Friday 31 October 2008

Making friends

When I started blogging it never really occurred to me that I'd make new friends - real friends too, as opposed to virtual friends (not that there's anything wrong with virtual friends, don't get me wrong. It's just even better to meet someone in real time).

This week I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Pipany. I love her blog, and the way she weaves tales of family life with sewing, cooking, and let's be honest, the odd tipple or two! Even better, She's cornish and lives about 25 miles away from me, so it was perhaps inevitable that sooner or later we'd meet up. I've been really looking forward to this, the date's been in the diary for several weeks. We met on tuesday at The Little Yellow House - a pretty craft shop in Penryn, with a few cafe tables as well. Crafts, coffee, cake...and lovely company, what more could you want? Pipany gave me a lovely warm welcome...and from that moment we did not stop talking....about life, families, knitting, sewing (and machines), blogging, finding a worm in your sloe gin, and more. Pipany is great fun - warm, humorous, stylish (and tiny!), generous and amusing. On leaving the little cafe we were both shocked to see that nearly four hours had flown by. It's what happens when you're having fun!

I was also spoiled by some wonderful Pipany goodies - this gorgeous Lauren tote bag, with lots of handy pockets


and a contrasting striped lining. This is intended for my knitting supplies and on-the-go projects.


A wee little bag of treasure from our cornish beaches...


...and in readiness for christmas, a hand embroidered stripey padded heart, with loop for hanging. I've been spoiled rotten! Thank you so much, Pip...and here's to next time, the one where we plan to scoff mince pies!


And that has been the highlight of an otherwise humdrum week where the wind and rain has whistled around my little house with an unseasonal ferocity. Where I have stubbornly refused to turn the heating on because I just don't until November...so I have been sitting with about five layers on, scarf and fingerless gloves. Mmm, frozen and frugal just about sums it up.

Have a happy (and warm) weekend.

14 comments:

Irene said...

I am always envious of you people in England meeting up with each other and then ending up having a terrific time, but then again, I wouldn't wish it to be any other way, of course, and I am happy for such fortunate meetings. You got some lovely gifts, I especially like the little bag of shells, how thought full that was. One of these days I'll make it over there and come to see all of you.

Heart in the country said...

Glad you had a nice time, it's always fun meeting likeminded people. Only 3 1/2 hrs until you can turn your heating on :0)
Kx

ginny said...

Hi Diana,
So pleased you both had a great time ... next time i am determined to make it too. Hope you are not too cold... only a few hours till November now! Our house feels very warm just now as we have just got in from a freezing cold walk home after celebrations with friends.
Happy weekend to you.
love Ginny xx

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Isn't this the best thing about the internet.....Finding kindred spirits you would never otherwise have met....In 1998 I first met an internet friend. I'm from Ohio and she was teaching in Diss, in Suffolk. And since then, what a joy to meet people with similar interests and outlooks.........
Dress warmly!

Simone said...

I would love to go to the little yellow house! It is truly wonderful that you got to meet up with a likeminded soul. I love the pouch full of Cornish treasures. This post has warmed the cockles of my heart on a rather murky November morn. It has warmed up though so I may turn the heating off!

kristina said...

Sounds like a wonderful day! And now you can turn your heating on! K x

Pipany said...

Hello Diana. It was such fun and I really can't wait to do it again (hopefully with Ginny too). The pictures are beautiful and far better than my product images - hmm, may have to call on you in future! Such lovely weather here again today. Hope you have the same and have warmed up a little xxx

Discerning Admirer said...

I adore the "bag of treasure from our cornish beaches". You are so lucky to be beachcombing. Maybe you will find the perfect round stone before I do!

JuliaB said...

I haven't met any other bloggers (except the ones i knew before), but i have experienced tremendous warmth, friendliness, support and general good fun since joining the blogging community. More so than another ("spiritual") community I was a part of for 10 years or more, and have just left. Good link, I shall enjoy reading Pipany's blog. Oh and lovely things she gave you! you lucky devil. !

Sally Anne said...

Such treasures from the beautiful Cornish Coast....seashells and new friendships !

alice c said...

It is the strangest thing meeting a blog friend for the first time because you don't have to bother with the polite 'getting to know you' chit-chat...you can get straight on to the interests that you share and the things that make you laugh.

Anonymous said...

How lovely!!

French Knots said...

Hope you are a bit warmer this week!
I've not met any bloggers in real life yet, it must be a bit funny at first knowing so much about each other when you've not met before but you evidently got on really well.

this is my patch said...

I haven't yet discovered Pipany. How lovely for you to have met such a kind and generous friend through blogging, like mind to you I must add. The gifts she gave you are beautifully made. x