LiveJournal Land
Over the course of my seven years on LiveJournal, I've collected a small handful of characters that I consider "my people." I've done several friend cuts, but these chosen few remain, no matter how long they are absent from their journals. I feel that I know them fairly intimately; I can separate out the details of their lives from the flurry of daily chaos and community posts inundating my friends feed.
For some time now I've contemplated the possibility of meeting a select few of these individuals in person. Of course I'm terribly shy in 'real life,' so the thought of interacting with a virtual stranger who has had access to my innermost thoughts is mildly disconcerting. I decided to challenge my comfort zone and this past weekend was spent with some very dear friends.
I met Shel on LJ maybe 4-5 years ago, though neither of us can decided exactly how long it's been, just that it feels like ages. We've always been very frank with each other, giving advice without sugarcoating it, when it seemed like everyone else was paying lip service. About a year ago, as we'd gotten closer, Shel introduced me to her partner, Diana. We exchanged pleasantries on FB before she started a journal of her own where we've gotten to know each other better. These girls have become a regular part of my life, remaining in contact through texts and on FB when absent from the LJ scene.
After buying our home, I toyed with the idea of having them as guests. Later they accepted an invitation and the tickets were purchased this spring as we anxiously awaited our first meeting.
They arrived by train from Detroit on Saturday and we took a few days to familiarize them with our eccentric hamlet, spending the majority of our time together vegging on the back deck. It was effortless, a very positive experience. How fantastic to embrace those who have received so many virtual hugs during hard times over the years. Their visit revitalized our love of Ithaca, allowing us to proudly show off our little corner of the world. We all meshed very well, including girl, who has only gotten to know them a little bit in recent months and we can't wait for their return visit.
We'll have to let the girls decide if there is truth in advertising; if they think my journal is an accurate depiction of my character, but the jury's still out on that one.
For some time now I've contemplated the possibility of meeting a select few of these individuals in person. Of course I'm terribly shy in 'real life,' so the thought of interacting with a virtual stranger who has had access to my innermost thoughts is mildly disconcerting. I decided to challenge my comfort zone and this past weekend was spent with some very dear friends.
I met Shel on LJ maybe 4-5 years ago, though neither of us can decided exactly how long it's been, just that it feels like ages. We've always been very frank with each other, giving advice without sugarcoating it, when it seemed like everyone else was paying lip service. About a year ago, as we'd gotten closer, Shel introduced me to her partner, Diana. We exchanged pleasantries on FB before she started a journal of her own where we've gotten to know each other better. These girls have become a regular part of my life, remaining in contact through texts and on FB when absent from the LJ scene.
After buying our home, I toyed with the idea of having them as guests. Later they accepted an invitation and the tickets were purchased this spring as we anxiously awaited our first meeting.
They arrived by train from Detroit on Saturday and we took a few days to familiarize them with our eccentric hamlet, spending the majority of our time together vegging on the back deck. It was effortless, a very positive experience. How fantastic to embrace those who have received so many virtual hugs during hard times over the years. Their visit revitalized our love of Ithaca, allowing us to proudly show off our little corner of the world. We all meshed very well, including girl, who has only gotten to know them a little bit in recent months and we can't wait for their return visit.
We'll have to let the girls decide if there is truth in advertising; if they think my journal is an accurate depiction of my character, but the jury's still out on that one.