Among Friends – Page 3 – Behind the Scenery

Chuck: “What do you want for your birthday this year?” Me: “Go for a Weekend Getaway and attend a Blogger’s Meet Up.”

Chuck gives me a puzzled look. He does not roll his eyes at me. One of the reasons we have been married forty plus years.

Weekend Getaway

Donna and Richard Blind Date had kindly invited us to their home this Summer. Donna had Blogging Buddies, Friends, arriving from out of town. It would give us all a great opportunity to Meet Up and share many of the thoughts and challenges specific to the blogging and writing community.

I was excited! I felt like I had already met these ladies, although not In Real Life. I had met them through following and reading their blogs. I already respected and admired them a great deal. I knew we had lots to talk about. It was a privilege to be in the company of these inspirational women.

My concern was that my husband had not met anyone in this group. He was out of his comfort zone. This Meet Up was his unselfish birthday gift to me.

My worries were all for nothing. My husband had a great time, too!

Saturday Morning

We arrived early in the morning to a warm welcome. The ladies began setting up in the dining room to begin the meeting, our laptops and itineraries placed in front of us.

Chuck went to meet the men in another area of the house. We heard lots of chatter and laughter. Five minutes later, Chuck returned with the group and they headed out the door.

Chuck’s tear away cargo pants had become shorts. It was the beginning of a fun day!

The Meet Up

Thoughtful, organized Donna led the meeting. We covered many topics and shared a great deal of information. I will write a separate post on my takeaways and specific gems. Right now, my mind is spinning and my brain is full.

More importantly, my heart is full.

I had the privilege of being surrounded by smart, kind, supportive women. Mentors. At all times, I felt accepted and heard. Opposing opinions were welcome. Constructive advice given. We were in a safe place amidst like-minded people, bloggers, friends.

I could also feel the energy in the room. Everyone was passionate about how they spend their time. They care a great deal about their families, their goals, their new endeavours, their life. A common thread in our conversation was

Life First, Blogging and Writing Second.

Donna, Ann, Erica, Judith, Janis, Kathy

Sunday Morning Gratitude

Thank you to Judith and Rob for inviting all of us to their home on Sunday morning. Another opportunity for great food, West Coast scenery and especially for enjoying each other’s company

Paul and Janis

Kathy and Thom

Richard and Donna

Rob and Judith

Thank you to Donna and Richard for all of their preparation and wonderful hospitality. A common response to Donna’s last post Blogging Buddies Visit was how Donna has a knack for noticing the good in people, bringing out the best in them and bringing people together.

We all had an amazing time!

Thank you to my husband, Chuck, for his unselfish gift of time with me and the gift of the Blogger’s Meet Up, time with my New Friends.

Thank You To Everyone for the Best Birthday Gift!