You may already have heard about Saturday on the blogging grapevine - Tracy, Val, Monica, Julie, Nancy, Alice, Emma and I got together. The excuse was a crafty day, but it was really one huge munch-and-natter-fest, with the odd bit of yarn being wafted about. Tracy was kind enough to host us in her lovely home, but quite frankly, I would happily stand in a muddy field if I got to do it with those guys.
I was thinking about them yesterday, when I ended up grabbing a bite of lunch alone in Nettlebed at Field to Fork. As a total aside, it's a great place - if you are ever in the vicinity, stop off there. Better still, email me and I'll meet you for lunch - that's how much I liked it.
But back to the point. I was sitting next to a group of four women. They were around my age and were having one of those yummy mummy chatty lunches, on which I eavesdropped shamelessly.
Do you do that when you are dining alone? Is it dreadful of me? Well, confessing must absolve me of a certain amount of guilt. Anyway, I was listening to the usual school gate type mix of bragging and gossip (they even touched on knitting at one point) and all I could think about was how very very fortunate I am to have the group of real on-line friends that I do.
They might not have been physically present yesterday, to come and have lunch. Some I may never even meet in real life. But every time we connect, in real life or on-line, they turn up with their very best selves. To chat, to share knowledge, to cheer one another's successes, support precious plans and dreams and to proffer a virtual hug when things are rough.
Hooray for finding a tribe. I am so grateful.
Being part of an on-line tribe is definitely a good thing. That feeling of 'speaking the same language', of sharing pleasures and of being able to ramble on about the joys of yarn without feeling a right dweeb is a good, good thing!
Posted by: Julie | 07 February 2012 at 17:52
It seems that a might fine time was had by all. I must remember to read the other blogs.
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 07 February 2012 at 17:53
You are such a lucky girl to be hanging with that fun group of bloggers. I think my eyes were popping out of my head when I read the first post saying that you'd all been together -- soooo exciting!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 07 February 2012 at 18:09
I'm glad you found a tribe! I am lucky to have an awesome group of women in my neighbourhood without whom I'd be lost. PS. we're heading back this summer for 3 weeks so would love to try meet up v2!!!
Lina
Posted by: lina | 07 February 2012 at 18:13
The bloggy tribe is a rather rare and wonderful one isn't it? We are very lucky. Lucy x
Posted by: lucylocket | 07 February 2012 at 18:47
mmmm the meet up. bah humbug.
Posted by: driftwood | 07 February 2012 at 18:56
ah, that sounds so fun. you know i will definitely drop you a line if i'm ever in the neighborhood. ;)
i have no tribe in 'real life' which is kinda sad/frustrating. friends, but few who 'get' me. luckily, i know people online or i'd be super sad right now.
Posted by: kirsten | 07 February 2012 at 19:09
yup, good tribe.
i'm still riding the happy wave I caught on Saturday, which is just as well given the week I'm having.
I might just go for a bath and reminisce... do you think that for once they'd manage to put themselves to bed? Nahhh to risky.
Posted by: Monica | 07 February 2012 at 19:18
I've said similar things myself ... I'm lucky to have a wonderful tribe of real-world friends who share my passion for handiwork and whippets, but membership of the bloggy tribe is a more recent blessing that I am thankful for every day.
If only I could bring myself to tweet I might get to know you all even better!
Posted by: Annie | 07 February 2012 at 19:53
What a lovely gathering of friends. I rather like the look of your lunch too... if only "Field to Fork" were nearer.
Posted by: Gina | 07 February 2012 at 21:33
Sounds like you had a great get-together with your online friends. I must check out their blogs too.
I totally understand what you mean about the school gates bragging and gossiping. It makes you treasure true friendship.
Posted by: Mary | 07 February 2012 at 22:39
Laughing at Tess's comment. And admiring your lunch.
Posted by: Lynn | 08 February 2012 at 02:10
Have looked Field to Fork up and will be emailing you!!! Looks delicious.
I feel eternally grateful that I've never had to do the school gate shenanigans and equally that I have found my tribe.
Posted by: Dragonfly | 08 February 2012 at 07:56
And the best thing is, you can never get voted off.
Posted by: Megan | 08 February 2012 at 08:03
It's a good tribe. I keep remembering Saturday and smiling.
Field to Fork sounds excellent and that nosh looks too good to miss.
Posted by: Emma | 08 February 2012 at 11:23
Oh yes - me too! I often feel like a stranger in a strange land where I live, but I've found a group of like minded friends through blogs as well. So good that you got to meet your blogging friends in real life ;).
G
Posted by: Georganne | 08 February 2012 at 15:13
Well, the grapevine has indeed reached the far south west! A bloggy tribe is such a great tribe to belong to - and what a fabulous day you all had. I have a little bit of envy, I have to admit.....
Posted by: Pebbledash | 08 February 2012 at 19:28
A tribe - perfect! I would now be lost without blog friendships - I do have a network of local friends, for sure, but there's something very special about meeting up with people you just *know* you're going to get on with - because you've already done all the awkward stuff by email.
And I am having kittens just thinking about how I am going to explain al this stuff to my children when their time comes ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 08 February 2012 at 20:44
Modern day penpals - it's the best.
Posted by: Ginnie | 13 February 2012 at 18:23
I drive past there every day and have wondered what it is like - I'll have to try it now, thanks for the suggestion!
Posted by: sara | 13 February 2012 at 22:56