Being a blogger has been a rewarding experience particularly because of the connections made with new and interesting people. In addition, I get to see into the worlds of those close to me and total stangers too. This morning presented an added bonus! I met in real life with a new friend, and fellow blogger, Susanna Gordon. The hours flew by as we discovered we had much in common. She has amazing talent and had brought show and tell of some stunning encaustic work. She is also a gifted photographer which you'll see when you hop over to her blog, or crack open Artful Blogging to page 100. STUNNING. Next time I hope I get to see her sketchbooks! Bookmark her blog...she's always sharing something interesting.
As I drove away from Starbucks this afternoon I was rethinking what just happened. I met another new friend because of the blog. This time it was a neighbor! So very cool to have spent the day with Susanna. Meeting and talking with her for the first time was a rare treat. Here's how it evolved:
Artful Blogging, a new publication by Stampington & Co. arrives. I am flipping through the attractive pages and I discover the article of Susanna's Sketchbook, a blog I had never visited. Love what I see....hop over to the site....say to myself, "she's in NJ, must say hello"....jot a note....Susanna writes back....we discover we live IN THE VERY SAME TOWN....as the crow flies it's barely a mile....so here we are....at Starbucks TODAY. It was a gas to meet ANOTHER ARTIST who gets how cool it is to blog and knows the rewards to be had by putting yourself out there. She is exactly the kind of person you would want to meet - very interested in seeing all there is in our neck of the woods, plus she makes cool stuff. A connection and opportunity we might have missed.
You're here, therefore you're a blog reader. You'll love this magazine. Thinking about starting your own? Get it. Already have your own? Get it. It is a very juicy publication - filled with terrific visuals and stories about the blogging experience (including my darling friend Lisa Hoffman and my Street Team!). Do you have a blog but you get that blank face when you talk to someone who doesn't get it? This is perfect evidence to prove you're not alone. Hits newstands August 1st but I've heard it's already showing up in stores. You can also order direct from Stampington.
I have enjoyed keeping this blog. It has been the most amazing experience to connect with readers from around the globe. I truly appreciate getting your comments and emails. Meeting Susanna today? Priceless. We met because we blog! Now how cool is that? Who is blogging in your neighborhood that you haven't met yet? You'll never know if you don't connect. (And buy the magazine!)
