see each other in person, again. I greatly appreciate your genuine and generous sharing in the virtual world. It all makes a difference in my real life. ❤️

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      1. Even not all the bloggers could meet in person, the virtual world brightens my days especially during pandemic when we’re in lockdown. Only one blogger lives about 30 minutes drive away but my husband and I don’t go too far away these days. So I haven’t met any blogger in person yet. I appreciate your sharing, Erica! It’s a great inspiration and I would like to do it in the future. ❤

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        1. You say this really well, Miriam and exactly how I feel “…brightens my days especially during pandemic when we’re in lockdown.” We have cancelled some meetups this past year and a half, because of restrictions and not feeling safe to meet. This past meeting was entirely outside. For me it is only a 2 hour drive each way. Kathy and Janis drove from California. I know you appreciate your family a great deal, Miriam, and I hope you and loved ones are well.💕

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  40. It sounds–and looks–like a good time was had by all, Erica. I think it is so great that you guys make the effort to come together in person and take the relationship up a notch. I couldn’t agree more that all of the bloggers I connect with online are part of my real life, and there are several who I feel a deeper connection with and would love to meet in person some day. Maybe when I’m retired, I’ll travel the world, visiting you all!

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    1. Hi Christie, We were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet up this Summer. And you are absolutely right about the effort to come together. Especially for Janis and Kathy travelling from California. I wholeheartedly agree how every blogger I connect with online makes a difference in my day and in my life. I always appreciate your positive, genuine spin on life, Christie.❤️

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    1. We took advantage of this moment in time (possibly the calm before the storm, again). We had tons of fun. A great group of bloggers/friends. You would always be welcome, Deborah. Just remember to pack your tripod. 😀

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  42. Such a lovely post Erica! What could be better than being with friends in beautiful surroundings sharing food and wine, presents, walking and talking, having fun! I so enjoyed this thank you! The video was lovely, well done. I once met a blogger IRL which was lovely – we were at the same meeting for writers many years ago. If I were to choose who I would really like to meet in real life, it would be you and Donna, plus husbands, here in Plettenberg Bay. We’d go hiking, walking and talking, swimming, boating, wining and dining … I’d love to meet the others too, so I guess I’d have to come over there! I’ve been away, hence my late response 🙂 xx

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    1. I did see your lovely comment, Susan, and I greatly appreciate your thoughtful words. I got caught up in your ‘good news’ post this morning. It always makes a difference to my day.🙂

      You never have to apologize for any delays in commenting. I am happy you visit when you can. I do this all the time re unusual busyness around here, off the grid, young grandchildren sleep overs and the house is never quiet (this will be you, soon, Susan with your new little blessing arriving next year)

      I am happy the group of bloggers took the opportunity to meet up recently. We had tons of fun. You and your husband would always be welcome here. ‘Walking, talking, wining, dining….’ Just in a different hemisphere. xx

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  43. Such a fun read, Erica. What a cool thing to do. And to be able to have the hike together on such a gorgeous trail would really draw people together.
    I haven’t done anything like this myself, but a handful of times I have met up with runners who blog at various races. I have found reading their blogs was an extension of their real lives. They were just as I had portrayed them as in my mind, through our interaction on our blogs. They are friends in the blogging world and now friends in the real world. 🙂

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    1. You say this really well, Carl, how when we are friends in the blogging world it is easy to be friends in person, too. Five in our group live on the Island, and two of the bloggers travelled here from California. We did not know whether we could make it happen since you know how the restrictions are rapidly changing. We were outdoors on the trail, during our snack/drink time and outdoors for dinner. Our entire group is double vaccinated and highly respectful of safety measures. I also agree with you how our blogs are an extension of our real lives. Thank you for visiting here and sharing your thoughtful comment. 🙂

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      1. That is amazing, Erika. And so glad you were able to make it happen. Restrictions are rapidly changing here in Ontario as well. Love the fact you were able share your beautiful island together all outdoors.😀 🌳

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  44. Hooray!!😀😀 Erica, how wonderful that you could all meet up!! The smiles say it all … the joy of some normality, of meeting friends and getting to know them on a whole new level. Oh, your post has me laughing as you all get a bit lost whilst ‘immersed in conversation, shenanigans, and fun with fellow bloggers.’ Cheers to all three!! I felt I was in the midst of your party, listening in but not quite hearing the words! It means a lot how you all feel that friendships made here on the virtual platforms are still just as REAL … but understand it must be amazing to see each other, surrounded by such stunning landscape! haha …. love the re-enactment photos – are you sure she isn’t a superstar actress??🤣 love & hugs, Annika (from very far away across the Atlantic!) xx

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    1. I wholeheartedly agree with you, Annika “…the joy of some normality…”. A challenge to make it happen for many reasons, yet really happy we were able to get together. I also had to smile when I reviewed the photos and saw us all walking under the ‘NO trespassing’ sign. I was quickly snapping photos and I did not see the signs. I also agree with you how the friendships are REAL. I was not aware my post was going in the ‘friendship’ direction until I began to jot down a few ideas. Thank you for getting it on the reenactment. I did not know whether I could convey how funny and entertaining and whether you had to be there. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful comment, Annika. It would be nice if you would be walking (getting lost)🙃🙂 with us one day. xx ❤️

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      1. Haha! 😀 I’m now laughing aloud at you being so busy taking photos and not noticing the sign not to trespass. I’d be in good company as in Germany my friends and I were forever so busy chatting away we never noticed all the signs telling us not to do things, especially walking on the grass! Can’t count how often we were brusquely told off!

        It is a thrill when starting a post, piece of writing, not sure of its direction and instead led by inspiration as you’re writing away! A wonderful sensation and your post is wonderfully eloquent, inspiring and humorous! Wishing you a lovely week, dear friend! Xx ❤️

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        1. I do not believe we would run out of things to talk about on a walk, Annika. The fun and shenanigans are a given. 🙂 We ran into a kind lady who pointed us in the direction of the correct trail back to the parking lot. We somehow still had to blaze a trail. Next time we should bring bread crumbs……..(darn, I should have added this line to the post)😎 Always a genuine pleasure to connect with you, Annika! xx 🥰❤️

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  45. How fun, and I’m jealous! I’ve had so many blogging friends come and go, since I started my first blog (Our So-Called Life…unfortunately the host site no longer exists) back in 2010. I developed some very close virtual friendships, and Kathy (Smart Living 365) was (and still is) one of those friends! It’s been fine to share thoughts with other passionate writers, whether it’s for over a decade or just a few months.

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    1. Oh, wow, Bethany, blogging for over 10 years is a long time. I suspect it is more rare to continue with relationships, when people stop blogging. Wonderful how you and Kathy are still friends. She is a treasure in the virtual world and even more kind and genuine in person. I love and agree with your word “passionate.” Thank you for visiting here and sharing your thoughtful comment.

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  46. This looks like a really enjoyable and fun gathering, Erika. I agree with you that blogging friends are real. My mom doesn’t believe this and things I should spend more time with real friends but my blogging friends are more like me and bring me more happiness. I see I was unfollowed from your blog again. I am following again. Something weird is up with WP.

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    1. Hi Robbie, I would not have guessed how blogging friends become real friends 3 years ago, when I began blogging. You are the first person to mention how “…my blogging friends are more like me and bring me more happiness..” I have been on a few in person get togethers and if we talk about blogging at all, we mention how no one else (or a rare few friends), except in this community is interested in some of the joys and challenges when blogging and writing in general. Likely, in the category of ‘our tribe.’🙂

      I also have been finding WP glitchy and many other bloggers bring this up. I am beginning to keep a list of people and check on their blogs periodically. We should not have to do this this. I agree, weird.

      Thank you for visiting here and sharing your thoughts, Robbie. 🙂

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  47. Eirca, this is such a lovely post about your blogging friendship. I am going to link it to my post. It’s almost run its course, but this post fits the topic to a tee. Feel free to link any of your posts. The only requirement is to include a quote, and you have a whole song here. 🙂 I enjoyed every second.

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    1. Hi Marsha, It was a fun get-together despite the challenges to make it happen. I love seeing some of the photos you share on Instagram and I know you meet up with other bloggers in person when you have the opportunity. Thank you for the pingback. 🙂

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  48. Pingback: #WQWWC 39: Friendship or Intensity – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

  49. Erica, I loved everything about this post! What a happy time spent with beautiful blogging friends! That would be so much fun! The slide show was so heartwarming! And the pics showed how much fun you all had how spectacular the scenery was. Thanks for sharing this. Precious moments!💜🤗

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    1. I am glad we took this opportunity and it was a ton of fun. Thank you, Renee, for your kind, thoughtful words and watching some of the video. I had a few hiccups putting it together, yet it gives a place to add a few more photos for anyone interested. As you say well, here, and indicate in your post “precious moments.” Thank you for visiting here and have a wonderful week. ❤️

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  50. Pingback: FOTD #2: Double Delight Rose – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

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