THE EXCITEMENT BUILDS
Once upon a time, not too long ago (and definitely not in a land far away), I was perusing the WordPress Reader and came upon a beautiful photograph by artist and blogger, Amy Rose of the blog, Petals Unfolding. I was in awe of her photographic ability, and began to follow her blog. After awhile, it occurred to me that many of her photographs were taken in local Western New York locations, and I began to pay even more attention. When I became aware that she was publishing photos of her walks through Chestnut Ridge Park, I knew she must live somewhere in my geographic area of the USA.
Imagine that – a talented blogger within a 20-minute drive from me! I wanted to meet her, but wasn’t sure how she would respond to an invitation, so I began commenting on her photos, letting her know that I was quite familiar with many of the trails in Chestnut Ridge Park because I’ve lived in Western New York pretty much my whole life. In fact, as a young couple, my husband and I spent a lot of time walking those same trails.
Finally, Amy realized that I, too, am a local gal – and we made arrangements for a luncheon meet-and-greet at a nearby TGI Friday’s. Now that I work only 4 days a week, it was fairly easy for me to set aside a Monday for the event – and it was really cool that I could have a Monday to do something fun instead of just running to doctor’s appointments.
I should have date-stamped it. No one would believe it’s December 14
The meet-and-greet was today! And the gods were smiling – mid-December in Buffalo, NY and the temperature was 70 degrees, with sun! I just knew we would hit it off.
I can’t tell you how happy I am to have met such a wonderful person. Amy is just what you would expect from reading her blog – intelligent, talented, and caring. We chatted about many subjects as I ate my chicken-and-shrimp pasta dish, and Amy enjoyed her French onion soup and salad. To me, it felt like I was having lunch with an old friend – perhaps because interacting with another blogger through the comments truly gives one a sense of what that other blogger is all about.
Teddy Rosalie was, of course, present since I always take her to meet-and-greets to assure that the other blogger will recognize me. After all, how many people enter a restaurant holding a small teddy bear? Out of respect to Amy, I left Not CM at home (which isn’t always easy to do, considering that Not CM is my alter-ego, but hey, where there’s a will, there’s a way).
Yes, that says “NAUGHTY” – maybe Not CM was there after all!
After lunch, there was a minor tussle over paying of the bill – I wanted to treat, Amy wanted to treat – so finally we decided to just split it. Fortunately, we were able to resolve the issue without Amy having to resort to her martial arts training, or me having to use my sarcastic wit. And thankfully, there will be no headlines on the local news about two ladies causing mayhem at the local TGI Friday’s.
(As an aside, Amy and I agreed not to take pictures of each other, to preserve our respective privacy. But Teddy Rosalie is always happy to be photographed, and she so loves sitting on the dashboard of the car.)
Amy and have agreed to meet again sometime in the spring, and we’re hoping to invite one or two other bloggers to join us. The name Mark Bialczak kept cropping up – and please don’t say “Who?” Everyone knows and loves our favorite blogger from the suburbs of Syracuse. NY.
So, Mark, if you’re reading this, you can expect that I will try to arrange a meeting with Amy while you and Karen are here on the mini-wine tour that I intend to take you on. Plan accordingly! (Yes, I know we haven’t firmed up any plans just yet, but I’m ever the optimist.)
If any other readers are within a reasonable driving distance of Buffalo, NY and feel like coming sometime in the spring or early summer, we could make it an even funner meet-and-greet! Who’s in?
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitter pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com or notcordeliasmom@aol.com
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Images by Cordelia’s Mom
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
I have the biggest grin on my face, my friend! What a wonderful post!!! Oh my! I feel tickled that you wrote such a glowing report of our luncheon. It was SO wonderful to meet with you and just like you said, I felt as though I was meeting a long time friend. Thank you for bringing NOT CM with you …. hehehehehe. Of course he had to sit on the table to make sure the conversation was A-OK. You do have a memory for details I will give you that much. Good job!! And, cuz, IF you read this post you bet I will be meeting with you and your wife Karen. OH BOY!!! I can’t wait!!!
You made my day, CM. You made my day!! I have tears in my eyes of JOY!!! Love, Amy ❤
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I do believe that’s one of the best comments I’ve ever received, Amy.
And yes, I drove safely (LOL). Just had my left-overs for dinner, too.
Sleep well.
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My day is yet over but when I get to the bed stage, you bet I will sleep well!!! I dive in and conk out!! 🙂 ❤
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PS LOVED your photos, CM!!! LOL
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From you, that is high praise, indeed! They did turn out particularly well.
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Ah, I see my “magic” is rubbing off on you!! Cool beans!! YAY! I couldn’t be happier for you! You have got a “good eye” as well, CM. Go for it! ❤
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The magic in me
sees the magic in you
and now it shall be
a play ground for you.
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That’s very sweet. Thanks, Amy.
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SMILES and (((HUGS))) ❤
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Awesome post and that is cool you both got to meet! I suggest next time an arm wrestling match for the check… and a video of it! 🙂
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If you had ever met Amy, you wouldn’t suggest that because she’s just too sweet. But should you and I ever meet, you and Not CM can duke it out.
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LoL, I think Not CM would win. 😉
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Very possibly. She’s a mean little devil.
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So I’ve come to understand. ^_^
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(BTW – your name also came up during lunch, Jason. Were your ears ringing?)
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Well I am flattered. I’ve known Amy and you for awhile though. Still, flattered. 🙂
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It’s lovely when the virtual becomes real 🙂
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For sure, and I sincerely hope that someday it will become a reality for you and me, as well.
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Sounds like fun.
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It was. You never know what to expect at these meets-and-greets, so there’s always some nervousness going in. Amy’s really a sweet lady, so it worked out very well.
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I’m always very nervous meeting people, but bloggers are such fun
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We are, aren’t we? Blogging is supposed to be fun.
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Ooo sounds fun. I grew up just south of Syracuse. If I was still there, I’d take the role of being the drunk one showing up to your party even though I was never invited. On a side note, I can’t believe how warm I’ve seen it up there — insanity for mid-December
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How far south of Syracuse, if I might ask? I used to have to drive to and from Binghamton several times a year because my middle daughter went to college there.
I can hardly believe the weather, either, but I’ll gladly take 70 and sunny over -10 and a blizzard.
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I grew up in Cortland. 🙂 It’s about 20-25 miles south of Syracuse.
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Aha. I remember passing Cortland on the way to Binghamton. We used to get off the Thruway in Syracuse and then take I-81 (or I-84? I can’t remember) heading south.
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It’s wonderful to meet bloggers in real life. I’d love to do it more often. You feel like you know someone so well from their writing, and it’s great to see those good feelings reinforced. Happy for you both. ☺☺
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I’ve been fortunate that the few bloggers I’ve met have turned out to be exactly what I expected from reading their blogs. I’m not sure if that would hold true for everyone.
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I’d like to think it would, CM. Thanks. ❤️
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Two of my favs getting together. This could be trouble 🙂
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I can’t imagine Amy ever getting into trouble. Too bad you’re not a bit closer – we’d both love to meet you, too.
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If I ever get up there, I’ll let you know.
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Yes, definitely do that, Dan. I’m not traveling much these days, so I pretty much have to wait for people to come to me. Hopefully, that will change at some point in the future.
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Er, don’t hold your breath with what you just said, CM. There is a wee Irish imp that resides in me that yes does know how to stir things up a tad. 😉 Hehehehehe *flashbacks to younger days* LOL
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I too had a lot of trepidation when I first met some of my readers after a visit to the national zoo in Washington DC. Turns out, they are great folks, and some have become very good friends. I’ve met other groups of panda followers at a panda fan meet up in San Diego as well. This internet community is quite amazing. I hope on one of my infrequent visits to Western PA that I can meet CM in person. And hey! I’ll even let you pay for lunch! Ha ha!
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Cordelia and I will find a way to meet you in PA. You’re at the very top of our list of who (whom?) we’d like to meet.
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Huzzah! BTW: I just sent you that blog post. Check your email!
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Ooooo, going there now!
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Really enjoyed reading this. Absolutely adore the photos 🙂
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Teddy Rosalie does photograph well. I would have loved to photograph Amy, but we agreed not to.
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Count me in before I move to Florida, hadn’t gotten a chance to get back to Amy but in the neighborhood too….awesome post…meet and greets Buffalo style…we know how to enjoy weather and blogging friendships…Amy turned me onto you…I’m a dog rescuer and one cat left…..yay, count me in🙂 kim
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Another WNY blogger? Yay! Northtowns or Southtowns?
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Holland, but work in Orchard Park and hubs at GM…although he doesn’t blog….
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Aha. You guys got the snow last year – I was luckier. I live in Tonawanda, and we got only a little snow last year. But I’m sure we’ll get our share this year.
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Holland didn’t get much, but OP I had off of work for four days…now that was awesome😊❄️
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Pingback: Smashing Success | Petals Unfolding
Here you go, CM. My “take” on our meet. https://herladypinkrose.wordpress.com/2015/12/19/smashing-success/
Love, Amy
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Such a lovely meet and greet, and so pleased your meal ended without a show-down at the TGI Friday’s 🙂 Amy is such a gorgeous soul and I am so pleased to meet you CM.. and Teddy Rosalie whose jumper/sweater I love by the way.. 🙂
Have a wonderful next get together with Blogging friends..
Sue…. from the UK..
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Thanks, Sue. I so wish more of my blogging friends lived closer to me. I’d love to meet every single one of them!
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CM, I have been so happy to hear about your meet and greet with dear Amy Rose♡. She exudes joy and sunny skies from her pores, I bet. I was going to just press like but had to say, my Mom’s 87 and her name is Rosalie. It was in an older style song and my Dad would do this Elvis hip swing while singing off key, “Crackin’ Rosie!” I sure do love that memory and Neil Diamond will always be in my Top 10 best songs. 🙂
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*sigh* Neil Diamond and is “Cracklin’ Rose” song were MY generation. I still play his songs on the CD in my car because they bring back memories of my early 20s. Not that you just made me feel really old or anything. 🙂
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❤
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Hiya
I got here from Amy’s “Smashing Success”. Sounds like you two had a very good time, once Amy got done fretting! hehehe
Love the teddy bear in the gingerbread sweater. I’m a huge fan of teddy bears.
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Amy and I did have a good time – I felt like I’d known her for years.
I’m glad you find my silly little blog. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes serious, but always entertaining – and Teddy Rosalie shows up quite a bit. I hope you’ll return often.
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I shall, subscribed.
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