Friday 23 December 2011

A meeting of minds

After a two week absence from the blog while we travelled about the countryside, I have so much news that I'm not sure what to post first. But the undisputed highlight of our travelling, for me, has been meeting up with some long-time favourite bloggers.


After jokes-a-plenty from my family about meeting my potentially axe-murdering cyber friends, they were relieved to find that Lenora of Lenora Jenkins Designs and Linda of Gum Vally Patchwork were, like me, both far too busy with fabric and stitching to consider serious harm to anyone!


We met at Linda's shop which has been meticulously and thoughtfully built from materials recycled from an old church.
It is a perfect setting to showcase her beautiful selection of fabrics ...
... with enticing bundles and bolts at every turn.
It was very special to see Linda's astonishing 'Dear Prudence' quilt, painstakingly constructed from teeny, tiny hexagons. It is a magnificent thing!
And Lenora's wonderful designs graced many of the walls, this aqua and red 'Ruby' one a particular favourite with my girls.
Flushed with confidence and enthusiasm for converting 'virtual' friends to 'real' ones, we then met up with Ric-Rac Jodie and Flower Garden Annie at a very hip little place called The Upholstery Gallery.
All photos are courtesy of The Upholstery Gallery website, as I was far too engaged in vital and stimulating conversation with Annie and Jodie to take photographs (or to spend money, much to my Sweetness' relief).
The Gallery was an Aladdin's cave of treasures which kept the kids  exploring while we chatted.
Without exception, Lenora, Linda, Annie and Jodie each warmly welcomed me and my family, and we could all have talked fabric, stitching and gardening for days. 
We shared coffee and stories and lots of laughs. Hours passed like minutes in their company! I left them all reluctantly, but in the firm knowledge that, even if limited by cyber connections, warm friendships can be forged and that the online loveliness of these women is only affirmed by actually meeting them!

11 comments:

  1. So funny how we are always potential "axe-murderers". I had instructions to ask as I stood on the threshold of a blogging friend's house. She denied axe-murderer status, but she surely would have lied had she been one! Glad you had such a good time!!!

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  2. It was so lovely to meet you in real life Ros.....as well as your family. The guys just don't get it do they....lol! So glad you met up with Jodie and Annie too. Hope you have a great Christmas, Linda xx
    PS. the lime cordial is divine....drinking it with lemonade....yummy!

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  3. Oh man! Sounds like a lot of fun and the quilt shop looks gorgeous - BUT I WANNA GO THE UPHOLSERY GALLERY - looks like heaven!

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  4. Isn't it great to meet Blogging friends in person!
    Looks like you found the perfect places to meet.

    Merry Christmas!!

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  5. Ros, your visit has been the undisputed highlight of the Christmas lead up. Both Annie and I commented the next day on how gorgeous your family was and how we could have just talked all day. We both think this Christmas in Ballarat idea is a good one and should be an annual event. I'm so glad we met in real life - in real life you are 100% exactly like you are in blogland

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  6. So great to meet you Ros (Bloom) and your gorgeous family. Yes, come back and see us again - you are definitely "one of us" and yes, we could talk for hours. Thanks for making contact - great stuff!

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  7. Your visit was one of the highlights in my year, definitely a scrap-booking moment. I think that an annual visit is definitely the go! Have a very merry Christmas, and safe travels.

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  8. A lovely post Ros....sounds like a special time....in such beautiful places too.

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  9. How special for you :) Great photos of gorgeous fabrics.

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  10. I love your blog.
    Im TIGRA from Argentina. Congratulations, you have a very nice site. I love It!!
    Greetings!!!

    TIGRA.

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  11. I was a little nervous about meeting bloggers in real life but all the ones I've met (Jodie and Annie included) are just lovely. Its funny meeting someone for the first time and knowing so much about them. Lovely spots to visit too by the looks.

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