Sharing the Love

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In my last post I shared the story of this, the ‘Dangler of International Happiness’

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Many comments focused on the extraordinary gifts that we receive from each other within our blogging communities.  Yes we receive all kinds of happy mail from fellow bloggers, gifts expected and unexpected.  Random Acts of Kindness that make a smile appear or maybe even a tear drop or two.  But even more precious is the friendship, understanding and positive support shared when times are hard, hearts are opened and just the smallest thoughtful word can make a big difference.

I have read posts that have questioned the reality of relationships made within the world of bloggers, claiming that we can invent ourselves to be quite other than we are, claiming that we can’t quite trust who or what is on the end of any comment, that we only present ourselves in our best possible light.

I disagree.

When over a period of time we read posts, comment and interact, the truth will out. Those who claim absolute positivity and living in the light may begin to grumble and blame.  Those who build themselves up as debonair and exciting, may soon become repetitious, egoistic and boring.  Those who interact simply to gain more followers for their own blog soon stop coming by and that is okay.  Those who claim no particular talent or ability may reveal a huge heart, a deeper philosophy, and a better – or alternative –  way.

In short we bloggers are not a stupid lot – we can see beneath any veneer, we can sift and sort, follow and unfollow.  Still, I agree on this one aspect.  We do mostly present the best of ourselves and that, it seems to me, is perfectly okay.  What a wonderful chance to celebrate our perfections rather than our imperfections.

I sure don’t want you all peering into my kitchen on any morning before I’ve had  my mug of steaming hot coffee and I’m pretty sure you don’t want me peering at you before you have finished your wake up/get up routine whatever it may be.  I’m all for let’s keep this as us at our best – or at least us at presentable!

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Most of the blogs I follow closely and interact with are blogs written by very real people, people with whom I may never stand in the same room and give a warm hug of greeting to, but still are people with whom I feel and experience a very real connection and sense of friendship.

Having said all that,  this is also a forum where we dare sometimes to show ourselves at less than our best.  There are times when life gets too much, life is hard and we are battered and bruised and in need of comfort.  This is us in the raw.  This is the stuff of real life.  And this allows us to be there for each other in a way that is uplifting and encouraging and often inspirational.

Writing posts about raw emotions or big life problems takes courage.  Reading through responses reveals the light that shines within a real, living community.  I know I have some readers who find posts of this ilk not okay – for their own very good reasons I am sure.  There’s a little part of me that is sad for them that they feel this way, but still I must, and do, respect their stance.  Those people do not interact on my blog when I write a more personal post.  And I see that I also choose not to interact with a blog when the topic or the over-arching feeling of a post doesn’t sit well with me.  We all have our boundaries.

But when a fellow blogger reveals they are upset, or ill or in emotional pain and we stay and read and allow ourselves to still the judgement and stay open and strive to feel empathy instead, when we offer words of understanding and support and even practical help if we can – then the blogging world becomes something other.  We create a global and spiritual reality that is based on empathy, understanding and love.  We wish to reach out, we say ‘I hear you’ in a hundred different ways and we offer support any way we can.

The world needs this, the earth needs this, we as human beings need this.  It counteracts the darkness of materialism and consumerism and corpocracy and greed. Those things get all the press.  But here we are doing the real work of being human.  And there are an awful lot of us!

This is my blogging experience, this is the community that has built around my blog and which I value more than I can say.  I have been the recipient of a great out-pouring of love and acceptance and pure delight over the past year or so and with this last delightful event still fresh in my mind I want to spread the love a bit more.

Here is what I am doing and I invite you to join in the fun and let’s see what we can make happen.

There are two Random Acts of Kindness going on, you can take part in one or other or both – or none if now is not the right time.  Whatever you decide is absolutely fine!

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RAK #1 The Road to Serendipity home to ‘two middle-aged, penniless hippies’ has recently finished enclosing their ‘Sanctuary’, a fenced and netted garden where Fran and Steve are growing their ‘futures’ from seeds and cuttings whilst fending off the advances of quolls and possums [and Earl] who are intent on eating or destroying everything as fast as they can.  My friend Dr Snail [The Snail of Happiness] and I have unilaterally decided that this garden requires BUNTING.  You get to make a piece [or more than one if you like] and Fran and Steve will find somewhere within their Sanctuary to string and hang it.  Just make sure there is a 4 cm  [11/2″ ] hem for threading the hanging rope through – and it would be good if it was sturdy, weather proof type material involved.  This is the first Fran and Steve will know about this dastardly plan – but we are quite sure they will love the opportunity to add into their sanctuary a myriad of brightly coloured, shimmering, waving fun infused bunting!

Your offering can be any shape, any size, any colour, any hardy outdoor fabric or recycled stuff.  Just make sure it has that threading venue available.

Fran also belatedly threw into the mix a request for beer bottle caps as she wishes to make a beer bottle cap dangler.  They can be used 🙂  That is such a cool Aussie idea!

bunting collage 2

RAK #2  Marlene at Insearchofitall is a senior citizen living with Bells Palsy, which means she cannot get out and about as much as she used to and she has days when her energy is low.   Despite this Marlene has recently moved into her new forever home and has been hard at work turning what might have been described as a pigs ear into a silk purse.  Marlene has a china cabinet and loves keepsakes.  I am going to [possibly make and] send Marlene a small New Zealand icon.  Would you care to [possibly make and] send her something that will represent you to her so that every time her eyes fall upon your gift, she thinks of you.   Wouldn’t that be the grandest thing!

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I do so hope you will join with me and make this a most wonderful and joy filled giving event.

When you are ready to send I can pass on addresses to you, my details are in the ‘Contact Me’ page under Orlando’s beautiful picture.

Thanks for coming by today, I’m so happy that you did!

109 thoughts on “Sharing the Love”

  1. Pingback: Blogging 101: All About Alys and Some Bunting for Fran | Gardening Nirvana

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  6. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, both the gifts from Claire, and the gorgeous wall hanging. I love love love looking at all the colour in your gorgeous post. Thank you for making me smile on a cold winter day.

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  8. Oooh I’d love to be in on both these wonderful ventures. Beer bottle caps I can probably do too, they would be ‘found’ as my daily doggy walk takes me past the pub and under the bridge where lots of drinking is done and the rubbish just left. Will wash before sending 🙂

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    • Hello Nanette, I would love you to be in on these ventures too – thank you so much for joining the fun. I think Fran will be delighted to have not only real used bottle caps, but that you tidied the area and washed the caps too will tickle her no end 🙂 Welcome aboard!

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  9. Pauline, you have brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Your words are an inspiration. I am thinking of what I might do to contribute. … Thank you for you kindness. You are indeed a special woman.

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    • Thank you very much 🙂 Both for your response to the post and for wanting to participate – it will bring great joy to two special women! [Or one special woman, mustn’t assume 🙂 ] I am grateful you have stopped by and taken the time to join in, you are most welcome here!

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  10. This is such a wonderful idea, Pauline (!) and I’m all over the bunting…..I’ll send something post haste. Things are settling down a bit after the last two weeks of visiting and adult “kids” and I’m catching up, slowly. 🙂 So I’ll check around for some Hawaiian beer caps, too. Mahalo! xo

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  11. Good heavens, Pauline, you’ve not only made a wonderfully thought-provoking post, you’ve inspired a slew of folks to remember that the best they can give another fellow human being is a piece of themselves. The world really needs a way to clone and scatter you about. Your projects are so generous and warmhearted.
    December has always been my family’s Pay it Forward month and we keep a jar on the counter where we can draw out ideas for the day. I think it helps to keep this crazy time of year in perspective. And it truly becomes more challenging each year. But reading your post this week has me even more encouraged to know that folks like you exist. (with or without your morning cup of joe!)

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    • Well now, your very generous comment has made me smile quite smugly despite the cold rain on what should be a beautiful summer day! I like your family tradition very much and would even adopt it if my kids were still kids! It’s so good to put the emphasis on the season back to ‘giving deeds’ rather than ‘getting stuff’ Standing applause for you from this chilly little corner of the world! xo

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  13. Pauline, this is so thoughtful of you to introduce some fellow bloggers who we may benefit from becoming part of connecting with them. I feel as you do, that many people seem very sincere and their lives and words are ones that need compassion, even when there are not always similarities or beliefs shared, there should always be caring. I am thankful for your friendship and also, while not at my Mom’s (so I am rather rushed and preoccupied. . .) I will check back on the two blogs and hope that there may be ways I can help them. I have huge collection of bottle caps that are colorful and plastic, not the beer and cork ones…) Smiles and hugs, Robin

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    • Robin thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment even though rushed and preoccupied. I hope life slows down a bit for you! I just love the idea of folk offering up a little something even if they had no previous connection – these are truly Random Acts of Kindness. Fran wants bottle caps that rattle when shaken together. Hugs right back! xoxo

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      • I guess the plastic colorful milk and juice caps aren’t the same as beer bottle caps! Ha ha! I did enjoy looking at the list of items, wish I was more of a ‘pack rat’ since I really don’t have those items… Take care and thank you for all the nice ways you have brightened my days this few months. I look forward to our next month and year’s connections! Hugs and blessings sent your way for December, Pauline!

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  14. I have developed friendships through my blogging, I have met some, some I may never meet, but I still consider them friends. Thanks for AFrankAngle for referring me to your blog.

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    • Did he? What a kind man! This post brought so many comments indicating agreement with the thoughts I shared. I am happy to know you are among the many who know blogging extends our world positively. Thanks for coming by 🙂

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  15. Good stuff. Well written. A smile on my face and I’m nodding along with you. Thank you 🙂
    Many of the friends I’ve made through blogging have entrenched themselves in my mind to the extent that they appear in my dreams. Either that’s weird, or …. no, actually it’s just weird.

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  16. I LOVE this post, Pauline! I have been on both ends of giving and receiving support since I began. I’d have had a much harder time weathering the past few months without the encouragement and positive messages. Things are working out now and I’ll have a post ready later this week. I’d love to contribute to the bunting and also make something for Marlene. I’ll let you know when they are ready. I still have a square to do for Mrs. Snail, as the one I began is ;’somewhere’ at this point. How wonderful of you to start these. I hope this goes on and on . . . a big virtual bunting of loving kindness that will stretch all ’round the world. Big hugs to you, my friend. And I guess I’ll have to see about drinking some beer soon, too, eh? 😉 ~ Linne

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  18. Outstanding post … that is well written around a good message.

    No doubt there are fakes in the blogging world – that is anyone portraying who they really aren’t. However, as in life, one is defined by the company they keep .. .or as I like to say, the most important decision in life is the choice of people to be around. So … many cheers to the kindness in the blogging world!

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  19. This is a beautiful post, Pauline. Thoughtful, well written, and I think it describes magnificently what happens when we blog and become part of a blogging community.

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  21. Reblogged this on Palm Rae Urban Potager and commented:
    When we blog we meet amazing people + these friendships through blogging are special….Pauline says it all with her ability to touch our hearts…great job, Pauline:-) so true all of this….

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  22. awwww Pauline, I have been outside raking leaves, trying to do last minute garden stuff since Saturday which was high 50’s…lol…today] I will be digging myself out of snow and it is down to 30’s and teens tonight..Roller coaster weekend + I missed this GREAT POST-I will use my phrase I say when I love a post + agree with every word-AMEN SISTER!!!
    Your passion was felt across the waves-I HEAR you loud and clear—this needed to be said + you did a great job of getting it out + done—AMEN SISTER!!! see my famous exclamation marks:-) there are plenty!
    You are one gutsy lady + I admire your kindness….you are, as I so often say-REAL:-)
    This old skin horse agrees + it is so nice to know, I can stop by and visit with a person that really cares.
    I will participate in this give away-just don’t know what I can send yet. I missed the one for you:-(
    I have to admit, I don’t always get to my blog every day, but I do visit the ones that I feel a connection to..just like you said, over time we do sift through those that are not really interested in our village or over the fence friendhip..and they travel on to other pastures..it is okay…the ones that stay and return and you visit with every week or few weeks are the ones you develop a friendship with:-)
    I look to you for wisdom-you are one great lady + I am blessed to know you:-)
    If I don’t stop by right away to read your blog-know I am off in the garden working on a project-lol or under snow!
    I truly loved this post + will keep this one to inspire me to keep on blogging-for everything you said is true…..I sure do admire you ability to say what I am not able to say…it took guts to post and say it like it is ….and your kindness just pours out of you!
    I just wish you lived closer , so I could invite you over for a cup of tea…but don’t peer through my window until you give me a “heads-up”….I am not perfect, which you know….off to comb my hair and get out of my pajamas-lol

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    • 🙂 Yes, I know you are in your garden, or teaching your neighbours, or sharing your seeds or digging yourself out of the snow…… I know you will pop by when you can. Never feel yo have to, we all have days when there isn’t time. Thank you for your kind and effusive words 🙂 Thank you for the re-blog. I hope it will encourage more folk to take part. I want these two friends to really feel the love!
      xoxo

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  23. You’ve done such a terrific job of describing, and honoring, the connections we make through blogging. I have to admit that I didn’t anticipate this when I started my blog but have been so thrilled to find myself swept up in the sense of community. You’re pretty amazing, Pauline!

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    • I was the same Kerry – I started to keep a record of my progress in the art room – I had no idea such wonderful people were lurking about out there in the ionosphere waiting for me to get my act together! Isn’t it wonderful how we trip over each other, get introduced by mutual friends, somehow stumble into these other bloggers with whom we have so much in common. I am a little in awe of it!

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  25. Pauline, you are incredible. Truly. Two things that you said really struck me:
    “What a wonderful chance to celebrate our perfections rather than our imperfections”.
    And
    ” the truth will out”.
    The friends that I have made through blogging are so dear to me and, while within my circles of friends locally I do my share of giving, you crafty gals take it so many steps further. I need to up my game!!
    Thanks for inspiring me!

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  26. What a lovely, thought provoking post. I joined the blogging world as a way of connecting with some like minded crafty people. But in addition through this platform I have ‘met’ some amazing, creative, inspirational people from all walks of life, and from all over the world. Just reading through all the comments here is a wonderful testament to humanity and to the kindness of strangers. You and the Snail of Happiness are so thoughtful to have reached out for Fran, Steve and Marlene. I would love to help too and will drop you an email xx

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    • Thank you Jem, I am so happy to hear you will take part. I started blogging to keep a record of the stuff I was making and to see if and how I was progressing and changing………. it has become so much more and is an enjoyable part of every day now. So glad you are here too!

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  27. What a beautiful post, Pauline! I agree that many/most of the connection in the cyber world feel “real” and that the phonies out themselves in short order.

    Here’s to sharing our honest selves with the world!

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  28. Very well said, dear Pauline. Granny and I feel a connection with some people too and they become furriends…and with furriends I mean, we see each other regularly on da blog.. We found out that there are some people who are very furriendly when you’re on their blog, like they know you furrever and pretend that they’re furriends, but they never visit you, they’re mostly very full of their own impawtance too, but when we came to bloggieland we thought they were furriends, but they really hurt our feelings, when it turned out they’re not. I think we’re to sensitive and we always feel guilty that we can’t come asap to a blog, but it looks like no-one really cares. We made this a teacher’s platform now, to handle ourselves in certain situations. We’re like you, Paulette, we feel when we’re welcome and when not. So glad you started this conversation, this was bordering us for a long time…phew… Now, what’s next? Yes, the colourful things are really beautiful. We like that snake and the romantic shed 🙂 Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend and two Extra for Orlando and Siddy 🙂 ❤

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    • I am glad you get express your feelings about that. Best not to carry the hurt though – it only makes you unhappy and they don’t care. Be happy about all the lovely friends you have who do visit and comment and enjoy your posts. xoxo

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  30. I’m so glad I logged on to find mails from the Snail today and from her found your blog. What a lovely uplifting post. I too would argue that solid friendships can be made despite our interaction being only virtual. The Hugs I send are real enough it’s what the person at the other end perceives them as that makes the difference.I’m lucky that with time I’ve built a group of great friends who saw me through the death of my wife and other low periods without backing away.
    I wold gladly do the same for any of them.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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    • Another kindred soul in the global blogging village – Welcome David and thank you so much for coming by and commenting. And following 🙂 I hope you will visit often and I shall pop over to you when this post slows down a bit.

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  32. My dear, dear, Pauline. You have outdone yourself again. For someone who claims to be not a writer, you do an outstanding job of expressing what’s in your heart and mine as well. I’ve got a post on hold waiting for the next moment of clarity and I’ll get right on it now. You can’t hide your true self in the written word. I too, keep the darkest parts of my days to myself. Why spread around gloom when there is so much good and brightness around to share. I am so looking forward to more time to read the blogs of all the wonderful people I have met online. I make new friends everyday and never have to leave the house. We weed through the false friends faster this way I think. I have probably 100 followers that have never read my blog! I follow many and continue to read even though they never stop by, because they are good people and have great things to say. I knew right away you had the best heart and from your following, that’s what you draw to you. I’m going to have fun with the bunting when I get home in a little over a week. This is too long but I’m truly overwhelmed by the love and generosity. Hugs and chin scratches to Siddy and Orlando.

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    • Our community is made up of the folks who stop by and comment – those who take the time to read and respond deeply make the most impression I find. The rest is just padding!

      Only a week now until you are home? Not so far away Marlene and I hope it will be a most happy home-coming! Hope all is going well with the sale too! I’m very excited about what you might find in your mail box eventually. The fact that it might go on for a long while is also rather nice don’t you think?

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      • I’m thoroughly intrigued Pauline by what is to come. Yes, I hope to be home in 9 days. I was expecting my son to move up in that time but the buyers loan has fallen apart. They may still be able to resurrect it and are still trying. I trust things to happen as they should. I really couldn’t say no to my son. I sure wish he could find a wife. 😦 We are all single these days.I don’t mind but it’s kind of sad for my kids. One can only hope. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity Pauline. You light up my day.

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  33. Dear Pauline, I too have read a few posts lately about so called ‘friendships’ online and I agree with you 100 percent. The friendships I have through blogging are sincere and very real and when I have shared heavy subjects (because although my blog isn’t defined by my father’s alcoholism and lifestyle nor by my daughter’s struggles with Asperger’s Syndrome, I do write about such things and have done from the very start, as to not do so would not be honest, and yes, I do wear my heart on my sleeve, I admit…)

    I have been utterly overwhelmed, indeed stunned, by the loving kindness of so many incredibly bloggers who have helped me through some very bad times, and continue to do so. We have laughed, cried and celebrated together. Surely this is as real as any offline friendship? This is why I shared in my recent post about my loss of a dear family friend – not for sympathy, can’t be doing with that, but becasue I have a deep connection with my community and we all know that the view ain’t always rosy, as much as we would like it to be 😮

    Marlene is a dear blogging friend and I would love to send her something. I will see if I can do so before Christmas but may not be able to now having missed the post date from the UK and I will need to have time to look (or maybe even make!) that special something to her so it will most likely not be until the new year.

    Thank you for reaching out to your friends in this way, you are a very kind and thoughtful lady, bless you 🙂

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    • Thank you for sharing your thoughts here Sherri – we are of a like mind and like experience I think – both in life and in our blogging community. I so want to celebrate this positive side of our human experience and I think the opportunity of sharing our gifts with people we may never have come across before is one way of opening ourselves out to a bigger and better world. I am so happy about all the positive responses – thank you for joining in 🙂 xoxo

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  34. Pauline, yet another thoughtful post from you. I like how your love for humanity pours through your writing. I have been blessed to be a recipient of your love, care, and concern just this week as you shared your thoughts with me about my intense fear of dogs.

    Thank you for the RAKs suggestions. I am glad there is no deadline.
    Oh, it’s Saturday morning here, I am still in bed, and I definitely won’t want you to see me with my very ” lovely” hair,style😄😄

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    • 😀 I’m sitting here in Sunday morning disarray, coffee cup to hand, puppy beside me, snoozing. Cat behind me, snoozing. The sun [yay the sun!] shining through the window and blinding me, but I don’t want to move away as it is the first time I’ve seen t all week……. Not that different at all to the cartoon above 🙂

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  35. This is beautiful, Pauline and such a wonderful idea! I agree with you 100%. The bloggers who I follow are genuine, caring and compassionate people. I’m pretty good at spotting a phony. 🙂 As for my blog, it’s just me, it’s too exhausting to try and be someone else. xo

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  36. Pauline, What a beautiful idea. I am a newbie to the world of blogging but the most unexpected delight is getting to know others in the community. I have read uplifting, inspiring and truly humbling posts on my journey through the blogsphere. I for one would like to be involved in RAK. A little Scottish themed gift for Marlene I think 🙂

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  37. This is a lovely post and I completely agree with every little bit of it. I think I was particularly open to making friends this way as I had already experienced it through Twitter. Mollie has a very gentle and fun Twitter account and through it I have made many friends who love dogs and I have become really good friends with four women in particular. People who don’t use online and social media don’t understand that you can call someone your friend when you’ve never met them (though I have met my dog friends and they’re fab), but you can – because you get to know them in a different way. If people like my blog then they’ll probably like me in person because my blog reflects ME!! And you are so right about people who try and be what they are not – it just doesn’t work long term. What I just love about this way of meeting people is that it is all based on shared interests (whether crafting or dogs) and you meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise, older, younger, different country, different lifestyle, different upbringing, different values. I love this and I am fascinated by the people I interact with. So all of that is leading up to saying, I’m in!

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    • Thanks Claire, this is a great response – you have expressed it all perfectly [and in far less words!] ! I have a Twitter account and never use it except that my blog posts automatically get twitted out 🙂 I don’t think anybody follows me any more though. So I’m quite impressed that you have met people through Mollies.

      So glad you are in too! xoxo

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  38. Reblogged this on The Snail of Happiness and commented:
    The Contented Crafter and myself have been plotting (isn’t it fantastic that two people on opposite sides of the world can plot?) something lovely for Fran, a fellow blogger. She’s written about it in this post, but actually the post is much more than that. I wholeheartedly agree with her thoughts on the value of our online community – thank you Pauline for expressing them so well!

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  39. I was literally nodding as I read your words. Yes, we only ever see each other through our computers, but that doesn’t make it any less real. ‘Meeting’ a community of like-minded souls has been the most rewarding and unexpected part of blogging. (By the way, Pauline, my Mum often mentions you. She noticed your comments on my blog and she likes you a lot. She’s too shy to comment directly to you, though.)

    Now, as for these wonderful RAKs: is there a timescale? I’m frantically crafting to a few deadlines at the moment, but really want to join in with your lovely ideas.

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    • Well, I’m pretty sure your mum is a lovely person – she obviously raised you in such a wonderful slightly twisted and terribly crafty way 🙂 I’ve seen her hands and they are pretty fine too. Tell her I only bite door to door salesmen and religion hawkers. Otherwise I’m very tame.

      There is no time line on these RAK’s – the longer they dribble on the better really. 🙂

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  41. So true Pauline. I feel especially blessed to have found people like yourself (via the wonderful Jill W. who I consider to be a web fairy godmother) 🙂 I try to remain true to myself and only follow those people I feel a ‘connection’ to and don’t quite understand people who follow willy nilly and don’t try to interact or build relationships (but to each their own I suppose). I like the idea of sending Marlene a keepsake from beautiful Vancouver.

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  42. Ohhh, this is so lovely Pauline and I totally agree with every sentence 🙂 I have met some super ladies through blogging and no, we may never meet, but I really look forward to hearing from them and seeing what they are up to and I know the ones I speak of (yourself for example) are always there to offer support for wherever I’m at. I don’t ever blog through my very grumpy times – we’d probably all agree life happens, shit happens and no, we don’t want to be seen at our worst…not because we want to appear perfect but because it doesn’t feel appropriate. But I do know if I was upset and needed support every single one would be there for me and I truly value that and the friendships I have made.
    This is a lovely idea! I am no sewer so a bunting for Fran and Steve is out I am afraid, however would love to send a wee something for Marlene so I too will pop over and check her out 🙂 Can you email her address to me please?

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  43. Pauline, I adore this post. You’ve captured the way I feel about friends met through blogging, with honesty and poignancy. I also agree that one can not pretend to be someone else when writing from the heart. Frankly, why would we want to?

    Two hundred years ago, people communicated larger by letter. Life long friendships, business relationships, and romantic partnerships, were formed by the back and forth sharing of the written word. I’ve often thought that blogging was a magnification of that since we get to include photos and links. Further, responses are near immediate so the opportunity to converse with others is also a possibility.

    I love that you are paying it forward in a way that we can all take part. I see that Fran has already logged on. I’m sure this is a happy surprise for her and for Marlene Herself.

    Oh my goodness, the wheels are turning now. Thank you!

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    • Yes, you are so right – modern day pen-pals. I have always loved the stories of people who corresponded for many years and shared so much of their lives through the good and bad times and then in their old age got to actually meet and spend real time together. We are blessed to have opportunities to connect on so many other levels, via Skype for instance, which makes it all so real and immediate!

      I am so excited about this venture and can’t wait to see how many decide to join in and play along with us! I hope Sanctuary is festooned like a major celebration and Marlene’s cabinet is stuffed full of amazingly interesting, intriguing and beautiful things from all over the world!

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        • Hi Pauline & Alys xo, I actually read your post last night P, but was too sleepy to chime in. What I need to say is how much I adore you both and what a fun gang this is!! We’ll be Craft Crusaders!!

          You’re both so adorable. I love how you embrace nature, friendship and life in general. I’ve learned so much and grown so much through you both. I tend to acknowledge non-bloggers doubts in the way that I couldn’t have imagined the connections and friendships until I became part of the community. I really think it’d be hard to connect with others unless you were entirely authentic. I think I can detect fakers most of the time.

          Do I debate on what photo’s to share? Of course. It’s the “best foot forward” thing they used to drill into us at one time. Do I choose my words carefully? Yes, my promise to myself when I began blogging was to be cheerful and not negative, ever. I admire people who’re having a hard time of things and bravely reach out for support, I can get drawn in when I think this person gives as much as then need to take. We all need a little nurturing sometimes.

          After seeing an interview about the http://www.Globalfamilyreunion.com, I would sumize that we’re all actually related somehow, so all these things we have in common start to make a lot of sense. xox Since I’ve never sent something to Fran, I will start with that project (soon). Now I love me some Marlene, I’ve nicknamed her Wonderfrau and will send a wee something her way too.

          Great read P. Really make me thankful xoxo

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          • So glad you stopped by again K and thank you for those thoughtful comments! Here’s to us in our imperfect perfections!! Bring on the positivity I say – there’s always another way to look at events, we just have to find it! 🙂

            How wonderful that Fran will get a little taste of the Boom Room to salivate over! I have just purchased some exterior fabric to make some bunting with but still haven’t found the time to apply myself and get something made up. I might be the last person getting things done and sent! xoxo

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  44. Bunting eh? A most interesting and novel premise Ms Pauline and to anyone who would like to send bunting accouterments both Stevie-boy and I would be most grateful and the finished bunting (very little crafting dexterity required at all 😉 ) will be displayed prominently in Sanctuary in perpetuity. I would love to make something for Marlene. I will go and read some of her posts to see what makes her tick, twitch and spit coffee out of her coffee cup with laughter. I will try to combine the three so that she is never bored when she looks at it ;). I love blogging generosity of spirit and when you can make something out of something you already have, it certainly makes it something that any and everyone can take part in if they see fit 🙂

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