When It Rains it Pours

I feel so very happy this evening because I had the immense pleasure this weekend of meeting two of the very important  rain drops in my life, Maya and Patricia. I have "known " both of these women for less than one year when they discovered "me" through Elsita's blog. It seemed like so much longer than that but I was checking back and the first comment Patricia left on this blog was May 18, 2008 and Maya left her first comment the day after. Well we three have been following, admiring and commenting on each others' blogs and flickr streams ever since.

 while back I read this article in BBC news and  I think now I definitely understand the statement "When we are 'really' with people different things happen.".  

These two women were so much more wonderful in person , although that might seem hard to believe , than their on line presence. To see them in their environments, in their very personal homes and amongst their families was just such an amazing experience for me and one I don't think I will ever forget. Yes, they are really that special!!!

I definitely feel that our friendships have been solidified in these few days and I am looking to many more "real" meetings  in the future. 

I am sure I have the material for a few different posts about the weekend but I was very excited to share a few of my favorite pictures from the last few days with you. 

I was thinking of trying to describe the weekend with tags. Here goes :

fantastic , inspiring, friendships, creative, intelligent , articulate, unique, adorable children, caring families, collecting, vintage, stones, water, rain, more water, waterfalls, creeks , rivers, lakes, gorges, moss, green, lichen, fungi, cat, conversations, yummy food, gimme coffee, Cornell, antiques, walking, walking and more walking, barn, kindness, hospitality, gifts, ghost cat, wind, knitting, linen , books, andy goldsworthy, egg, birds.

Thank you Maya and Patricia for being such wonderful hosts for the weekend. Thanks to  your families for allowing this little mini invasion of the family routines. A special thanks to Maya's mom for allowing me to stay in her very special home. 

Comments

[Kris J]

Hey - I know those falls! It's Taughannock falls... You were near my neck of the woods!

You were in the right area for some beautiful photography.

[Karen Salva]

Oh, I love stories like this! I recognize the Falls! Grew up near by and have been home 3 times since I have met Maya online and our timing has not worked out yet. There is such a remarkable creative energy in the area and the 3 of you probably increased it 10-fold! I long for my own day to meet, to hang out with and share with another artful soul I have met online. Lucky, lucky lucky the 3 of you!

[Sonia]

aw Margie, thanks so much for sharing all these gorgeous photos from your most wonderful weekend ! I'm so happy for you that you had such an extraordinary time meeting Maya & Patricia. I wish I'd been there, needless to say ! ;-)
I hope you'll have a great week this week too ! Take care.

[Rosemoo]

What are you doing in my neck of the woods? Adam and I went to school in Ithaca. We frequently talk about moving back there, and we visit at least once a year.

I just had a mini heart attack when I saw that gimme coffee cup.

Small world!!

Hope you liked it there as much as we do.

:D

[Rane]

Margie~
I am oh so jealous!
I am amazed by your photos
they are beautiful!
Wish I had been a fly on
the wall!
Glad you had such fun!
Rane

[arounna]

the images seem to capture a wonderful visit and experience. loved each image. glad you had a great time!

[mayaluna]

It was hard for me to write my own post... and now it's challenging to even leave a little comment. Our weekend was larger than words and deeper than I'll ever be able to express. THANK YOU! Thank you Margie for sharing yourself... how lucky I am! How lucky we all are that you're here! Your visit was more than I could have ever asked for, and I miss you so much already... so does my family! A certain little someone had to hold a certain little stone (ever so gently) all morning because "it's from Margie"... said in a tiny wistful voice.
xox

[Patricia]

I've tried to think of how best to respond to this post all day, and words just cannot express what a joy this weekend was for me. To see you take these exquisite photographs, so quiet in their composition, was such a gift for me. It was such a privilege to meet you and show you all the things that I love and have come to appreciate more deeply because of you and your blog. We have to make plans for future visits!

[Quince and Quire]

You had quite a weekend of weather in CNY! So glad a little sun came out for you. Your photographs are beautiful and they remind me to take more time on the wonders in my own back yard. And how lovely to let friendship blossom in the rain.

[nanou]

Such an exciting week-end for all of you, Margie, Maya and Patricia !!! A wonderful friendship that has grown up during a whole year of daily bloging and sharing ... I'm happy for you !

[Jan]

I just found you through Maya and I have to say I am inspired by you three to develop some of my own online friendships into future "real" visits. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures and emotions.

I'll be back to visit soon,

Jan

[Geninne]

What a wonderful and special weekend Margie :) Thank you for sharing it with us. I almost feel I was there too.

[nicole/astulabee]

oh this is so wonderful! lucky you three! what a lovely group of women!
xo
nicole

[Vivienne Strauss]

What a great story!!