Saturday, August 2, 2014

Photo-Heart Connection ~ July


On a recent Friday I got to meet these two lovely gals in real life. I met both of them through the cyber world of blogging. Patti G., on the right, of My Happy Place and Deanna of Snippets from Springdale. Patti and I only "met" recently when we started emailing after a post I wrote. It was quickly discovered that we only lived an hour apart, so it was inevitable that we would meet up. Deanna and I run in the same blogging circles, so I have been reading her thoughts for a while. She lives near Chicago, about three hours away.

Patti and I threw out some dates that might work to meet before she heads back to the classroom full time in the fall. One of those dates happened to be when Deanna was coming up to stay and visit with her. They decided they would love to come to Holland for a day. I was elected the unofficial tour guide.

When you have lived some place your whole life and have photographed just about everything, it is hard to look at it with fresh eyes and think about what a visitor would like to see. I racked my brain for a few days trying to come up with a plan. Since they are both photographers, the photographic beauty of a place played heavily into my decision making process.

In the end I chose to start with Windmill Island. An authentic working Netherlands Windmill, you aren't going to find one of those anywhere else, and you can actually do a tour of the inside.


Also Deanna being a flower lover, I knew the gardens would not disappoint.


Lunch was enjoyed in our lovely downtown, where you can't wrong with any restaurant you pick. After lunch, a quick shopping excursion through the store where I use to work and then a stop at Kilwin's for Patti to get a chocolate covered apple to bring home with her.

Deanna announced a desire to go to the beach. Even though she doesn't live all that far from Lake Michigan, for her to drive through Chicago to get there is an all day adventure. I know I take for granted the fact that I live a mile from the lake.


We knew we wanted to end the day in Saugatuck, a place that is special to Deanna. On our way there we stopped at the Felt Mansion, a beautifully restored estate.



The day ended much too quickly. I had to get back to attend a concert in the park with some friends and they needed to drive back to Patti's place.


It was such an enriching day, being able to discuss photography, blogging, dreams and life. I know that we will meet again. Deanna is already working on us to come visit her. This encounter just confirms that I want to meet more of my blogging friends in real life.

Joining Kat:

18 comments:

Bonny Bonafilla said...

Lovely photos, Sarah, and so heart-warming to hear how you've reached out across the internet to connect with kindred spirits. All the best, Bonny

Helen said...

It's so wonderful to meet up in real life and I can appreciate that it was such an enriching day. As always a perfect set of photos - the sunflower is in particular beautifully captured!

overthefencephotos said...

What a fun day! Looks like you were an awesome host. I love the flowers and now I have more places I need to see. The restored mansion is right up my alley! I'm glad you were able to meet with your new friends. The internet does make our world smaller.

Karen Lakis said...

This looks like a lovely day - and what fun to meet some blogging buddies!

Cathy H. said...

Thanks for taking us along on your lovely day! I think it would be wonderful to meet blogging friends!

Kathryn Dyche said...

Love the images and what a great day spent with friends. It doesn't get much better than that.

Lynne said...

Loved the photos . . . the meet up . . . must admit I felt just a tinge of wishing . . . me too! I don't know Patti, (I will go go visit her) but I follow Deanna and would love to meet her.
How wonderful the three of you could "visit photography!" And that you could show them beautiful Holland, the beach too.

gina said...

What fun to share your special places with two other photographers! It looks like you had a great day!

CJ said...

Sounds like a lovely day ---meeting two kindred spirits and showing off your town. It is sometimes difficult to decide what to show people in your own town, but you took their interests into consideration, and that is what is important.

You can find my Photo-Heart Connection post here: http://proartz.blogspot.com/2014/07/good-fences-71714-early-evening-farm.html

Dotti said...

Love this! I don't know Patti but Deanna is a hoot, isn't she? I can't wait to see her in October.

Anonymous said...

What a great Photo-Heart Connection, Sarah! The connections we can make online are amazing, and it can be fantastic to translate those into "real life." It sounds like you're a wonderful tour guide!

Nicki said...

What a privilege - I have previously met-up with a blogging friend when we discovered we lived in neighboring towns. Wonderful pictures from what I am sure was a wonderful day.

Anonymous said...

that has been the wonderful surprise of blogging for me- people are just lovely, lovely, lovely.

Donna Hopkins said...

I love hearing about artful adventures among friends - especially when those friendships are spring from blogs and common interests. I met one of my dearest friends by way of my blog, and it turns out she lives just about 5 miles from my house. We have days like the one you've described every few months, and they are some of the most treasured experiences of my life. Good for you for taking chances and welcoming new friends to your circle.

Kmcblackburn said...

Hey! I recognize these two lovely ladies! What fun you must have had on your photo outing. I'm imagining lots of laughs, and lots of photography.

Naomi said...

How wonderful that you got to meet up! I absolutely love meeting my blogging friends "in real life."

Zena said...

What a wonderful day! I know their blogs, it had to be a wonderful meeting. Your photos are awesome, fantastic photo-heart connection

Unknown said...

Still loving the memories we made & looking forward to the one's yet to be made!