The long awaited day had finally arrived – the day I was going to meet some blogging friends in real life. The plan was to meet at the Botanical Gardens at 9:30.
When I woke up yesterday at 5:00 a.m. I was so restless. I slipped out of bed, crept downstairs, started the coffee, and picked up my camera, checking for the 10th time to make sure that the battery was charged and that I did indeed remember to put the memory card back into it.
All of this because I was meeting up with Deanna of Snippets from Springdale, Terri Porter of Photographically Speaking, and Barbara Hurst of Barbara Hurst Photography. Deanna and Terri also write for the collaborative blog Focusing on Life.
I don’t know why I was so nervous. As soon as I met each one of them, I felt like I already knew them. The talking started, and didn’t end until we straggled out of the Gardens at about 2:30.
What an incredible experience!
These are women who share two of my passions; blogging and photography and they “get” me, and I “get” them! I can’t think of a single person at home that I can say the same thing of (except for my daughter of course, who also blogs, as well as my other daughter who introduced me to digital photography and of course my hubby who supports everything I do).
The Chihuly in the Gardens Exhibit is on right now and this fabulous creation was the first thing we saw.
Then this …
and this …
It’s truly a stunning collection to behold. Magical.
And of course the plants and wildlife are beyond fascinating …
So now I can’t wait until Tuesday when we are all getting together again to meet at the Butterfly Wonderland. And then again on Wednesday in Tucson!
I’m feeling pretty grateful to have these ladies who inspire me not only here in Arizona, but every day on their blogs where they share their stunning photos and interesting tidbits of their lives.
How wonderful that you could all get together and your photos are beautiful!
What a wonderful experience to meet your blogging friends! I know how special and amazing that is! And what better place to do that than the botanical gardens?! I love it there…fantastic photos Mom!!
Fun times!! I see you left the snow for warmer weather!! Love the photos…amazing as usually.
Fun exhibit too! Were they made of glass? There is a whole museum of glass in Tacoma, WA., that I want to see. Looks similar to the work here.
Barb…here’s the link http://museumofglass.org/ I don’t know what part of Canada you’re in, but the museum is in Tacoma. Amazing works of glass!
how awesome! loved the roadrunner and the cactus wren – and what a great exhibit!
I know you girls are having the best time just being together and taking photographs…..Your shots are amazing. I look forward to hearing more about the time together….
Oh! How I wish I could have joined you! I would love to have met you, Barb, and see the other three gals again, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. And that Chihuly exhibit … how I would love to see that! I’m so glad you all had a wonderful time … but then I knew you would. :-D
Your photos are awesome! What a great group photo, too. Looks like a fabulous time was had by all. :)
Isn’t his work wonderful!!!!! Glad you were able to not only see it but share it with your readers.
Maryanne
Barb you are just a delight, and an incredible photographer with a beautiful eye, love everything you have here. Such detail and the icing on the cake is that dove, brilliant and of course you found that heart wow. I think I could have walked and walked around all day and never seen. It was so lovely meeting you, and can’t wait for Wed. I am going to miss Tuesday but will be all bells on my toes for Tucson.
How I would love to meet some of the women that we have photoed and blogged with over the years. I am so happy for you.
You lucky dog! Someday I’ll fly out and meet up with you girls too.
Oh just a big ole squeeze for you….so so much fun to finally meet you and talk with you, and eat with you, and hug you and to be with you again 2 more times in the next few days…oh yum!! And what beautiful images you captured, love seeing them with your wonderful eye!!
Oh, Barb, these images are just amazing! They take me right back to all the beauty we experienced yesterday and how much fun we had together! There is something so special about finally meeting in person people you feel you already know from online. So happy we still have two more days to be together!
Your images are amazing. All so very beautiful.. Just like all the ladies sitting there. Have fun. Im jealous. :)
Loved this blog
How wonderful! AND fabulous pictures!
Barb, I’m so pleased that when you all got together that it just worked – I completely understand and can very much relate to your nerves beforehand, but also know the relief when you’re in a social situation and you can say you’re really enjoying it. I’m familiar with Deanna’s photos from Snippets from Springdale – they are always lovely. Your last photo was particularly great by the way showing the details and softness of the bird’s feathers. Hope you have a good start to the week, Renee.
Barb how wonderful to meet up and what a fantastic set of images I so loved it when we visited in 2011….
Absolutely beautiful, both the photos and the meeting up with friends! Thanks so much for sharing. :)
Wonderful to see you all together – such a fantastic experience! I love your photos … the perspective of the cactus from above, and the heart-formed cactus’ … I look forward of seeing your captures from the Butterfly land!
Enjoy your stay!
what a wonderful time you all had ~ absolutely gorgeous images Barb ♥
what a treat …… so happy you got to meet these amazing women…..in real life.
so exciting..