Community

When I started this blog over four years ago, I thought I knew what I was getting into. It was going to be a place for me to show and tell about the things I made, to keep a record of all my creative pursuits.  That was it. An online space for me to journal my comings and goings and makings.

I had it all wrong.

I'm not saying that this blog isn't a record of my creations and doings.  It is.  But House on Hill Road has opened up a world to me that I didn't know existed.  I'm talking about the community of blogging - the relationships I've made with people I wouldn't know if it weren't for my little slice of the internet.  How I connected with these people is a bit of a mystery still, but the connections are solid, built on common ground.  It's hard to explain this to people who don't blog.  In fact, Fatty did not understand it for a very long time despite my efforts at explaining it to him.  But when you are in the thick of it, or perhaps, in Fatty's case, when you witness those connections face to face, it's immediately apparent that these friendships are real and valid and important.  That my "blog friends" are more than people I correspond with via the internet.  They are my friends, plain and simple.

Getting to spend the weekend with six of my friends was an incredible blessing.  We talked and laughed, supported and cheered.  It was comfortable and comforting, seeing these amazing women all in the same room, laughing with each other and taking photograph after photograph.  The houses were cozy and familar and the personalities just as I had imagined. We shared stories and told tales, celebrated a book and its author and photographer.  We saw art and learned from an expert.  We ate great meals and traded gifts. It was all I had hoped for and then more still.

That's the thing about good friends.  They rarely disappoint.  And mine blew my expectations away.

Yes. Thankful. I am.

Comments

[Vintage Chica]

Exactly...but you said it way better than I could. So happy for all of you.

[sarah]

perfectly stated erin. wonderful you could all get together!

[monica]

EXACTLY!!

I'm sure my husband thinks I'm mad sometimes... I'll make him read your post.

[Suzanne]

I know exactly what you mean. How wonderful that you got to be together in person.

[miss chris]

So well said, erin. It's thrilling and familiar at the same time. Until we meet again... xo

[domesticali]

Yes. Exactly.

[Kelly]

Very nice. I knew there was a reason I loved your blog...it is you. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

[jane]

Couldn't agree with you more Erin. Perfectly said. So glad you had so much fun!

[julia]

yes! i know it's true. and for the record, you're just as awesome as anyone who reads this blog would imagine you to be, and more. xo

[carol]

what sweet words- and so true!

[jess]

I completely agree! On all counts!

[Mama Urchin]

It sounds like a wonderful time. I'm glad I get to count you as one of my friends.

[heather smith jones]

You took the words out of my mouth, and said them way more beautifully Erin.
(Last night I woke up in the middle of the night smiling and thinking about the weekend. And I am so grateful for you, and Em, Martha, Rachel and Alicia. You all seriously made it the best show opening of my life.)

[cloth.paper.string]

love this, erin. so much so.

[blair]

You explained the hard to explain so well. It is a unique and special community. What a fantastic time you all must have had!

[Alicia A.]

I am so glad to know you, Erin. And thanks again, for making the long trip and making it happen.

Big, big real-life hugs to you.

[Grace]

I love my blogging ladies!

[Lindsay]

I couldn't agree more. I'm glad you have a fun visit. :)

[Sarah Jackson]

Beautifully said - I feel the same way. I'm so glad you were all able to make that trip. xoxo

[leslie]

you head the nail on the head. your words were perfect. and i feel the same way about blogging and friendships. double whoohoo!

[Lisa]

Sounds so fantastic!
On another note - any thoughts/feedback/comments on that "Water Paper Paint" book sitting there? I have it in my shopping cart and just haven't been able to commit - I usually like to see a book in person first but can't find this one locally.

[dw]

Oh, YES!

When Wood from SweetJuniper! invited me to come and meet her at the Squam Art Workshops spring session (where she and her husband are speaking), I was instantly obsessed with how to get there. How much will it cost? Can I take the time off? Who will come with me? Ack, I'll need a passport! Etc.

My husband's first question was "Uh, how well do you know this girl?" I was incensed! "How dare you ask me this? She is one of my very bestest friends," I said. He just nodded and said "Oh, I see." With an arched eyebrow, of course.

He doesn't get it.

I'm going to New Hampshire in June, come hell or high water.

[tara]

Having only started blogging in September, I had read about the connections made and had to a certain extent witnessed it through the reading of others' blogs. In other words, I sensed a community. I didn't start my blog with this in mind, however. I just jumped in. I am quickly learning about this wonderful, generous community that exists. And exist it does. My husband also doesn't get it.

[rachel]

Erin, you just nailed it. It is an amazing feeling to know that yall are out there- to know you KNOW me. I truly feel blessed to have you in my life. xo, rach

[Lia]

This makes me so happy.

[krista - Poppyprint]

Nailed it. I sometimes start conversations with my husband with "my friend Lynne told me...." and he'll say, Lynne who? And I'll say, my blogger friend Lynne! These people are a major part of my life and my self now. How fortunate you are to have been able to gather!

[nichole]

blogging and the internet is quite interesting. in fact when we relocated to the Midwest in 2007 it was through someones blog (we both followed a particular blog) that I met one of my dearest friends. Our family has relocated again, but I keep in contact with her regularly-she is a forever friend.

[beki]

you're preaching to the choir! i can only hope that our paths cross some day :)

[leslie]

i am thankful you all had that time together. it had to have been awesome!!!

[Charity]

That is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us! :o)

[knittingoutloud]

Yay for the internet!

[Rachel at Stitched in Color]

yes, exactly. We are all so lucky to be connected and inspired in this way. It really is a very special blessing!

[Ellie - Petalplum]

It is a blogging thing, isn't it. Something that you can't explain to non-bloggers. They look at your vaguely, with a certain smile on their face. But the friendships through blogging are real, and true and honest (sometimes more-so than friendships of people you see once a week in 'real' life).
So glad you had a lovely time together.
{And, can't wait to see the film out of your new camera}.

[suzie sews at Dotty Red]

what joy, long may it continue and keep sharing...

[Erin]

the feeling is mutual. xo.

[Erin]

it's a beautiful book, lisa. the projects are really approachable and heather did a great job explaining everything you need to know about watercolors. i'd highly recommend it.

[Erin]

i'm so glad to know you too, alicia! xo.

[Erin]

i wouldn't have missed it! xo.

[Erin]

likewise, j. xo.

[Erin]

i have no doubt our paths will cross again. xo.

[Penny]

I have to agree! Even though I am still pretty new too, It is such a neat way to connect with a great group of people I never would have met otherwise. So thrilled that you got to meet your friends in person.

[Kimberly]

:) Yea! I love this post!

[martha]

it was a magical weekend.
so glad I was there with you all.
xo

[lisa s]

smile.... of course i'd be lying if i said i wasn't the least bit jealous :)

[Anna]

Amen.