The Rewards of Blogging

If it wasn't for blogging, I think that I would have missed out on meeting some of the most wonderful people on earth!  I'm truly amazed at the people I meet - mainly just through the internet, and not in person. But then an opportunity arises to meet some of these people in person.  I had such good fortune in May when I met Robin who I consider a special friend, and now once again, I've been truly blessed with meeting more friends that I've become acquainted with through blogging.  Where the world seems so huge, blogging has pulled that world together and introduced me to some fantastic people.

Last week I spent five wonderful days in Utah, meeting people who I knew, but didn't know.  Had left comments for on their blog, and they on mine, had an occasional email with, etc., but had never met them in person.  They each shared the same love I did - stitching and things crafty.  You wonder about those people sometimes - what they're really like, what their voice sounds like -  you smile when you read their comments, and eagerly await their blog updates.  You find that they have other interests that are like yours.  You wonder about them, wish that you could meet them, but in the course of everyday life you know that you live too far away and have schedules that conflict.  So you email and follow their blogs and never meet them, but yet, because of the shared interests, you feel like they're part of your heart and soul.  Well, I had the most wonderful opportunity to finally meet up with some of these very special people and find out what they're like. We all met up at the Canyons in Utah - a truly beautiful place (all pictures are clickable I think).

Some of the girls flew out for the Shepherd's Bush Retreat.  Others like myself, just went along for the heck of it.  To meet, eat, stitch and have a great time!

I met up with Julie, Loraine, Terri and Jolene and we had a wonderful time.  Loraine's friend Kathryn was also there and was our resident cook.  What outstanding meals we had - Salmon in Parchment, Blackberry Chicken, Pecan Chicken to name just a few.  I am definitely not exaggerating when I say that we ate better than we would have if we had eaten out.  And Kathryn was wonderful enough to give us the recipes.

We also met up with Cathi, Cari, Joan and their friend Karen:

Karen, Joan, Cari, Loraine and Cathi.  What a hoot these ladies are!  

And the whole group at lunch:

Jolene, Terri, Karen, Cari, Cathi, Joan, Loraine, Kathryn and Julie at Bandit's Restaurant!  What fun!  A lot of good laughs and good food.

And these ladies spoiled us!  From Loraine and Jolene we were presented with these wonderful gifts:

Such wonderful talent both these women have.  These bags were stuffed with patterns that Loraine had designed, a bag with scissors and floss winders and Jolene also made this wonderful pinkeep:

Jolene and Loraine are just about the sweetest, kindest and most generous people you would ever hope to meet!  I am so happy that I now can consider you friends and I'll cherish that friendship forever.

Cari, Cathi and Joan also are so talented and so much fun to be around!  They gave each of us these goodies:

Such wonderful goodies and special momentos of our time together.  I'll treasure these forever!!  I wish that we could have spent more time together!  I think that my stomach would be killing me from all the laughing!  And I'm amazed that with all the noise and bustle that night when we were all together, that Joan could still keep the pedal to the metal and keep sewing!  LOL

It was such a great time - just the best.  We did some sightseeing, and what would a trip be to Utah without going to Shepherd's Bush?

Moi outside Shepherd's Bush

We had a lot of fun there - shopping, spending money (big time) and meeting some more people.  I wish I had taken pictures, but I met Katrina and her friend Karin, and Val at Shepherd's Bush!  Such a great time.   We had lunch in Ogden while we were there.  The street are lined with painted horses:

We also toured Salt Lake City and visited Temple Square, Brigham Young's House - The Bee Hive House and the Lion House:

Beautiful gardens around the house and around Temple Square

The Lion House

And a couple samplers located in the house:

And I know that the next picture is rather odd, but I had to snap a picture of the Sinclair Gasoline sign.  We used to have them in Michigan and it was like a trip down memory lane seeing one of them.  I remember watching the Flintstones and always thinking of Dino the Dinosaur whenever I'd see one of them.

Jolene and I went out one morning and tried to rustle up some trouble in a quilt store (and we did do a little bit of damage), and then we went to the cutest antique store where Jolene scored an excellent deal on a pincushion.  I wish I had a picture of it, but let's say, it was a steal at $6.00.  Way to go Jolene!!!  And I thought the building was adorable!!

I can't say enough about what a wonderful time I had and how wonderful it was to finally meet and finally get to know Loraine, Jolene and Kathryn, Cari, Cathi and Joan, and their friends Kathryn and Karen.  And to meet Katrina, Karin and Val.  I hope that our paths cross again and I will cherish the memories of this week forever!  You are all such wonderful, sweet and generous souls, and I count myself blessed to have met each and every one of you!!

Now, should we all do it again next year?  I'm in!!!!!!

Oh, and after a two month hiatus on stitching, I finally was able to park my rear in a chair and get a slight case of stitch butt!  It felt so good!!!  I have to thank you girls for finally getting me out of the stitching rut!

I know that I've been absent from commenting lately and I apologize, but things were really crazy up until I went on the trip, but I plan on rectifying that situation ASAP.  I have missed seeing what everyone is working on and can't wait to catch up!!!