April 23, 2013
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A wonderful visit!
When I tell people that I am friends in real life with people I have met online via blogging, they are sometimes a little surprised. But when I tell them that about 5 years ago, I went to actually stay with a xanga blog friend who I had never met in person, they are often astounded! I have heard: ”You STAYED with them?” “You DIDN’T!!” And my favorite: ”MOM, you would NEVER have let us do that!!” But I did! I went to visit Julie in Chicago for a quilt show, stayed with her and Arne, and I even took my youngest daughter, who was then in college, with me! I just KNEW it was ok. Julie and I had spent hours online, so to speak, in that we chatted via our blogs. And we chatted in person on the phone quite a bit. And we had a lot in common – we both had 3 adult daughters, who we had homeschooled; we went to similar types of churches; our husbands were both elders in our churches; we both quilted and knitted; we were both Christians and loved the Lord. We had been in touch with each other for several years, so we had lots of time to make sure that neither of us wasn’t who we said we were. And after that first visit, there were lots more! And our husbands became friends! They came here for Thanksgiving one year, and we went there for meetings in Chicago; one time we went on a dinner cruise! And now when Jim goes to Chicago, he meets Arne for dinner! And when Arne bought a bowed psaltery to play, they came out this way last year to the psaltery workshops and symphony. This year, it didn’t work out for them to come for the whole thing, but they were able to get there to see the musical performance – and see us!
We visited together while the set up and rehearsals were going on – here is Jim coming out to the stage for practicing -
And a few more pictures of the rehearsal just before it started -
After the show was over and everyone met to do one more “jam”, and started saying goodbyes, Jim and I went to the cabin where Julie and Arne were staying. It was lovely!
And they grilled steaks for us and made us a delicious dinner! Here is Julie ready to cook!
Both in the kitchen -
Dinner was wonderful! And the company was delightful!
Ok, so I know how important it is to be careful about who we meet online. Really, I do. And I am blessed, because I have met up with quite a few of my blog friends over the years, and the experiences have made my life richer!
Comments (7)
thats wonderful! i hope to someday meet a few of the people i’ve met here on xanga.–karen
Oh, what fun!!!! So glad you had this time together to continue cementing these friendships. Sometimes you JUST KNOW!
I’ve met quite a few people from online and they have all been wonderful experiences. I have to admit that it’s usually quite a few years of talking before I feel comfortable enough to do so though. I have a few friends that I’ve talked to for over 15 years and they have become some of my best friends. One friend from California flew to my home and we drove together to meet with another friend who was undergoing chemotherapy. What a glorious time we had! Another online friend turned out to be more local and we actually see each other quite often which is really nice. It’s nice isn’t it!
We have had 3 come to stay overnight several days and 3 who have visited on their way to Branson or somewhere south of us. We have met one several times in Spgfld for lunch. By the time you are on here with some you just know it is fine to stay with them or have them stay with you.
Of course I also met one on her way from her daughter’s in CO to her home. She was a pretty nice lady and I hope we can visit again. :)
I’ve got to meet several of mine too! Its WONDERFUL!
We must invite you two over more often! XO
The Xanga friends I’ve met are delightful and just like I thought they would be. The only thing that surprises me is their voices. Until I’ve heard them, I just have no idea what they sound like.