The sign that hangs on my back patio was never more true than yesterday.
I admit there was a pang of uncertainty when I pulled into Snooze for a breakfast date. It wasn’t like a Match or an eHarmony connection. It was with my blogging community, people I had never met in person. They know a more sensitive side of me. They know my thoughts, and impressions of this life I live. And while that seems silly to some, my privacy isn’t something I give away easily.
I first started blogging, at the urging of friends to document our time while living and working in Yellowstone. It was solely for friends and family.
My blog changed with a move to Arizona, a collection of grandchildren underfoot, and our new love for over-landing. To be honest, I always chuckle when people think I have something to say. And if there is one thing blogging has taught me…we all do.
Our meeting included a delicious breakfast, fun conversation, and a gathering that leaves me with a full heart and plans to meet again.
What I enjoyed the most was seeing how their blogs are a true reflection of who they are and I can only hope it is the same of mine.

Marsha of Always Write is truly interested in the lives of others. I think her purpose in life is to gather people and lift them. She did that yesterday. She offers blogging challenges to encourage and inspire writing, and to make your writing better. Meet her in person and you will feel like you have always known her. You can find her most recent post here.
John of Journeys by Johnbo and his lovely wife Lynn drove an hour to meet us. I think John might be a frequent winner of Trivial Pursuit. Not sure. What I do know is he and Lynn love to explore out of the way places, embrace history and fun facts, and enjoy people they meet along the way. Join him with other accomplished photographers of Lens-Artists, and with your favorite cell photo of the week on Sundays.
Before I met Janet of Sustainabiltea, I knew I would love her. We have lived very different lives and yet find so much in common. Blogging gifts you that. She loves adventures, road trips, the outdoors, travel and gardening. If anyone comes to the Phoenix area hit us up, we are both ready for the next adventure at the drop of a hat. Find one of my favorite posts of hers here.
In life , you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it is worth it. – unknown
Wind Kisses, Donna
This is a wonderful surprise, Donna. I had no idea you met John and his wife, Marsha, and Janet! How terrific is that! You’re right about blogging friends. I felt that way when I met Tina after several years of knowing each other at WP. I’m delighted that you had this experience.
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It was such a great. Interesting to see how people really are the reflection of their blog. I loved it.
I’m glad you had a chance to meet Tina. You guys are favorites of mine. 🤗
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Awww…..thanks, Donna. 😀❤️
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I am so excited to see the photo of you all and do wish I could have been there – we are in Virginia so no way that was happening / but maybe some day because a trip to AZ has been on our list since 2015
Anyhow
I really love how you ended the post:
“Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you”
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That you. I loved the quote, and how true the words are.
We will all be here when you are ready for a visit. Lots to do. Donna
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Thanks Donna
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❤ Right back at you, Donna. Looking forward to more adventures…together. It was such a good time!
janet
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It was. Have a good trip. We leave in the AM. I will have a nice collection of content…I hope.
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Safe travels. I know you’ll have lots of photos and stories and I look forward to them. Not sure how much we’ll have from California but it will be fun. Just hoping our daughter doesn’t have the baby while we’re there just so we have time to visit. 😉
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Hahaha. Well she won’t be moving too fast. I guess good food, Quality time are the best thing for her.
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Ahhh how brilliant is this? Hugs to all of you. ❤ Even your vast country is not too big for you to meet. So good to see. And it is as you say – I have also realised that bloggers cannot hide their true nature. If you love their blog, you will love them too. To many such meetings. Cheers!
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It was so special. One of these days with you. 🤗
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Ahhh!! Immediately!
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I know. I feel like that.
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Love all of this…how great! How wonderful! I so wish I had been there with you all! ♥ Thank you for posting on it – with your thoughts of blogging too. You all look so lovely – and just the way you sound in your blogs. It really is a great gift being able to meet IRL.
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It really was.
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I read about your “blog-up” on Marshas post and saw that wonderful photo of you beautiful people all of whom I follow!!!. The best I can do from my location is to meet up with a few people on Zoom. This does involve me early in the morning or late at night as the other side of the world are awake when I am usually sleeping 😂
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I would love that. It wouldn’t be a problem for me early morning. I’ll be out of town starting tomorrow. We should gather a group this summer. My husband would probably sit with us. I have talked of you, your home and your local creatures. It really was interesting to meet people in person. Donna
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👍😃
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And now… I just told my husband we should meet. What does he do? Requests a bid to see what it would cost to ship our trailer . Oh God, maybe I can drop him and the trailer at your house and go stay in a resort. Lol. Kidding aside, we would wait until the right time ( pandemic and weather). We would probably want your recommendations on places to go. Might even be beneficial to speak with your niece. Did they have a blog during their travel in their trailer? Donna
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It was a facebook site “intrepid before decrepit” unfortunately its a private group 😥 I have “Resort” Durranbah Bush Retreat on Airbnb lol
I look forward to see what happens. Also can look for trailer hire if it looks like it would be too much 🙂
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I just visited your site. 😍😍😍😍 Rest assured you WILL see us one day. And I’ll stay too. You’ll just have to hear my complaining if one of those frogs is in the shower. 😩. Lol. (As you know…no one loves the great outdoors better than I do). Thank you for sharing this. 🤗
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Most welcome anytime Donna 🤗💕
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Yay, for blogger meet-ups! We have friends and family in many areas of AZ, especially near Phoenix and Scottsdale areas and hope to get out that way this summer, Donna. What a beautiful wrap-up of your meeting with these creative and wonderful bloggers!
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As long as we are in town, I will clear my schedule to see you, or to hike in the north country.
I would be a joy to see you. Donna
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Nothing like Bloggers of similar interest meeting each other in person and spending time together!
You guys made it!
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It really was fun to meet. Donna
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Love love love it, Donna! So much fun, and a great photo!! 😊
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Your ears were probably ringing. Hope to connect with you as well. Janet says she is in touch with you. 🥰
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Yes, she actually came to me which was awesome! One of these days we will spend a little time in Phoenix, and it would be great to meet!!
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What a fun day we had, Donna. I have been known to do OK at trivia, but I don’t know about “frequent winner.” >grin<
After our tasty breakfast and much fascinating conversation, we visited the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale where I met up with another blogger who writes under the name of Rules of Logic on a blog called Disaffected Musings.
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I followed you for a bit. Of course I know that based on your license plate. Lol. I will look up Disaffected Musings.
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Oops, I meant to include a link to his blog. You can find his work at https://disaffectedmusings.com/
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Found him. 🤗
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Oh, how wonderful that you all met up – some of my favourite bloggers together! I know exactly how you felt, including that apprehension beforehand, from my experiences at the first Virtual Tourist meets I attended. Meeting someone you know online may seem odd but I’ve almost always found it a very positive experience, often like chatting to an old friend within minutes of first meeting the person! I value all my Virtual Tourist meet-ups and would love to meet some of my blogging friends too one day 🙂
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It really does feel like chatting with old friends. What is different is seeing a face attached to it. I look forward to meeting more bloggers as we open our travel.
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Well if ever you’re in England … 🙂
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Oh yes! I will find you. Lol.
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What a lovely summary of our morning meet-up, Donna. Thank you for your kind words about me. I think you know us all! We lost no time getting to know each other, just started talking as if we had been friends forever. That’s what I love about blogging. If all of our friend took the time to read our blogs and respond back, what a wonderful world it would be. 🙂 So fun! We’ll be back together soon!
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Yes. I have been thinking of good in between meet ups.
You are welcome. You have a special soul.
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Thank you, so do you.
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How wonderful! Love the smiles of the photos. Thank you for sharing the great time you all had.
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Donna, I enjoy reading your post on the lovely blogger meet up. It’s great to see you all in one group photo. Thank you for sharing your smiles and what a great time you had.
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Thank you. We all enjoyed our visit.
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How wonderful to meet fellow bloggers and deepen the connection. I know there are some of my community I would love to meet. take care Donna.
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It was great to connect in person!!! Maybe in time you’re meet local bloggers, and travel. Everyone in this group had meet other in their travels. I thought that was pretty cool.
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Yes, I’ve met some local bloggers, but not my personal community.
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Thanks again for the mention, Donna. It was so fun! Thanks for playing along with WQW. Featuring YOU from last week – https://alwayswrite.blog/2022/03/16/wqw-40-st-patricks-day-green/
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Lol. Funny to think. The whole meeting inspire to meet others. We do travel a lot, and a coffee, or a bite to eat with a “friend” is always nice. I was glad to hear your stories of visiting others.
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After I got back, I looked up a woman I had seen in Boston and spent part of a day with. I hadn’t heard from her in years. She visited my blog a few times this week, so we are back in contact. It was 2014 since I saw her. Once you forge the friendships though, you can usually pick them up again. There has only been one meeting where the friendship only lasted a short time. Very interesting woman, but I was not interested in traveling to Georgia with her, so that sort of nipped the friendship in the bud.
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I’m so glad you reconnected with that woman from Boston. No doubt she was so glad to reconnect as well.
There will always be others… who just doesn’t give us the right “feels”.
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How fun to get together with other bloggers. I’d love to do that more…I think. I usually wonder…will we like each other in real life. That last quote is great.
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Yes. I found everyone really was very much like the personality in their blogs. Honestly, I would have enjoyed a longer visit and look forward to next time.
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How did I mis this post? How fun for all of you!
Well… we will meet as well. Soon… but after my big adventure!
Blogging meet ups are always so fun! And exciting.
I loved the ending… ❤️
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Look forward to both your adventure AND our chance to meet.
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Yes. It was fun! First time I met some blogging family in person.
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