Most of us don't know each other, we wouldn't know each other if we passed in the street, we are in effect.....strangers. Yet I don't feel like we are. We feel like kindred spirits. You understand the joy of creating, the joy of sharing your achievements, with me! (oh and everyone else reading of course!)
Yes, you might not be popping over to mine for a cuppa and a chat, but it feels a bit like you do.
So what compels us to spend our time, lovingly making something....then give it away, to a stranger? The joy of making, the joy of sharing?
I've been pondering on this today......
as I opened my lovely, lovely, giveaway from Heather....thank you so much Sweetheart, it is BEAUTIFUL!
We share such a lot in our blogs, we try and keep things upbeat, but also share when things aren't so great. There's a lot of support out there, doesn't matter if its practical support you need, or a virtual hug.....it's there, never very far away.
I'm a very open, honest person in 'real' life, but I'm also very private. You will find me closing my curtains as soon as the lights need to be switched on. I don't like people peeking into my home as they walk by, ironic isn't it....after all I share my home on this blog!
I don't really understand it myself. What I do understand is how much this little space means to me...how much the 'chats' I have with you inspire me, make me smile.
This little garland is making me smile too, that someone would put their time, effort and their love of what they do into it....then give it to me. Who they don't know! It's amazing really isn't it, don't you think?
I've also been smiling at the sun shining on my fabric today...the colours have been wonderful.....I'm soaking those colours in, I really do think colours have a profound effect on me. My little garland is helping in my quest to create a colourful, calm and happy home. Thanks again Heather :) x
Talking of peeking...I've finished this today, will share soon...
Just a little peek.....
Thanks for visiting, and thanks for the 'chat'! You are all really, really good listeners!
Ada :) x
Posted with Blogsy
How gorgeous Ada, yes it's a great feeling having kindred spirits out there, it's almost difficult to feel alone with the blogging community :o) There are times when i think I might just pack it all in as it feels a little like i am a bit self absorbed or materialistic which I don't think I am but I sometimes wonder if I come across like that?
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I'm loving your special couch space with those pretty Spring crocheted flowers, how very delightful for a delightful lady xxx Penny
Penny, I can't think of anyone less self absorbed or materialistic!!! :) x
DeleteHi Ada, what a thought-provoking post, thank you.Yes, it is strange, we blog away, putting our opinions, our thoughts, our hopes and fears - to varying degrees - out there for all to read. I suppose we feel that our audience is a self-selected one, one that perhaps we feel comfortable with, because, by choosing to read our blog they probably share our interests. We may not always agree with everything each of us writes, but in general
ReplyDeletewe can agree to disagree - where necessary - with the minimum of enmity.It's very seldom that a call for help is ignored, and one only has to admit to feeling a bit blue, for half a dozen lovely folks to pop up and leave an encouraging comment. No one pretends we are all best friends, blogging after all is not real life; but some regular commentators do become more 'real' to us, and we look forward to their remarks and responses.Life wouldn't come to a standstill if I had to stop blogging, but I do know that blogging has enriched my life, and you, dear Ada, are part of that enrichment!
Thank you Lynne. Blogging adds to what I already have in place, my family and friends are brilliant, I'm also lucky to have friends who understand why I go weak at the knees over vintage sheets! But this blogging malarkey does add a different dimension, one for which I'm very grateful. I'm also very grateful to those women out there who've inspired to to have a go, you know who you are!!! :) x
DeleteDear Ada Bea, blogs have a sneaky way of illustrating the REAL essence of a writer. People may think they are hiding their real selves but believe me despite their best efforts words reveal much.
ReplyDeleteYou my dear soul reveal yourself and the blogging world has responded to your beauty and kindness.
It is funny because although I don't on average get many comments on my blog, my close friends do read it and tell me that it is very ME.....you just cannot trick the blog fairy!! :-)
I'm no beauty Susan, but thank you! But what I do try to do is show kindness and compassion, this I credit to my Mums influence. One of the kindest, compassionate women ever! :) x
DeleteOh Ada I do so agree. I love my crafty, blogging friends; my virtual friends, who don't judge me for my love of fabrics and crafting but understand and feel the same way. I'm glad we are all there for each other x
ReplyDeleteI know, some of my non crafty friend think I'm bonkers! :) x
DeleteMine too! X
DeleteTotally agree. In the face of awful events in the world, us Bloggers of daily life, crafting and family are the best bits of the human condition. We support, understand and empower each other.
ReplyDeleteSally x
It's been a horrible week for those in the USA, my heart goes out to them! :) x
DeleteHi Ada, I'm with you on the curtain drawing front but yet I too have a blog. I think the difference is that we let people see into our homes on our blogs as they don't know where we are, they are not walkin past on the street and peering in. We don't show what we don't want to be seen. I only post pictures of my children if its a back view for example. We are in control of what happens and we can give as much or as little detail as we want. We have a certain anonymity, along with a degree of camaraderie with our fellow bloggers, especially those with similar interests and as Lynne says regular commentators do become blog friends. It's a diary of sorts that isn't secret, a record of our achievements that maybe not all of our real life friends share an interest in. Keep up the good work, Rowen @ Coastal Colours x
ReplyDeleteYes, I only show the bits I want too but I have my fair share of mould, leaks and ugly bits of my home too...they would frighten people away! :) x
DeleteMe too lol x
Deletewhat a lovely and thoughtful little parcel!...looks like that giveaway was meant to be yours!
ReplyDeleteI often wonder if we were all plonked in a room together would we have anything to say!!...pffft of course we would!...my niccy tells me that I like to blog cause it means at that moment I have the floor??!...which is a little strange as I can be shy (sometimes?)...I used to be hooked on penpal letters as a kid and I think it is just the high tech version of that, on masse!.
oh well who cares why???...just so pleased we do! xx
Can you imagine the noise level! :) x
DeleteHello Ada
ReplyDeleteAll you have expressed here very much echos my own thoughts. I don't understand it either...its mystical. If someone had said to me two years ago (yes two years.....six months of which I just lurked and read other people's post stupidly waiting for the right moment or so I said to myself LOL!) that I would become addicted to blogging (in the nicest sort of way) I would have laughed at the idea. If I had known then what I know now...sigh!
kep well
Amanda :-)
Me too, but then I do tend to get addicted to lovely things! :) x
DeleteSuch a gorgeous gift. It's not strange that you share your home in your blog even though you are a private person. When you are sharing something it is on your terms. And aren't we lucky that you share such lovely pictures!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it's a beautiful garland! :) x
DeleteCaring is sharing, no? I think we take care of each other ( we have a crafty passion that make a bond) and we share our passion and love for what we do, knowing that everything we make/create is really appreciated by the recipients!!!
ReplyDeletexxxxx Ale
We certainly do share a crafty passion! :) x
DeleteI could not agree more Ada, it is like we have zeroed in on people that share values and interests which is actually far harder to do in real life, so many people come into our lives for totally different reasons (work, kids). I'm not at the exchanging gifts stage of blogging yet, but give me time! x
ReplyDeleteYes I think our values and interests are very similar, I suppose like other bloggers who maybe talk about something different....we're craft magnets! :) x
Deletei know exactly what u mean! my blogger friends will never replace the friends and family that im involved with day to day....but they are such a supportive, encouraging and accepting bunch, i love my blogging friends too!i popped the sheet in the post for u today...hope it arives soon xx
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we are very accepting....looking forward to the parcel! Will sort one out for you too! :) x
DeleteIt is wonderful to have so many blogging friends as I do not know people where I live so you lot are my only friends and are very real to me..
ReplyDeleteThe crochet flowers are so pretty, will have to try and make some of them for my crazy quilting
Isn't the a local craft group you could get involved with? I know it can be difficult to start new things but you could really enjoy it! :) x
DeleteHi Ada, it looks lovely there hanging underneath your window, the colours go with the cushions! funny you said you were thinking you needed a flower garland?! the universe moves in wonderful ways, don't you think! Heather x
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather, I'm so glad the universe bumped us together! :) x
DeleteHi There, It's a really big world out there and it's mostly filled with love!!!
ReplyDeleteAll you have to do is listen (Or read) and such a small act will be greatly rewarded with love!!!! Ada, you sure are a lucky girl!!!!
Love
AMarie
To true! :) x
DeleteYes I value kindness, compassion and integrity too Ada... this blogging world has sometimes been my only social contact and so has become an important creative network for me... OOO pigs.. Ah that birdy fabric ... is it a tea towel?? swoon! Cx
ReplyDeleteIt's the paper the parcel was wrapped in, carefully folded to be reused....too pretty to go in the recycle bin! :) x
DeleteHello Ada, what a lovely post, and a lovely gift for you ... you deserve it sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not knowing each other in the street, and to be honest I would probably go a bit silly if I did meet anyone (met Rachelle from Ted&Agnes/Granny Chic at Harrogate last year, might have mentioned it!)and be a bit starstruck! But the kindness is amazing ... I've received books, lovely gifts, won giveaways, shared swaps ... all with strangers, but virtual friends! I feel I do know lots of you, because we pour our hearts out in our blogs, revealing so much about our lives, loves and worries.
We all like similar things, and have strong values, so the saying is so true, 'birds of a feather flock together' ... I think that is what makes it work so well ...
Have a Wonderful Weekend, Ada
Love from your virtual friend, Claire xxx
Yes, I think the kindness is something very special! In a solid not yucky way! :) x
DeleteAren't bloggy friends just the best? That garland is so lovely and it is that complete unexpectedness of something turning up in your letterbox that someone who has never met you knows you will like that is so amazing. Gosh that was a wordy sentence, sorry. I think lots of us use the appreciation of all the small moments in life to cope with otherwise challenging days and I for one love all the vintage goodness and colour in your posts. mel x
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for my home....fits right in! Thank you :) x
DeleteBlogging is indeed a funny old past time in many ways, but I think in the main it is a positive one. Like you say strangers that aren't and the support and kindness that you find here in this place called blogland.
ReplyDeleteI am like you too, I hate people nosing past my house if lights are on and always shut my curtains when it gets a bit dark! I suppose its about choice and what we choose to share online or not.
What a pretty bunting no wonder you were so happy! Thank you for your comment over at mine.
Hope you have a fab weekend.
P x
Thank you, I've had so much support since I started my little blog it's very heart warming! :) x
DeleteThats so true Ada...spot on as usual...love the garland Heather is a sweetie, and very god with the hook too I see....?
ReplyDeleteDaisy xx
Heather is one talented lady! :) x
Delete~ It is a kind place to dwell...~ and a talented place also....LOVE the little garland...so special! ~ Have a fun Friday, Ada! We have Mr sun shine! yippee....spring has sprung here in the north west! I was just pondering on your words.....I am just as I am on here! I leave my curtains open....Make friends easily...and probably am a little to open.. But I am also quite shy too....I do hope Peeps get the real me! It just makes you think.......some times when I post, I feel I am just telling a tale to a few close friends..Maybe this is the real! x
ReplyDeleteThe real you is just fine...I get you! :) x
DeleteIt is funny isn't it, lots of friends in this computer, but as you say we wouldn't even recognise each other in the street. Beautiful presents, so happy for you :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, I really love it! :) x
DeleteI love that garland, Heather is incredibly talented and I'm so glad you won.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about privacy - I totally get that! I think it's because sharing our homes on our blogs is on OUR terms, with our control, whereas a nosy person peeking into out lit home at night does not feel nice. It's all about boundaries. And I often don't tell people about my blog either. If they chance upon it, then fine, but I don't advertise it. Funny that! x
Absolutely Gillian, we are in control...well if you call getting all giddy over vintage sheets in control! :) x
DeleteIt's so true Ada!
ReplyDeleteWhen you finally meet up its really odd, like meeting an old friend, who likes all the wierd stuff that you do. A lovely heart for a lovely heart x
That's right, I feel the same! :) x
DeleteThe gift is perfect for you, and perfect for Spring, now it has finally popped its head over the parapet. Thankyou for sharing your colourful world with us, please keep it up! I am not really a nosy person, (I prefer 'inquisitive'!) but I feel if people leave their curtains open they are fair game for a peek at their house - I love to see how others decorate and embellish! At least on a blog, only like-minded kindred spirits see your home, not all and sundry passing by!
ReplyDeleteThanks, yes spring is finally here, hopefully there will be colour in the garden too! :) x
DeleteIt is funny how so many of us who blog are private people. Mrs Black the shoppe keeping cat is far more outgoing than I am. I love your room with those windows high up, delightful. And that daisy bunting is wonderful! Minerva x
ReplyDeleteThank you Minerva, when I designed the conservatory I wanted it to seem more like a room so we had walls built either side :) x
DeleteHi Ada! I feel like I've met so many lovely people through my blog and in the online world - I think it's a fabulous way to connect with like minded souls around the world :) And I love your garland and heart - giving can be just as much fun as receiving!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is! :) x
DeleteThat garland has got me all inspired! I think I may need a similar one... Eleanor x
ReplyDeleteShow me when you've done it won't you! :) x
DeleteA lovely gift indeed. It never ceases to surprise me that the cold hard world of cyber holds such warmth within it. Last year I had as much support from all of you as I did from the real world. It was a wave of solidarity and caring that I will never forget. It must be the kindred spirit thing like you said.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Annie, you've had a lot of stuff to deal with and yes you've had a lot of support but you will have inspired so many others, with your humour and strength! :) x
DeleteWhat lovely gifts for such a lovely person - you! I feel that if we meet for a nice cup of tea, we'd be like old friends with so much to talk about :)
ReplyDeleteYou can come around anytime for a cuppa Laura, you're always welcome! :) x
DeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway Ada.....Heather is very handy with a hook and yarn that garland is beautiful......definitely Spring.
ReplyDeleteYour post is spot on, I think most bloggers would agree with your sentiments.
I also am quite a private person (curtains closed when it gets dark) but find it quite easy to share with virtual strangers about my life and likes yet, it's only recently that I told my sisters that I blog and only one or two friends are aware of it.......
Claire x
Thanks Claire, both my sister know and one of them always reads it, (Hi Big Sis!) and some of my friends do too! They already know I'm vintage bonkers! :) x
DeleteA lovely gift from Heather! She has used my diy to make the heart, and it makes me feel good to have inspired someone;)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your posts - you're good with words:)
Have a good weekend (painting)!
Thank you Sonja.....ans thank you for the great heart idea! :) x
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, Ada. I know what you mean. I often find myself saying, "My friend, who blogs at .... said..." I consider all of my bloggy people friends. I love to visit and see what's going on in your world. I don't blog as often as I feel like I should but I do keep up with everyone. Your blog is always so colorful and bright and happy. Thank you for being a part of my blog friendship chain.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sharon
Thank you Sharon, it's great to get to 'know' people from all over the world! :) x
DeleteBeautifully said. I am fairly new to this world of blogging and it's amazing how quickly you grow fond of people. It's wonderful to be surrounded by such talented and creative souls.
ReplyDelete