Reflections: Friends Near and Far


The Challenge
It is not uncommon for me to take up shop in Starbucks on a weekday morning and do my "blogging thing"
whether it's editing photos, joining link ups, or leaving comments around the web.  I may be a cliche, but I like SB for its community vibe, turnstile of fashion, or lack of; women stopping on the way home from workouts, impromptu business meetings, students, middle-aged women visiting with friends, a few here and there studying their Bibles.  This habit began because of my husband's travel schedule.  Rather than sitting at home, it makes me feel more a part of a "place" versus staying home with the dog (a little rescue Shih tzu mix).

Today, as I settled in with my vente soy latte with an extra shot of espresso, and left a couple of comments, yeah, it's that day, I couldn't help but feel a bond with those of you who I may connect with in far flung places in the States and beyond.  We get to laugh together, share thoughts and stories, tell others what makes us cry and what frustrates us.  Oh, and we are fashion bloggers by the way, so we get to see pretty great clothes, hair and makeup, too.

While I don't believe online far away friends are a substitute for real flesh and blood ones close by (tho ya'll are real).  This community of online friends can fill a void, or add an additional layer of connections we may or may not have known we even wanted.  While we may only come in contact with each other at our best via the written word on our blogs, we have depth enough to know that we all have bad days/moments, hardships, complaints, and that's okay.

The Details
My friend, Kellyann, from This Blonde's Shopping Bag and I were able to meet up last week in Celebration, FL.  It is a joy to meet up with another blogger and you all know she is one of the sweetest ladies out there, so it makes it even more special.  Plus, she's going through a trying time with her father's illness.  I think it's a bit of medicine for our souls when we are able to get away from our typical concerns and share experiences with someone who is like-minded and caring.

The Takeaway
So, today, this day, I want to give a big shout out, collective hug "thank you!" to those of you who show up everyday to do this blogging thing.  (or Insta or...) 
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[Since I am such a bossy-pants, I insisted we take photos before we settled in to eat dinner because it was getting dark fast!  The town was in the process of putting up their Christmas tree so no shots of that, but, fortunately, we found a Santa that was willing to oblige!  I wanted to wear my mustard pants and be comfortable.  Since it was so warm and muggy I opted for my well-loved hasta luego t-shirt, which has been in frequent rotation here at FF. ]






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17 comments

  1. Kim, you are such a talented writer! I really enjoy your blog, not just the photos but reading what you have to say as well. This was so well done and I am thrilled we've had a couple of meals together. I'm hoping we can sneak in a few more before you move! These pictures turned out so well, you have me thisclose to trying my tripod! Ha!!!
    Hope you are having a restful day and that your Thanksgiving left you with a full heart!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Thank you, seriously, from the bottom of my heart! I'm thankful that your Dad is holding on and you will all get to share this season with him. <> If I can use a tripod without any accidents, anybody can!

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  2. How absolutely wonderful you two were able to meet up again!! Making friends is always a good thing whether it's near or far!! It's like finding your tribe in every way possible.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. You are absolutely right about finding your tribe!

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  3. Bossy pants? Hahaha, what a cute word! Is it that warm over there? Fantastic, wish it was warm over here. But you wrote a very good story. Must be fabulous to meet wachten other reguarly!

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    1. It's *finally* getting cooler here 60s and 70sF (15-21C). When we met it was 88F degrees (31C) on my way over to Celebration. Yes, I love meeting up with Kellyann. Thank you!

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  4. I completely agree! It seems like so many bloggers are genuinely nice people.

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  5. That is the great thing about the internet. I now know people I would never have met through Facebook groups and blogs. Meeting people of different cultures and ages has stretched me so much. Lovely post.

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  6. Hi, Kim - Blogging is especially special because of the way it connects people who live so far from each other that they never would have connected otherwise. Whew! That long sentence took my breath away. Lol! XO, Angie - www.yourtrueselfblog.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Angie. Your comment really humbles me.

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  7. I love that we now can have friends around the world, because of blogging, facebook, instagram. Especially blogging.

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    1. I know! It's pretty amazing--I feel like I know people better around the world, than down the street!

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  8. My husband works away too Kim and so I get joy in connecting with other bloggers online too. How great you got to meet up with a blog pal 'in the flesh'! xx Maria

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  9. Your post had me reflecting as I read the words. The blogging world and the people I've come to know slowly has definitely added another layer to the idea of friends, inspiration and community to me that I didn't really know was possible, at least not for an ordinary woman like me. Love that you have had a chance to actually meet up with some people and continue to build that connection in real life context too.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

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  10. Aww what a lovely post Kim. I wish I had someone I could meet up with who knows about blogging. Looks like a great day. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays :) Hope you can join us today.

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