Tuesday, May 4

Blogging and real life

People who don't blog have trouble understanding blog friendships.
Recently one of my sons asked me, "Do you actually KNOW any of these people?" "These people," of course, being the people whose blogs I read, or who read my blog.

"Yes, actually, I do," I was able to answer. Boy, did I feel proud.

And I have photographic evidence.

You see, recently my friend Amanda from Serenity Now mentioned that she'd be traveling from her home in Virginia down to Siler City, North Carolina. Siler City is just one hour away from my home. So I asked Amanda if she might have any free time while she was in North Carolina, so that she and I could perhaps meet in person.

Here's the cool part. Amanda was traveling with her mother and her two little girls, Natalie and Michaela. They were visiting her grandmother. Four generations of girls in one house. Not when you'd expect anyone to have any free time. But Amanda made some free time for me. I drove to Siler City and she and I had lunch at the coolest little diner downtown. Just look:



This could be a set for The Andy Griffith Show, couldn't it?


Not sure why it's called the Sidewalk Cafe', but they sure make a mean grilled cheese sandwich. I'm a sucker for a good grilled cheese.

I had the best time talking to Amanda. She's just as witty and personable and fun in real life as she is on her blog, and it was wonderful to have her all to myself! Actually, we had so much fun that we didn't notice that they were closing down the diner all around us. Finally the manager turned off the overhead lights, which prompted us to pause our conversation. We were embarrassed to learn that their closing time had been about 45 minutes before. Can you imagine that level of graciousness? They let us just sit there and talk while they worked all around us getting things closed up for the day. That's Southern hospitality, folks.

We thanked the manager profusely, then asked her to take our picture. Do you think that was going too far?


Notice the "Closed" sign in the window? Ahem. If you go to Siler City, check out the Sidewalk Cafe'--but be sure to get there before two o'clock!

Now, on top of all the fun of meeting Amanda, imagine my delight when she presented me with a gift bag just as we were parting. She said, "This is just a little gift to thank you for driving all the way here to meet me." Wasn't that the sweetest thing? And just look at the fun goodies she gave me:


If you don't already read Amanda's blog, this week would be a good time to start. Tomorrow she's hosting one of her parties. Amanda is the one of the best party-givers in Blogland. Her parties are fun times of interacting with other bloggers.


So tell me. Have you ever met any of "these people" in real life?

21 comments:

  1. How exciting you got to meet! What a neat opportunity!

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  2. I've met a few. And I hope to meet more someday. Blogging is such a great way to make new friends! :)

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  3. I did meet up with one of my bloggy friends! We're both army wives and our paths criss-crossed then we ended up in the same place! My hubby teased me that i was going on a "blind-date"! I was fun and we're still friends and do craft shows together!

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  4. I haven't had the chance yet but I just may meet you one day Richella. I'm only a few hours away from you. That would be fun!

    Your both look wonderful!
    ~Melissa :)

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  5. I've never met a blogger friend of mine in real life...yet. Hopefully one day I will, though. Glad you and Amanda got to meet up. Looks like y'all had a really good time getting to know each other better. And that diner is so cute. :)

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  6. How sweet! I have yet to meet any bloggers face-to-face, but I hope to someday! I love blog friendships. I know what you mean...people who don't blog just don't understand the friendships. I'm not sure I would have, either were it not for experiencing it firsthand. So happy you & Amanda were able to meet! Gracious southern hospitality, indeed! Thanks for sharing the photos. Off to check out her blog...

    Blessings!
    Tracy

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  7. You are too sweet! :) It was such a **pleasure** to meet you...the diner's club sandwich was pretty darn good too. ;) I was so pleased that you are just as sweet and friendly in real life as you are when you write. Can't wait until we have a chance to get together again!

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  8. I am a new blogger so I have not met anyone yet! Maybe someday. I saw your post over at 320 Sycamore and love what you wrote about being a mom. Thought I'd come over here and say hello!

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  9. There are so many of my blogging friends that I would love, love, love to meet in person. You included:)

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  10. Oh I've met some bloggers too and indeed, they are real people. Looks like you two had a great time and how nice to meet. The little cafe is adoreable. Hugs, Marty

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  11. I love this post! It sounds like yall had a great time...I've never met anyone yet because I just started blogging, maybe one day! I will check her blog out...thanks for posting this! ~Robyn

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  12. I haven't met any of my bloggy friends in real life. I'm kind of chicken...

    I did, however, learn last year that an old friend of mine is a current, very popular blogger that we all know and love! Imagine my surprise!

    Amanda is always such a doll on my blog, you are both lucky to have met :)

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  13. How sweet that y'all got to meet up...I a hoping to get to do that with a few bloggers soon! YAY! Sounds like a great time! Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday girl!

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  14. How fun! I'm sad to say that Amanda & I live in the SAME town & have yet to meet up! We actually know each other from way back when (our families attended the same church when we were younger & I was good friends w/ her sister) so I *have* met her before, it's just been a very looooong time since we've met up. :-)

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  15. I love my blog friends too:) Glad that you got to meet.

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  16. I am so glad to say that I met some of my favorite blog's authors when I stalked Blissdom last year. Jen from Beauty and Bedlam, The Nester, her sister Emily, Melissa Michaels and Kimba. But I had the best time with Susie Harris and her sister Missy...we stayed up WAY too late talking and having the best time. We have even talked about meeting halfway for a weekend! I'd SO love that!

    By the way, I look forward to meeting you in person one of these days, too! Whether at Relevant or when you come visit your sister next! : )

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  17. That is great that you two met. I have often though about what it would be like to meet some of my dear blogging friends. I have become quite fond of many of them. Carla

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  18. Yes! I got to meet you!!! But now that nearly a year has passed, we simply must make it an annual thing. So glad you got to meet one of your bloggy friends. I don't have any local friends who blog...I think they think I'm cuckoo when I talk about my "friends" in the blogosphere.

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  19. That's so funny that you two closed the dinner! You must have been having a great time! That really was Southern Hospitality at it's best.

    Manuela

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  20. I've had the privilege of seeing Amanda in person and she is a great gal! It's great that the two of you had the opportunity to really talk and get to know one another.

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