Monday, August 6, 2012

On leaving...

As I'm sitting in the airport about to leave the East Coast, I cannot help but marvel at the fact that I have met so many wonderful people through blogging.

This will be short, as I am boarding the plane in less than an hour and I want to eat before I board, but I wanted to post something to today. 

I started this blog in 2008, right after I moved back to Iowa from South Carolina, right after I left a job that I absolutely was head over heels for, but could not stomach being so far away from home for anymore.

Because of this blog, I have met so many people that have helped me through so many transitions in my twenties and I could not be more grateful for their friendship.

Growing up I kept a journal off and on, but I was completely oblivious to the online blogging world until I got back from this adventure living in the South. Sometimes I think about how wonderful it would have been to have a blog during that time in my life, because I literally knew NOBODY when I moved there and at times, it was very hard.

I did not really start meeting bloggers until 2011 when I met Lisa at a Jodi Picoult book signing in Minneapolis. Although, the first blogger I truly met was in 2009 when I met Lesli (also for a JP signing), but for a long time I did not meet another blogger in person. Lesli is still the first blogger I met IRL, and our friendship blows me away, because I think of her as a big sister and she is one of the first people I go to when I need someone to calm down and give good life advice. Since meeting Lisa in 2011, I have met so many others (lots local!) and I just love it!

The opportunities that I would not have had otherwise leave me feeling so grateful and they are such a testament to the wonderful blogging community. I am extremely protective of this community, and for those that do not understand it... I have no words.

As I leave DC, after seeing Becky for the second time in my life, after she graciously opened up her home to me and showed me around her hometown home city in Virginia as well as the nation's capital, I am left with a lump in my throat and the threat of tears because I feel so lucky and so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. 

I am so grateful and know that I am blessed.

9 comments:

Anne said...

Such a sweet post! I cannot tell you how much it meant to me that you remembered to check in and see how my first race been.

You were an inspiration to change my life and for that, I'll be forever grateful.

:)

Anonymous said...

Blogging is powerful. I'm so glad you pushed me to just go for it. Although I haven't met anyone from blogging, I've met myself. And for that I am thankful.

Becky said...

"This will be short, as I am boarding the plane in less than an hour and I want to eat before I board..."

Can I just start with a HA!

I completely understand - it's crazy to think I wouldn't know you if it weren't for blogging! So glad you were here this weekend!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I always walk away from blogging get together with a full heart and the threat of tears. It is really so cool how blogging has brought so many of us together. Becky also opened her home to me last April and was such a gracious hostess! And that was our first time "meeting" - but it truly felt like I was getting picked up at the airport by an old friend!!

chandra said...

Isn't the internet fabulous? I've met SO many wonderful people and had so many amazing opportunities/experiences through blogging, I can't even express how much I love it and how grateful I am. And you are my most recent internet turned IRL friend! :)

Mandy said...

I had so much fun hanging out with you this weekend. Blogging has brought some of the most amazing people into my life. I always feel like I'm spending time with old friends, even if I've never met them face to face. Can't wait to see you again!

Amber said...

Yup, totally agree. Blogging has brought some really amazing people into my life and some of my best times over the last couple of years have been had on blogger weekends!!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I agree! Everyone I have met through blogging has been exactly like I thought they would be, in the best way possible! I am glad you had a good time with your friend !

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Having bloggers become real life friends is an amazing thing. Sometimes they know us better than friends we've known for a long time. Glad you had a great time and have met some wonderful people!