Exploring Something New: Meeting Other Bloggers in Person!

I started blogging several years ago as a way to let my family and friends know what I was up to. This was before many people were using Facebook and probably before the existence of Twitter, so blogging was a great way to stay connected. 2 years ago when I started my business I began using my blog for just business purposes. And today, I have morphed the personal and business side of blogging and have enjoyed updating my Hip Mountain Mama Blog several times a week. I also run my environmental blog called One Small Change.

I am not only a blogger, but I am an avid reader of other blogs! I just love reading what others have to say and have spent many hours surfing the web finding blog after blog that draws me in and leaves me feeling energized and inspired. With all this connecting with other bloggers on line, I never in my dreams imagined that I would meet any of these people in person!

Here is Shannon with her son Keston on their trip to Colorado

One of my favorite...if not my all time favorite...bloggers is Shannon of Free Spirit Knits (seriously check her out if you haven't already!). She contacted me this Spring to say she would be vacationing close to where I live and that she wanted to get together! I was soooo excited! Now, you never know in these cases if things are actually going to work out, so I tried to take it in stride. It is always easy to make the plans, but when it comes down to it it is even easier to break plans. But, sure enough, Shannon arrived into town and we got together! We met at a little cafe in my town and chatted for about an hour an a half while her son played with toys and my girls colored. It was such a surreal experience just looking at her face and hearing her voice..in person! She is every bit the genuine person I believed her to be on line!

Sara and I in front of her home

And, the story doesn't end here! A few weeks ago I got a call from another one of my favorite inspirational bloggers, Sara of The Happy Janssens. She is a travelling Mama and just happen to be staying 15 miles from my house for a few weeks. She was hosting a gathering at her RV site and invited us to come meet her and her family. This was another opportunity that would have been easy to let slip by...it was a hot day, I was tired, the kids were cranky...but it was something that I knew I would regret if I didn't follow through. It was another surreal experience and one I will cherish. Sara and her family are adorable, fun, and all around great people to know!

Lisa and I in Sara's RV

Now to add to all this excitement I had surprise that night of the meeting at Sara's RV. As I was sitting down chatting with new friends, Lisa from Visionary Mom, walked in. I was stunned as I had no idea she was going to be there! It was amazing to get to meet Lisa, finally, in person. I believe Lisa and I actually first met from the Mothering Forums! She is an inspirational Mama helping other Mamas to achieve their dreams...amazing!!

Getting to meet these ladies in person has been a wonderful experience. I immediately felt closer to each one after our "in person" meeting and feel like I have made new life long friends. I have a strong belief that everything in life happens for a reason and each of these fabulous women have come into my life at just the right moment!

I hope you will make sure to greet every new opportunity with open arms and continue to explore new things and new friendships this summer!

Exploring Something New: Meeting Other Bloggers in Person!