so glad i found YOU!

A couple of years ago I decided to start blogging. I had followed a few of my favorites artists and loved the connection found through the internet. I decided to give it a whirl. I think I'm a pretty open book kinda person, so sharing my little thoughts combined with snapshots of my world has proved to be very therapeutic for me. I don't ever want to come across as someone I'm not. I want to be as authentic online as I am in person....I hope I'm that.


Some writers use their blogs as an outlet for their professional talents--photography, decorating, mixed media, etc. I love those blogs. They have helped fill the void left by the closure of all four of my favorite magazines. Now not only can I peruse their sites and be visually stimulated, I can contact them and feel connected....magazines don't do that!

I have found blogs written by women who have an amazing gift for transferring their thoughts into eloquent entries that inspire me in my walk with the Lord. Many times I've printed their words to carry in my bible or my devotional notebook. I know I won't have the pleasure of meeting them on this side, but one day in Heaven, I'll run up and squeeze their neck . I'll tell them how much those words touched my heart.

But I think one of the priceless benefits to blogging is the friendships that are formed. Friendships that might never have blossomed otherwise. I've loved reading about some of those.....kindred spirits hooking up at Silver Bella, friendships formed at artfests, bloggers connecting at the farm chicks shows, the list goes on.

Many of you have become real friends to me. Private emails sent sharing your own personal thoughts or struggles. Sometimes just a quick note sent asking what you're cooking for dinner or who has the latest great cd , advice on raising teens, sale scoop at Anthro, or even just an encouraging word. I love that.

I can loose hours just cruising between Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, blogs & typepads. I can look up and wonder "did i just waste an entire hour"...i should have been cleaning bathrooms for crying out loud! But those times when we find someone that really gets us, who desires to be an authentic friend-even from the other end of the world, someone who takes the time to write a heart felt comment...can I really see that as a waste of time? I surely don't.

I want to thank you. I want to thank those of you who have come along beside me and connected. I wish I had a $200 giveaway to send you but know I'm sending you a heart full of gratitude. And maybe if I never meet you on this side....one day I'll see you in Heaven and squeeze your neck....it'll probably be really hard....and you can laugh at my southern accent and we'll call each other friends there too.

I want to share four ladies with you....


Last week I hooked up with Heather. My hubby had known her a lifetime ago when he taught at her school. I'm not exactly sure how we got connected in the blogworld, but she has become a precious friend to me. We met for the first time last week. Over a diet coke in Chickfila she poured out her heart. I hadn't plopped down in that booth for more than 5 minutes before she , with tear filled eyes, shared her life with me. What a privilege to meet someone you have an instant connection with ....and who so easily opens up and is vulnerable....that's a high honor in the world of friendships. I love you sweetie Heather and I look forward to more diet coke days....teary ones or not!

I've spoken about Cathy before. From the other side of the world, my sweet friend Cathy has become one of my favorite friends. She lives in an amazing cottage in Australia making the most gorgeous silver charms I've ever seen. I have several and each time I wear one , I think of my kindred spirit that lives over the pond and how she pours so much love into everything she does. Our girls have formed a great instant messaging connection too. I can't wait to squeeze her neck one day & hear her accent!! A tender hearted mommy who has shown me much about the unconditional love of a mother's heart.


Lissa....gorgeous lissa who's entire family looks like something right out of Hollywood. Lissa has the biggest heart, always a kind encouraging word, and shares the same OCD passions and love of the color white as I do! (ha!) I love just chit chatting with her usually a few times a week...either about shopping scores, new clothes, marriage , or even deeper spiritual thoughts. Her desire to be real and authentic is something I highly admire in a friend. I'm gonna get out there one day girlie...just you wait....we'll be sitting on your porch over looking the ocean!

Kasey...the rockstar blogger ( who incidentally usually does have a great giveaway!) who I'm so glad I can say " i know her" when she makes her magazine debut this summer. I love Kasey's tongue in cheek humor, I love her home and feel certain one day my heavenly beach cottage will look quite similar. I love Kasey's style and spunk. If that girl lived any closer I'd road trip just to hang with her...of course, I'd have to leave my " i copied kasey" anthro wardrobe pieces behind. I love receiving one of her funny emails from which always gets a laugh out loud outta me.

Tara, Kim, Rebecca, Courtney....there are so many more of you that I think are just wonderful. and I am all the better for knowing YOU!!
I'm so glad i found YOU!!

no...my pictures don't really relate ~~but oh well
xo