Online Friends

I have been very fortunate over the past few years to meet

some truly amazing women online.

My first experiences came from an online forum,

Mary Jane's Farm.

There I came to know many women from all over the country....

women with common interests....many of them farm girls,

many of them aspiring farm girls.

It was during this time that I entered the world of blogging.

In blogland I met even more amazing women.

Last summer I had the opportunity to visit an online friend

in Washington state.

She opened her home to me and treated me like family.

I stayed with "Katmom" Grace for a week, and together we attended

MaryJane's Farm Farmfair 2009.

Grace and I continue to stay in touch.

Last year I started emailing a friend from my blogs, 

named Linda.

Linda lives in Kentucky.

Happily, when I went to Kentucky last month, 

I had the good fortune of meeting Linda in person

and spending a morning with her.

When we parted, she left me with the most special gift...

a basket of goodies.

Ritz for the goats, Quaker Oatmeal squares for the horses,

jelly beans and books and fabric for me.

I was so very touched.

Kindred spirits....

that's what I think of my online friends.

We share stories of our lives and our families,

along with the ups and downs of life.

These are gals who would be so much fun

 to spend time with on a regular basis...

antiquing, tea parties, crafting and sewing groups 

would be part of my world

if these gals were closer.

Over the past several years I have received
wonderful tokens of friendship in my mailbox.

Each day, when I sign onto my computer

there are emails and comments from my online "friends".

Maybe you are one of them.

What I want you all to know is how much your correspondence 

and comments mean to me.  

They are always a very bright spot in my day.

Thank you for your friendship!

Yesterday I had a chance to sew an apron for myself...

something I never do.

This apron is one that I am keeping...

the first one in years....

the rest have gone to new homes all over the country.

This one is special.

This one reminds me of the blessing of friendship.

The fabric for this apron was gifted to me...

The French chicken side from Linda.

The "I'd rather be sewing" side from Grace.

Wearing this apron when I am in my kitchen

will remind me of how lucky I am to have met

such special women....

women who I would never have met if not online.

We live in a world that has become impersonal.

It is wonderful to be "touched" by so many inspiring women,

who willingly open their arms and their hearts in friendship.

To all of you....

Thank you for touching my life!