Meeting a Blogging Friend

I have been blogging for two years and within the first two weeks of blogging I "met" Vanessa from At The Picket Fence.  At that time she had not yet joined forces with her sister Heather, and was still blogging as Southern in my Heart.  She stopped by to introduce herself from a party I had joined at Debbiedoos.  She instantly became one of my favorite people and we have developed a real friendship over the past two years.  A few weeks back At The Picket fence announced a contest where courtesy of LG, Vanessa would accompany one lucky reader to New York City for the Wine and Food Festival. I live thirty miles outside of the city.  I emailed Vanessa immediately to let her know I would love to try to get together to meet her.  As soon as she got her itinerary we finalized our plans to meet.

We met last Saturday afternoon.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  It was a beautiful autumn day in New York City.  I wasn't nervous until I walked into FAO Schwartz to meet Vanessa and the reader who won her contest.  For a moment I feared that I might not recognize her in person.  Those fears quickly left when I spotted Vanessa.  Of course I recognized her.   Not only did I recognize her, it really felt like an old friend that I just haven't seen in a while.  

We hugged like we have known each other forever.  

Our time was limited, but we certainly made the most of it.  I gave Vanessa and her reader Mia,  the Reader's Digest tour of New York City, hitting as many of the major and minor attractions as possible.

Vanessa had never been to New York City before and Mia had only been here once before.  I had the best time seeing New York City through their eyes.  Born and raised in New York, I take for granted so many things New York City has to offer. 

After our tour of New York, we went back and hung out in the lobby of her hotel until it was time to say our goodbyes.  We had a good hour to chat, visit and eat super yummy snacks.  I wish I had taken a photo of the bruschetta with guacamole, tomatoes and goal cheese we ordered.   

I've never been to a blog conference so I have not really had the opportunity to meet any blog friends in person.  I feel so lucky to have gotten to hang out with Vanessa for a few hours.  She is as sweet and genuine in person as she is on her blog.  Blogging has brought me so many joys, but developing true friendships has to be at the top of the list of best reasons to blog.  It's really all about the relationships. 

 Next time I have to meet you too Heather!

Have a great weekend!!

-Judy