I’ve been blogging a few years now. I set out to just write words and use my voice. The exercise of writing is cathartic and a wonderful outlet. I started a blog to simply write. I never banked on making friends. I mean really, the idea of making friends through some words on a screen that somehow pass through the Al Gore Superhighway. Preposterous! However, I’ve made real friends online. I mean people I interacted with online and eventually met in person. You’ve heard me wax about Caroline, Corina, Joanne, Jennifer, Kim, and Britt. There are plenty of others, too many to list.
Vanessa
Whit
Kelby
Gina
Ron
Susan
Debbie
Mary
Sugar
Molly
Becky
Devra
Julie
Cristie
Kim
Schneider Mike
Jimmy
Bill
Jess
Lisa
Erin
Mary
Deirdre
Hugh
Matt
I’ve met plenty of people who have my back, and they know I have theirs. We are an odd bunch at first look, but my blogger buddies are as diverse, committed, wonky, and loyal as friends I only know IRL. We feel a connection through our words and open ourselves up with no barriers. We learn a lot from the written word, even if it’s only in 140 characters. Today I’m toasting my blogosphere pals, with whom I became enamored online and became friends with in person.
My friend Maggie, a fellow homonymophile (that’s totally a real word), once mailed me a book of homonyms and homophones she compiled with some friends. I keep it in my office and chuckle every time I flip through it. She also sent me a postcard book of classic cocktails from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Maggie found it at a garage sale, and knowing how much I appreciate a tasty drink and a good deal, she mailed it to me. The photographs are amusing, and the drinks are strong. The cocktails in this little book are photographed in the glassware of their time, along with other 1920s accoutrements. These are drinks born from Prohibition so there’s a joyously sinful aftertaste that comes with each sip.
Today I toast my blogger buddies. 2011 is the Year Without a Conference for me so I didn’t get to see anyone in person. But we kept in touch through tweets and status updates and emails and texts and phone calls and yes, even hand written notes.
Gin & Sin
1 ounce gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 dash grenadine
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Lucky me that I got to see you in March anyway!! And that I see your name on my phone everytime your phone butt-dials me. I count you as a true friend, and I’m so glad I met you here. Bottoms up!
Aw, that sounds perfect – gin, citrus – perfect.
So glad to know you.
Yum! Cheers!
I love you, and wish you could be in San Francisco when Gina and I get together with the kids. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. Love you bunches lady. xo
You got to see me in person!!
I’ve been hosting a visit from my parents for the past week so I’m just seeing your post now. I too cherish my online-turned-real-life friends. I’m especially happy that several are right here in NC. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!