Friday, October 12, 2012

Treasure Island

I can't say that I've honestly ever fantasized about meeting up with a bunch of strangers to spend a weekend stranded on an island.  However, when I received an email asking if I might be interested in doing such a thing, I barely hesitated to respond with an affirmative answer.  I was intrigued by the thought of meeting four women I felt that I "knew" through blogging over the past year or so.  I had built a relationship with them, reading and responding to their stories, as they reciprocated to mine.  I knew quite a lot about them, and wondered if there would be any "surprises" in real life.  My old and trustworthy friend, Deb (aka Catbird Scout) was part of the package, so I knew I wouldn't be alone in this adventure.

Linda (aka Bag Lady in Waiting) scoured the internet, looking for a list of suitable accommodations, and we all were drawn to idyllic sounding Lavender Hills Farm on Vashon Island.  Within a matter of days, the dates were set, the farmhouse was booked, and we'd all sent Linda our share of the rental.

And then, in the hustle and bustle of September, I sort of put any thoughts about the "blogger weekend" out of my head.

Suddenly, it was October, and emails were flying, filled with who was bringing what, and who was driving with who, and who was arriving when.  Deb and I met up, giddy as school girls on holiday, to make the drive north on what promised to be a glorious fall Friday.

And glorious it was, despite losing our way enroute to the ferry, and while finally on the ferry, receiving a phone call from our unmet new friends, telling us they also were lost (but finally found!) and discovered Deb & I would arrive at our destination first, instead of last.

We arrived, and met with the caretaker, who gave us a tour of truly one of the most beautiful old farm houses I've ever had the privilege to visit.  Every step, every corner turned, drew oohs and aahs. (alas, I neglected to take many photos, and actually can't find my camera at the moment, so if you want to see photos, hop on over to DJan's blog!)

Deb and I were just finishing unloading the van when our weekend roommates drove up.  We all hugged like long lost friends, and immediately DJan had her camera out.  The tone was set and a passerby would have never guessed we'd met only moments before.  Our time flew and was truly a fantasy come true.

Were there "surprises"?  Oh yes, but learning more about our cyber friends only made them more endearing.  We discovered much more in common than previously known, and tenuous connections via blogger were strengthened and woven tightly together during our time spent sharing, exploring, discovering and eating!

Rounding out our group of six was Sally, who came all the way from Colorado, and Jann, both of whom have written their own versions of our fantastic weekend!

Linda, Sally, DJan, Deb and Jann 
It wouldn't have occurred to me to instigate a gathering such as this one,  but I'm so thrilled I was included.  Our time spent getting to know one another was time I will forever treasure.





16 comments:

  1. Sandi, getting to know you (and your culinary talents) was simply more wonderful that I could have imagined. You were so busy making scrumptious food for me to enjoy that after the weekend was over, I was wishing that I had a bigger dose of YOU all by yourself. I am jealous that you and Deb live so close; oh well, there's next year and we'll hopefully do this all over again. Big cyber hugs to you, Sandi!!!!

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  2. This is such a wonderful post, Sandi. I would love to meet you, DJan, and Linda Reeder someday. I just wish you would post more frequently. Aloha from Hawaii.

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  3. It sounds like so much fun. I have only met 2 of my blogging friends but I have talked on the phone with several.

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  4. I love the picture you chose to commemorate the weekend with! It sort of says it all about how comfortable we were with each other, and how much fun we had.

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  5. How fun for all of you! What a lovely place. My kiddos are moving to Portland on Friday..via some sightseeing along the way. I'm heading out that way next Spring and I'll probably ask you for ideas and places to see. One day I hope to meet some of my blog besties too!

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  6. I have truly enjoyed reading the weekend reports from all six of you. What a wonderful bond you all formed.

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  7. Sandi, it sure sounds (and looks) like you gals made some happy memories! What a fun thing to do.

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  8. Sandi - we decided that next year you get the master bedroom. Nothing's too good for the cook!

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  9. Oh Sandi, I'm jealous! This is something I've always wanted to do. I have so many blog friends that I've grown close to over the years. What fun this must have been! Good for all of you! Love Di ♥

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  10. Brings a big smile to my face. How wonderful - sounds great fun!

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  11. What a wonderful gathering! And to go from cyberspace tot he real world must have been a real treat! :)

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  12. I have to agree with DJan. You spent to much time taking care of us by being in charge of the meals which meant we didn't get enough of you. I know you must have been so tired because you were coming off a work week and had to get back to another, but your spirit of giving came though, and you served us. The meals you fixed were fabulous.

    Sandi, I loved getting to know you better. I hope we have more time at another time to get to visit again. And, you definitely get the master bedroom next time! XO

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  13. Sandi I think you just made the best choice meeting up with great group and being their chef as well!! You fed amazing kindred souls. HUGS

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  14. Dear Sandi, what a truly wonderful group of women. I've always followed Sally, DJan, and Deb, but now I need to go and read Linda and Jann and find out what I've been missing. I'm so glad that in the midst of your school life and teaching you could take a little time away to meet these friends from far and near whom you'd met in blogging. (I'm not sure if you knew Deb before you both started blogging.) Peace.

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  15. Now that would be a fun weekend.

    I hope you have a great class this year. It seems like we just started school. I'm already getting my first round of grade cards ready to print this week. Where does the time go?

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  16. Do you mean that people met over the internet are like real people?!?

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