Saturday, July 18, 2015

They Don't Know

I was talking to a friend one time about my blog friends, and they looked at me as if I was talking about the wind.  It seems that they were puzzled on how someone can build a relationship with another by merely a blog.  But they don't know.

There is Patricia, my Australian gem, who is superb in all she says and does.  She keeps me updated on the worldly news, latest fashion, and exceptional art.  She is interesting and well-rounded, and we have a mutual fascination with the red cardinal.


Mary's splendid cakes are fabulous.  The time she puts into making them for family and friends shows her unfailing love.  Her taste in home décor is similar to mine like no other.


When the first thing you hear is "good morning darling"  from Ria in the Netherlands, it just makes your whole day.


Taryterre can spin a few words and give us a story that enchants us for days.  Her comical way with words makes me smile daily.  She's real, funny, and wonderful.


There is Diana, who is everyone's favorite with her witty, caring, and delightful character, and with all her creativity, wisdom, and laughs, she fills our hearts with humor every day.


Val  has been with me from the beginning, and has even sent gifts from her home in Portugal.  She is a grand lady with the same love for roses that I have.


What would my day be like without visiting my dear friend, Susie?  Her daily happenings remind me of a time when life was true, pure, and good.  She's salt of the earth, and a strong role model for all women.


Penny's precious creations melt your heart.  She adds facial character to her animals, with a splash of music and fun that brings back the whimsical in all of us.  A truly good person with a genuine heart, and I cherish each time I talk with her.


Dewena is a gal after my own heart, who enchants me with her words and wisdom.  A great lady who sees the big picture, not just the small screen, and who writes eloquently about her thoughts in a way that I can really relate.


Teresa told me once that while there's one child that looks upon the sky watching balloons flying by, faith isn't, can't be lost.  I only wish I had her imagination.  She is an inspiration to me, and like this balloon floating away, if we ever part from each other in the blogging world, my love for her will never fade.

Banksy

Then there's Marcia, whose faith is everlasting, and whose gentle touch shows us a more beautiful world.  The detail and time she puts into her creations turn out to be a work of art.  And whose magical finger turns everything she touches to gold.


Jemma has a passion for life that thrills me!  She sees the good in all things.  She exudes color, charm, sincerity, and beauty, which makes the world a better place just by her being here.  She is the lovely face of what woman should be like.  My appreciation and respect for her is immense.


Kim, whose world touches the very core of my heart, and whose gentle kindness flows through her words and pictures.  Not many words she speaks, but what comes from her lips is truth.  Whose very own blog encouraged me and the girls to start one of our own.  And whose spirit connects with mine and so many others.


And Anita, a gentle spirit with a courageous heart.  Someone so amazing that you wonder how you ever got along without her.  She radiates strength, knowledge, wonder, and love, and is a rock in my life reminding me that once again, all is right with the world.


These are just a few of the amazing women here in blog land, and there are many others (Diane, Barbara, Karen, Nely, Lynn, Irina, Holly, Lucy, Tessa, Jess, Carolyn, Nancy, Susan, Deserae, Rue, Leslie, Ann, Celestina, Heather, Aida, Stephanie, Olympia, Deborah, Bety, Mary, Lauren, Dee, Angie, Judy, Patty, Doreen, Carla, Kimberly, Shirley, Imogen, Bonnie, Faye, Terra, Ana, Jennifer, Ritta, Janice, Stacy, Merle, Jan, miss b, Regine, Linda, Susie, Patti, Paula, Jan, Robin, Brandi, Jody, Noelle, Rose, Mona, Amalia, Grace, Vera, Francis, love t). Some may think that they are mere faces on a screen, out of reach and wondering to themselves.....how can you really ever be close to someone that you've never met?

But they don't know,
do they?
 
~Sheri

44 comments:

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

We really do forge the most tremendous bonds with our blog buddies. You've mentioned some of my very favorites and a few I don't know....but need to meet. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for a beautiful post. Sweet hugs, Diane

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Sheer poetry. Well done, beautifully "book ended" with your title, with your closing. But enough of the poetic analysis....I am in tears.

I will expose myself right here.

Last night, I wept. I wept because I realized I have no friends close by with whom I can spontaneously have a tea party or do I even have enough ladies close by who would be willing to come to have a luncheon with me on my deck? ZERO.

I cried myself to sleep facing the truth that with the exception of having met our wonderful Penny once, I probably will never meet her again, I probably will never be able to enjoy the laughter and fellowship of Marcia face to face, or ever see you. I am sad that blogging comments have dwindled, I am addicted to communication, and I often wonder, "Where are my ideas and words going? Does anyone even care?" Heck, last night during a horrible thunder and lightening storm, I even started to think of my deceased mother and asked, "Did my mother love me?" A basket case one may think, if they read my comment here. But it's the truth because we all want to be loved.

And then I open up your blog post. In the company of my dearest Penny and Marcia, Ria and others, I am reminded of the truth that kindness wins. Those words supported by consistent and loyal companionship, even if it's only through a screen are no different from the old days when people had pen pals. We are a people who need one another, whether near or far. And for me, I have a wealth of friends that are far...that is my destiny, and I'll take it.

Sheri, you are a gem. You are one of the few women I've talked to on the phone who exude the exact same character in voice as you do on your blog. You are a jewel in my crown, and thank you.

You are always in my heart dear friend. Anita

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

-smile- No, they don't know.

Love this post! I'm sure it speaks for so many of us, in blogging. We are friends, with our blog friends. Even though I always have to say, "a blogging friend" when I mention someone to family. Because they know there are no people, with such names, in my life. So if I don't say, blog friends, they might........ Question. :-)

But we are friends. In fact, you all are the only friends I am cultivating in my life now days. Family are 'friends' of course. But beyond that, I have ceased to wander. And it perfect for me.

All which goes into real-life friends, is just too much bother for me, now. ,-) Random phone calls, and need to "meet for lunch", and suggestions that one join this or that, as they are doing... All of that, I simply don't need in my life now.

And yet, I have this delightful network of friends, all over the country, and all over the world!!!!!!!! Giving me hugs, and stimulating me to think new thoughts, and encouraging me and just being there, even.

I am happy, thus.

Gentle hugs,
Tessa

Susan said...

No, people who don't understand blogland friendship really don't know much about it.

Oh, Sheri, loved your post today. Would love to meet all the bloggers you wrote about. Maybe I will, by going to their blogs.

Sometimes, when I mention blogs to my non-blogging friends, they look at me like I'm some kind of alien from Mars. Again, they just don't know.

I cherish you as a dear blog friend, as well! Susan

Sola Scriptura said...

What a lovely post! I'm so thankful for friendships through blogging. On another note, today is my due date! I have scheduled future posts on my blog, but I don't think I'll actually be around blogland for a few weeks. I will check in with you and update you on baby news, but meanwhile don't worry about me ;)

Susie said...

Sheri, You touch my heart with your sweet words. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would love people I have never met and may never see in person....but I do !!! You are certainly one of them. :):) I read Anita's comment, it made me want to go have lunch with her. I find myself alone many days. I think where are my g.friends. Truth is many women are busy with families and will not take the time to go out for lunch or just having a gathering. This is one reason some of the ladies from my H.S. days still want to have brunch once a month...I go , we must make an effort to stay friends. I wish we could all meet . Blessings to all, You know I love you girl, Susie

White Lace and Promises said...

You are so right. My blogging friends at this moment are my closest friends and my children of course, but they have their own lives. Since the move, I've needed my friends are here more than ever. My kids look at me when I talk about blogging friends like, "Yeah, right. About like FACEBOOK friends." No thank you. You guys are encouraging and gracious and I think we all try to build each other up. I post my anxious thoughts and know that I will not be judged or if I am I don't know it. You are such a sweetheart!

Lynne said...

We are writing life's book together.
Blog friends are 24 - 7 !
You are a dear blog friend, Sheri!
I say let's all meet in "Minny" for a big tea party, one day!
From Blogland to our own Wonderland!
(Are your ears burning, Anita?) (Not to far from Tipton, Susie!)
~Lynne
w/L


Carla from The River said...

Thank you and you are so right. xx oo
I love this world of blogging. So many times, it is my blog friends that cheer my day.
Great post!
Carla

Jess said...

Blogland is an amazing place that we're lucky enough to have found and I can honestly say that Blogging has changed my life. Thankyou Sherri for such a lovely post. xx

Terra said...

This is a lovely tribute to some of your blogging friends. Yes, we truly do become friends with fellow bloggers. Whether they are near or far, we don't often meet in person. Just yesterday my blog friend sent me a sweet card and bookmarks all the way from her home in the Philippines, to my home here in California.

Lucy@heart and hearth said...

Sheri, What a lovely way to sum up the friendships that are made through blogs.
You sweet Sheri, have blessed my world so many times.
Thank you for all you do that makes your spirit resonate through cyber space.
xo

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Sheri,

Yes, so beautifully said and who would of thought when we first started blogging that we would have so many wonderful friends from all around the world. I love it that we can share friendship and encourage each other and I always love the inspiration from others. Thanks for your kind friendship and love.
Hope your are having a lovely weekend
hugs
Carolyn





































































Stephanie said...

My sweet, precious Sheri....what a beautiful and touching post! I agree with Anita, sheer poetry, my dear :) And speaking of Anita, I feel the same way about her. She is a gift, isn't she!

These women who have become friends through blogging are truly remarkable and oh-so-special. My dear Sheri, you are among these lovely women and you touch so many lives {including mine}.

Much love to you!

Patricia said...

Oh, Sheri, you really have made my day - no my Week! And not only, blushing as red as the cardinal bird, you put me at the top of your beautiful list, but your wonderful words about all your bloggie friends (and don't think I won't be visiting them, very soon :) Your posts always warm my heart, and you are so right: No, non-bloggers do not understand. But we are happy with our wonderful form on connection in today's tough world. A little love and kindness go a long way to make our day.
PS I also related to many of the comments, especially about finding more fulfilling friendships online via blogging. Family and friends really are the true meaning of life, I believe. Hugs, Sheri, and Happy Sunday. xoxox

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning dearest heart!

I just saw your comments on my blog (thank you for coming) and YOU WENT TO INSTAGRAM! Oh the horses.....let me tell you, about three days ago, I drove out east to a little town called Stillwater. It's on the border of Wisconsin and it's only about a 30 minute drive on a straight highway from our end of Minneapolis. I went into an equestrian veterinary center and asked them if they could direct me to some pastures so I could take photos of horses. The kind woman behind the desk said, "You can go to my house! I have horses!" She allowed me to go to her gorgeous ranch and I found my horses.....I took so many photos and then the farm across from her too....the next day Ruben took me back and I got a second round of photos of one brown horse that came to the end of the fence by the side of the road. This gorgeous mare just kept getting closer and closer....I wanted to pet her, but I was afraid I'd get in trouble for trespassing!

Thank you so much for looking at my photos. I took more yesterday of ROSES just for you. Come by again when you can.

MUCH LOVE! Anita

It's me said...

What a sweet post for all our loving blogfriends ......like it verry Much ...love blogging !!..it is a special world with sweet girls...more fun than fb.....thank you for your friendship sheri...and your beautiful daughter's ...Nice to met you....and i hope friends for ever....You are so special to me....love love love Ria....and have a Nice day Darling...!!!..;-)...xxx!

LoveT. said...

What a wonderful Post full of Heart <3

lovely Greets to you and your Friends ,kisses :)

handmade by amalia said...

This is wise and true. Blogging friends are the most supportive, understanding friends you could hope to have.
Amalia
xo

LoveT. said...

Now i see my Name ,thank you so much Sheri ♡ ,it is always a pleasure to visit you :)

Dewena said...

Oh, dear Sheri, thank you for this sweet post. It was a Sunday gift to read it when I sat down to rest. It is difficult for people to understand and yet no one who saw Julie & Julia could doubt that Julia Child and her friend Ava (was that her name?) were true friends even though they didn't meet for 10 years, only exchanged letters. And that's what these posts of ours are, aren't they? Letters to each other that often lead to emails flying back and forth across the miles.

It does not surprise me at all that you count these many women bloggers as true friends because you so wholeheartedly extend the heart of friendship to others. And now you've given me the opportunity to meet your friends that I haven't had to pleasure of meeting yet. I'll have to come back over and over this week to this sweet post and visit your friends.

God bless you, dear Sheri,
Dewena

Faye Henry said...

I do love my blogging friends... Thank you so much for including me.. God bless.. xox

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Sherri, what a beautiful post. You are so right about our blogging friends. Some i feel like I have known all my life and are so close to. If those people don't blog, they have no idea what we are talking about. I have met so many wonderful people that I consider my friends.
Have a wonderful week dear blogging friend.
Mary

TARYTERRE said...

You too have touched me with your beautiful photos and thought provoking captions and wonderous stories. What a sweet, loving blog post you've written. Thank you for the kind words about me. There is indeed a unique kinship among us blog buddies as we share our lives. You are the dearest friends. My life would be incomplete without you.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Dearest Sheri,

My heart overflows with love and thankfulness for having met sweet, tender, true blue, honest, and beautiful you and I am honored to be your blogging friend. You and other lovely ladies are always in my heart, thoughts and soul, I say prayers for you and send positive vibes into our big world hoping that you will feel them on the kiss of a breeze. I had no idea that when I entered this world of blogging that I would meet such kindred spirits. My life is enriched and full because of these precious stars that now are part of my world.
You have written so eloquently and thoughtfully and I thank you for enriching my life with your gentle, loving and caring spirit.
With much love,
Jemma

Teresa said...

It is an immense privilege to count you between my blessed friends. An honor to share you with so much awesomeness.

They don't know you as we probably do.
They don't know me or they would be even more baffled by your treasured friendship and this post (I certainly feel unworthy of so touching words and outstanding devotion)

AND

They don't know:

"Absence is to love as wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small and kindles the great."


In our hearts we'll never be away or apart. But always in tune in what matters most to each other.


Loving you Dearly,

Teresa

Bety said...

Oh, what a wonderfuland touching post! Sheri you're a very special person and very glad that despite the huge distance between us so we have this precious thing between us - friendship!
With interest will visit blogs of your friends!
Have a wonderful week dear Sheri!
Hugs!

Tulla and Catie said...

Hi Sheri,
such a nice post, you have really made thoughts about the girls you are following, I was overwhelmed!!! But I agree with you, I am also talking about MY blogger friends although I have never seen one of them. But I also have the feeling that I know them a little bit and some of them also for a long time already. You are my friend from California :), Sheri!
Hugs from Germany,
Barbara

Cheryl said...

Yes... blogging friends are fabulous friends and to those who don't understand... they are surely missing out!

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

Such a sweet and heartfelt post Sheri… Thank you for your sweet words, I feel honored to have made your list. You are a sweet and special blog friend.
Lots of love,
Mary

Riitta Sinikka said...

♥♥-thank you for this post!♥♥ You are so sweet blog friend♥ Hugs! ♥

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

This is so lovely and so very true! People who don't blog just don't understand how wonderful blog friends can be! A lovely tribute, but don't forget yourself, Dear Friend. A kinder, sweeter, dearer person cannot be found! Hugs xo Karen

Rue said...

((((Sheri)))

No, they don't know and unless they joined in, they never will. It's why I came back and what I missed when I was gone.

Beautiful, sweet post, my friend :)

xo,
rue

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

My dear friend!
I have been cut off from the world since last Friday... I am so sorry I missed this post... My FIOS power was knocked out by a power outage. It was repaired yesterday... So no phone, internet or TV since Friday.

What a beautiful tribute to your blogger friends...I am so honored that you have included me among such wonderful people... Who would have ever thought that by blogging would connect us to some many heartfelt souls.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
blessings,
Penny

Unknown said...

A beautiful tribute from a most kind, generous and beautiful blog friend...oh Sheri, you have the biggest heart. I'm honored to be included in your group of blog friends. You words are so true--this is a real and genuine connection we make. We may not be meeting for coffee everyday but we check in with each other and share the journeys of life.
Delightful post my dear.
xx, Heather
PS-Just catching up after vacation! :) The girls trip looks fabulous! xx

Susie Swanson said...

Oh Wow, this is such a touching post my dear friend. I feel the same about you and all the things you say are so true. I have met so many wonderful and beautiful friends like you through Blogging and I cherish the friendship and bonds we have made.. You are right there at the top of my list sweet friend and I love you dearly.. Hugs across the miles with lots of smiles and love. xoxox

Anonymous said...

Thank you, love. If only you knew what reading this meant to me tonight, at this very precise moment.
It's wonderful to know you, my huckleberry friend.
xoxo

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Sheri, I've been feeling guilty about not visiting as many of my blog friends as I'd like, but was determined to stop by your blog today and do some catching up. I'm so glad I didn't just look at your latest post. What a thoughtful, eloquent post you have written, that has touched the hearts and souls of many. It is because of bloggers like you that so many 'don't give up' even when we feel like no one is reading or commenting or cares. I don't know if I'm the Doreen in your list, but if so I am truly honored and touched. Thank you for brightening my day!

xxx

miss b said...

What a lovely post! When I have the chance I shall pop over to the blogs which I am not familiar with. I love the way blogging gives us the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. I am so grateful to be included in your blog friends' list. I always appreciate your visits and your thoughtful comments. Thank you!

Red Rose Alley said...

Loved each and every one of your comments. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

~Sheri

Lowcarb team member said...

Sorry Sheri, but I'm a little late with leaving my comment. Having had a few days away I'm only catching up with all my lovely blogging friends, and it was so nice to read this post.

Have a lovely weekend

All the best Jan

Kim said...

That was beautiful, Sheri! It's an honor to know you, my dear. You hold a special place in our hearts, too, ya know!

hidden art of homemaking said...

I love this post, Sheri...and no, they really don't know..so many times, my blogging friends are much more real and encouraging than anyone in real life..but wait, maybe this IS real life....just a new era.....
Love,
Mona

Unknown said...

What a great post. :) I am now finally catching up and seeing what everyone is doing. Been many changes in my life. But your blog is warm and encouraging.