This post is in three parts…
1. Blogging buddies.
I end all my walks on the beach in Malibu with a GROM gelato, and in my posts I mention how nice it would be if you could join me there. My blogging buddy Georgette accepted my invitation. We met last Saturday
When I saw a woman photographing the outside of GROM I knew it had to be my blogger friend and I followed her into the RadioShack next door. My, “Hi Georgette???” was followed by lots of shrieking, and hugging, and even the guy serving her caught the excitement when we answered “Yes!” to his questions, “Are you pen-pals?” “Are you meeting for the first time?”
It was one of those occasions where, though we were strangers, we were comfortable together, though we’d never spoken to each other before, there weren’t any awkward moments of silence, though we didn’t discuss it, we both chose mango gelato.
I hope you come back soon Georgette!
2. Blogging awards.
a) – Earlier this year my blogging buddy Cathy nominated me for two awards
- Very Inspiring Blogger Award from her blog African Meanderings {& Musings)
- The Shine on Award. from her blog catbirdinoman
“THE SHINE ON AWARD highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs.”
Thank you Cathy. I’m honored to find myself among such an eminent group of bloggers 😀
b) – Georgette of Georgette Sullins Blog, and Sylvia of Another Day in Paradise nominated me for the WordPress Family Award:
“reserved for folks in Cyberspace who are unceasingly kind, sympathetic, encouraging, and open to laughter – and who keep each other going by sharing, commenting, and making personal connections even though they may actually be virtual strangers.”
A sincere thank you to both of you. It’s a tremendous honor that strangers have chosen me to be part of their family. 😀
I don’t like following rule so instead of passing the awards to bloggers who have declared their blogs “award free zones”, I’d just like to extend an invitation to all my blogging buddies to join me on the beach in Malibu so I can buy you a gelato.
3. Fear of mud
You may remember that I walked on the Camino with Sue Kenny who did the route barefoot. As you can see (in the photo below) she had enormous fun playing in the mud, something the rest of us missed entirely because we were carefully stepping in the dry patches because …. because we didn’t want to mess our boots…!
How could I have forgotten how to play in the mud?
Sue Kenny walked barefoot on the Camino
I’m so tired I feel as though I’m spinning round-and-round in a hamster-wheel
It’s time for me to take a break from blogging
I’ll pop over to your blogs now and then
I may even do the odd post
– I’ve so many wonderful stories in my drafts folder –
but not now
for the moment I give myself permission to play in the mud…
aah I’m already feeling better 😀
Namaste.
yours truly enjoying the solitude and peace along the path
Wondering Rose 
Lovely post 🙂
Thank you Tara.
Have a nice break…and another Grom. I will have one here in our new Grom in Lucca and think of you.
How thoughtful of Grom to open a branch in your village.
Its nice to know you’ll think of me when you eat your gelato – its almost as good as being next to you while you eat it. Do you have a favorite flavor? I’m never disappointed with their nocciola (hazelnut) especially when its combined with something like limone.
i have taken to walking barefoot on the beach most sunsets:)walking barefeet strangely gives you a feeling of freedom naa..enjoy your time in the mud rosie and so wish i could have that mango gelato:)
I think walking barefoot on a beach is one of the most satisfying pleasures I can think of and sunset is my favorite time to walk on the beach.. From what I observed walking with Sue in Spain walking barefoot gave her a feeling of freedom I didn’t have with my boots.
It was interesting how many people tut-tutted in sympathy when they saw a pilgrim walking without shoes (they assumed she couldn’t afford them).
I hope you’ll get to taste the mango gelato one of these days Sandy…
Namesta, dear Rosie 😉
Namaste dear Mariane.
Breaks are good for the mind and soul. Enjoy.
Thank you EOS. You took one last summer so I know you understand exactly what I’m going through.
It was such a lovely afternoon we spent together! The Radio Shack employee was so understanding and seemed to enjoy our excitement, too. I’m glad I got in touch with you so we could seize those memorable moments. Thank you for introducing me to GROM and thank you for the gelato treat.
I took a break last June because I needed to, and it was so busy professionally. Turns out I will be doing the same this year. I hope your going away is just a break and that you do come back when you’re ready.
Hello Georgette,
I’m so glad you were able to squeeze in a visit with me during your short trip to L.A. and that I could introduce you to Grom.
After “talking to the picture on your gravatar for all these months it gives me so much pleasure that I now know that person. You’re the second blogging buddy I’ve met.
I don’t know how long this break is going to be. I just know I need a chance to catch my breath …
Have a marvellous break Rosie.
Come back when you’re ready, refreshed, invigorated AND BARE FOOT ! 😉
Thank you Sybil.
I am going to walk about with bare feet – but I must say I can’t imagine walking on the filthy LA sidewalks without my shoes. Yuck.
The barefoot movement has become very popular – even Dr Mercola mentioned it in his latest newsletter i.e
“Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you’re walking barefoot on the beach at the water’s edge – or across a dew-kissed field of thick grass?
It may not be your imagination – or a coincidence that you happen to be in the great out-of-doors. There may actually be a scientific explanation behind the pleasure you’re experiencing…
When you walk barefoot, “connected” to the Earth’s energy, free electrons flow into your body and spread throughout your tissues, allowing your cells to communicate with one another. This type of “Earthing” – or grounding – helps energize the electrical fields that are so essential for many processes within your body. “
Enjoy playing in the mud, Rosanne. I think you deserve it. I will miss you in the blog sphere, but hopefully you will be back again with renewed energy. Besides it must have been fun to meet up with Georgette. And congratulations with the awards. Well deserved too. All the best for your break.
Thank you for your encouragement Otto. I’m going to have the best time playing in the mud. Would you like to join me?
It was so fun to meet Georgette – she’s only the second blogging buddy that I’ve met. I look forward to meeting you one of these days!
I certainly hope we will meet one day. Playing in the mud!
You travel all over the world so I’m sure it won’t be too long before you come to Southern California and we can have our play date in the mud.
Dear Rose, congratulations on the awards and also on making the decision to take some time off from blogging. We all need to simply “be” sometimes. And in that being comes a renewal of spirit. Peace.
Oh gosh Dee you are a wise woman – I do just need to “be” – and I like your “in that being comes a renewal of spirit”. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me.
Why is it so hard to make the decision about taking time off?
Dear Rosie, I just took three weeks off and felt guilty the whole time. It think that’s because I didn’t announce that I was going to be away as you did. Now I plan to start reading and commenting again, but I’m not going to post any stories on my two blogs until early August. It’s the posting I now need to take time off from. I’ve realized that I’ve made friends through blogging and friendships need care. So that’s why I’m going to continue to read blogs–a few a day. Peace.
My dear Dee,
Thank you for coming round to tell me your news. I’m glad to hear you’re not going to be blogging for a couple of months, but I don’t think you need feel guilty for not letting us know you were going to take time off – many bloggers slow down during the summer.
Quite honestly I don’t know how you manage to keep two blogs going – I can barely cope with one. I hope you feel more rested from your time off.
Thank you for sharing more of your wisdom:
“I’ve made friends through blogging and friendships need care”
so true. I hope we can meet one day.
Take care of yourself.
Rosie Auntie, I hope you are going to enjoy playing in the mud as much as I do. This one is a really nice post. Is not it wonderful to meet people who are part of our daily lives vis our respective blogs; although we have not met each others yet, still there is some kind of bond between us and fellow bloggers that grows with time.
Enjoy your break from blogging!!
Hello Arindam,
Thank you for your nice comment. I’m so ready to play, I can’t wait. I hope you don’t think you’ve got to stop mucking about in the mud now you’re an adult. I think it should be required of every adult to take off our shoes and go play like Sue in the photo I shared.
How are the sales figures for your book?
Currently its steady and slow. 🙂 I could not market & promote it well as I published it in countries where I hardly know many people personally.
But currently, I am writing a fiction book that I am going to publish in India in next couple of months. Let’s see how things will go. I hope your blessings are with me to take me forward Rosie Auntie. 🙂
Are you writing your fiction book in English?
You know you have my blessings to go forward Arindam. Don’t forget that I’m one of your readers who bought your book. And read it 😀
So glad you enjoyed your Mango Gelato / Blogging Meet-Up. Now, kick off your shoes and dance in the mud. 😀
I look forward to meeting you Nancy. I highly recommend the mango gelato /blogger meet up. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
I don’t fancy walking without shoes on the L.A sidewalks…. So I’ll have to wait to take off my shoes at the beach this weekend.
Georgette will be in Cincinnati sometime in June … so we may be able to meet for ice cream!
Congrats on the awards … and whew … am I ever behind on those. Of course I will do one acceptance post sometime in June.
Enjoy your break. I assume namaste is a good thing, otherwise you wouldn’t use it … so … Namaste.
Frank I hope you can meet up with Georgette next month. She is such a lovely person.
Oh yes indeed, Namaste is a good greeting.
According to wikipedia:
“… originating from the Hindus and Buddhists in India …
Namaste is a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting…
When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest.”
🙂 ,,,, Namaste.
😉
What a treat – and I’m not talking about the gelato. We get to know each other so well through our words and our pictures. No wonder you and Georgette got along so well. I think hanging out with you two ladies would be a real blast. Maybe we can arrange it sometime. For now, have fun and bring back lots of stories.
Isn’t it amazing how much we learn about each other just through our words and pictures?
I’m jumping up and down shouting YES to the idea of hanging out with you and Georgette. What a great idea Renee. Let’s do it.
Bring back lots of stories? Yes ma’am 😀
Playing in the mud does sound delightful! Good for you! I hope you find some refreshment in the time you take–take all the time you need! 🙂 I’ll have to come meet you for a Malibu gelato sometime this summer! Sounds delightful, my friend. ox
hi Debra,
I’d love to buy you a gelato in Malibu. Would you like to kick off your shoes and join me on the beach first?
Namaste to you, Rose! Have fun playing in the mud. I’m hoping I can join you for a gelato at the end of this year, or the beginning of next. 🙂
Cathy, With all the traveling you do I’m sure you’re ready to play in the mud. When you told me where your sister lives I knew we were going to meet. I’ll pick you up from your sister’s house and take you to the beach for gelato and fun in the mud. . 😀
That sounds wonderful, Rosie. Let’s do it! I can’t wait. 🙂
This is a fun uplifting blog. It looks like you had many adventures and experiences that brought joy to your heart. I’ve wondered what it would be like to meet a fellow blogger one day. You’ve answered that question for me. I am really happy you both had a grand time.
Sometimes, a quiet respite is needed to rejuvenate. Taking time to nurture ourselves is a must we often lose sight if. I hope you find wonders in your path; quietness for your thoughts; and peace in your heart.
Namaste …
Isadora http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/nurture-yourself-clarity-in-nature/
Georgette is the second blogger friend I’ve met. Its a thrilling experience.
Where do you live Isadora? Come on over. I’d love to buy you a gelato 😀
oh yes, I’ve been very fortunate to have had many adventures that brought joy to my heart.
Thanks for the link to your post. I love the top photo. I’d also love to sit in lotus position on the edge of a waterfall …
Well, I live in Southwest Florida. I am south of Sarasota. For sure, if you are near me I could enjoy a gelato with you. I haven’t met any of my blogger in person yet but feel that I would have a fun time with anyone of the ones I follow. They all seem to be on the same wave length as me. Perhaps, one day we can add us to the list oe meetings.
Namaste …. ~~~~ : – )
You summed it up perfectly – we follow people who are on the same wave length as us so when we meet we feel as if we already know them.
I love Miami and my brother just moved to Florida so perhaps we’ll meet on your coast!
Playing in the mud! Wonderful. Brings back so many happy memories.
Have a lovely blog break, Rosie.
When was the last time you played in the mud Kate? You must come and join me. And of course we’ll have gelatos afterwards!
i LOVE that a blogger buddy took you up on meeting, thats terrific!!!
I’ve now met two blogging buddies. Where do you live Tina? Please come on over. We’ll have gelato and walk on the beach…
You know, I think many of us worry about taking a blogging break because we remember how difficult it was to get things rolling, to build up a readership and all that. It’s almost like we’re afraid we’ll be forgotten – we’ll come back and no one will be there.
That could happen, except for one thing. When we started, we just had readers. Now, we have friends – whether we’ve met them or not. If you’re gone for a week or a month or two months, I’ll miss you, but when you pop back up, I’ll say, “Oh, LOOK! Rosie’s back!” And we’ll pick up exactly where we were.
So go run barefoot, and eat gelato. I’ve got the perfect soundtrack for you. 😉
hah hah what a perfect song! thanks so much Linda. I enjoyed listening to the lyrics and the pictures were a hoot.
as for your beautiful comment it left me in tears. You are the best most thoughtful nicest friend a woman could ever ask for. I wanted to jump in the car and come over to hug you but I’ve never met you and I don’t even know where you live. Thank you Linda.
I hope you’ll come and walk on the beach with me one day … Here’s another thought… as you are also Georgette’s blogging buddy I can imagine the three of us sitting on the beach eating our gelatos 😀
(((hugs))) and love
rosie
Playing in the mud sounds so tempting…..my OCD would prevent me from doing it though 😀
Enjoy your break Rosie, We’ll still be here when you decide to return 😉
My favourite icecream flavurs are dulce de leche and coffee 🙂
Come visit – I know you’re going to love the flavors at GROM. (I don’t whether they make a dulce de leche. I’ll look for you next time I go).
Thanks Rosie. Shall certainly visit if/when I come to the US. Did you know I have never been? Despite having a sister who lives there!!
You’ve done so much traveling around the world and have never been to the US? Good gracious we have to rectify it immediately… Let’s declare 2013 to be the year Madhu visits the United States.
Where does your sister live?
Concorde, New Hampshire.
even though she lives on the other coast you’ll simply have to fly over to California once you’re here!
Thank you for being so supportive re my break Madhu.
Do you remember how wonderful it feels when you’re walking barefoot and can “squish” the mud between your toes? That is freedom! When you come visit I’ll help you take a few small steps, and I’ll bring a nice soft towel for you.
Something to look forward to Rosie 🙂
Even if I’m not blogging you have my email address. Don’t forget…
amiga! i understand why you’re tired! answering a long queue of comments is a job all in itself!
You understand part of the problem Lisa – it sometimes takes me a whole weekend just to answer the comments…
On an unrelated note: Tonight’s the night! (Last night and tomorrow night too):
BFF and I just enjoyed a peek at the Planetary Triple of Venus (bottom), Jupiter (left) and Mercury (right) in the night sky just past sunset. We’re going to head out again in a few minutes when the sky is a tad darker . . . but think that the sky is now too cloudy.
You should be able to view it tonight and tomorrow at sunset (if clouds don’t get in the way).
You’re so thoughtful to think of reminding me Nancy. Thank you so much. I remembered your post and looked for the planets when Mr F and I walked this evening – from 7:30 to 8:30 – but I guess the sky wasn’t dark enough and now I’m too tired to go outside…
Am I correct to assume they’re visible in the west?
On Friday night at 9 pm we took champagne, cheese and crackers outside to the swimming pool so we could watch the full moon lunar eclipse. When we came back inside an hour later we discovered it was one of those eclipses where the shadow isn’t visible!
We looked due west and found them quite easily . . . a bit above the horizon at sunset. You’re a little farther north, but I expect that looking west is your best bet. We checked out the eclipse on Friday too . . . more of a halo from behind than a shadow on it’s face.
When we combine wine, cheese, and astronomy, we enjoy ourselves no matter what shows up in the night sky. 😀
Nancy I ran out at about 8:30pm on Tuesday night and spent about half an hour looking for a wide street with a clear view of the sunset but couldn’t find one. The trees are too tall and bushy and the roads all curve… I should’ve gone in the car to the Observatory – it’s on a hill in Griffith Park…
When will we see them again? I’ll make sure I go to Griffith Park.
So wonderful that you and Georgette had a chance to meet and spend some time together! And I hope you’re enjoying your blogging break and taking some well-deserved time to play in the mud! 🙂 *hugs*
Hi Barbara,
I haven’t had time to play in the mud yet. Soon! Thanks Barbara.
I think you’re also Georgette’s blogging buddy? Lets have a barefoot “meet up” on the beach!
Enjoy the break, Rosie. But you’re coming back, right? And congratulations on the well-deserved awards. I know we’ll have a gelato together someday. Mine will be pistacchio.
Thanks Charles. To be quite honest I’m not sure whether I’m going to come back.
I know we’ll meet one day. Every time I go to Grom I see the pistachio patiently waiting for you. 😀
Love the look of that mango gelato… looks gorgeous! And nice to see a pic of you with Georgette, too. 🙂
Does playing with mud pies as a child, count?
Enjoy your break, Rosie. Hugs.
Hi Val,
I highly recommend the mango gelato.
Playing with mud pies as a kid doesn’t count. We’ve forgotten how to simply have fun. I think you should come join me … 😀
Hope you’re enjoying your mud and feeling it between your toes and reviving your weary spirit, Rosie. Also glad you met a blogging friend–I met one as well recently! Happy relaxed days to you.
I’m having a wonderful time thanks Kathy.
I’m so happy to hear you also met a blogging buddy recently. There are so many extras to blogging that I didn’t imagine when I started 😀
Playing in the mud is one of life’s ultimate joys. I’m glad you’re taking some time to do so. I hope your blogging break has been going well, and I can’t wait to someday meet you in Malibu so we can have a gelato. I’m practically drooling over the mango gelato. 🙂
Working full-time doesn’t allow me enough time to play in the mud but not blogging has given me space to breath and so far I have dipped my toes in the mud several times.
I’d love to meet you in Malibu and buy you a gelato Robin. Don’t forget…
Hope you’re having fun Rosie. I just realised you’d disappeared. 🙂
Thank you for coming by to check on me Sylvia. 😀 It feels good to know that you noticed I’d disappeared.
Trying to blog while working full-time is exhausting. I’m totally enjoying my time off…
Rosie, I’m so glad you had a chance to meet a fellow blogger. I’m still hoping to have that meeting with you as well. I’m sorry you’re taking a break from blogging, but after you’re rested, I’m sure you’ll come back with a fresh outlook, not that you didn’t already have a fresh outlook. 🙂 I’m glad you accepted my awards too! Anyway, onward to finish exploring Toledo. I’m heading to Malaga tomorrow! Adios, amiga!
Hola Amiga,
Although I haven’t been blogging this summer I’ve been following your posts of your journey through Spain and Portugal and thoroughly enjoyed it with you. Your posts are so informative I honestly feel as if I’ve been there too [though I traveled light and didn’t have to lug a huge purple suitcase]. The paella you ate with Marianne looked so deelish I wanted to run to the airport… 😀
I look forward to meeting you when you come see your sister. (I haven’t forgotten that she lives near me!)
Hi Rosie, so nice to hear from you! Yes, my trip through Spain and Portugal was wonderful. and so was that paella; I’m at home now in Virginia and trying to settle in. I’ve written some about that here in http://www.catbirdinamerica.wordpress.com and still have to finish posting about my trip, but so much to do, I’m afraid I’m getting hopelessly behind. I really hope to get there after Christmas. I’ll let you know my plans once they solidify. 🙂 Miss you, my friend!
Welcome home Cathy! It must be wonderful to be back but I can understand that you must also be feeling disoriented….
You have an American blog? I’m coming over…
When you come see your sister I hope we can meet for more than a quick gelato. 🙂
I showed the paella picture to Mr F. He’s also salivating…
Imagine Georgette and you having the chance to meet. I can just hear the squeals! And you met over a Gelato – what could be less stressful and more fun! Just the two of you with time to experience proof of how the internet sheds strangeness and barriers.
Great photos. It’s so good to really see “familiar” people.
Congrats on your awards – perfect for you, Rosie. You work so hard, yet your writing comes off with such heart-bombs. You spiritedness (new word apparently) shines through in every post I’ve read. I think I’ve kept up…
I’m really glad you are taking a break. We drive ourselves so often with ill-conceived expectations of ourselves. Fear not, I’ve seen that readership doesn’t disappear when we post less often. It changes, it ebbs and flows, but so what? Readers will still connect when they/we can.
Be prepared…when you and I can finally meet up, we’ll need a day. Meeting you over one tea or one gelato would be like chewing a piece of chocolate and not swallowing! 😀
Thank you my dear Amy. I think Blogging buddies are often much closer than real friends because we’re honest on our blogs, and share so much of ourselves.
I like your word spiritedness . Merci.
Last weekend when a guy in a shop told Mr F and I he was going all the way to Vancouver by train for about $250 (I still don’t know why he shared that piece of information) I turned to Mr F and said “OMG I want to take that train so I can visit Souldipper.” and he knew who you were!
I totally agree that we need to spend more time together than just
” meeting over one cuppa tea or one gelato …”
We need time to sit round your fire eating your banana bread plus you’ve got to show me your favorite hikes around your beautiful island…
boucoup ((hugs)) a vous mon amie .
Hi Rosie! 🙂 Wow!!! I’m so happy that you and Georgette met! Pen-pals! So true! And what a wonderful picture of both of you. Looks like you had a great day. Also — congratulations on the award! And as you know, I fully think blogging breaks are good for the soul. Got to keep a balance in life, right? But we will be here happy with open arms to welcome you back whenever that is! Take care!
Welcome back Melissa 😀
What a lovely surprise to get your comment. I hope we can meet now you’re on the west coast and have relatives living in my city.
My sincere congratulations on the publication of your children’s book (and doing both the writing and the illustrating).
Funny old world , isn’t it? I was in my Reader searching for someone I hadn’t seen in a while, and passing your name thought “ah, Rosie- I’ll just pop over for a look”. But you’re not here. You’re out to play. But the funny part is, I had my own blogging meetup with Cathy (Catbird in Oman- now Europe!) and wrote http://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/meeting-a-catbird/ just a couple of weeks ago. Have a look when you have an idle moment. Meantime, enjoy that icecream. 🙂
Hello Jo,
Thank you for coming over to check on me. It’s nice to know someone missed me. 😀
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about your meeting with Cathy. (Thank you for giving me the heads-up and providing the link). It seems as if the world is getting smaller by the day – there you were a Brit and an American sailing in Portugal!
Believe it or not, I’m back.
Sort of.
There’s nothing like meeting fellow bloggers. Hope you make it to Cuenca one of these days!
Hope you’re doing well. Sorry to have been away, Rosie. Been busy working on my memoir. Excuses, excuses! Right? I’ve missed you.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Always a pleasure to welcome you back here. I’m so glad that you’re working on your memoir – I was most impressed to hear you reading Chapter 1.
[I hope you working so hard on your memoir can inspire me to “begin” my memoir].
Thanks for the invitation to visit you in Ecuador – its one of those countries I’d love to visit. 🙂
I was wondering where you are, dear Rose!
Hello Sonali,
You’re so kind and thoughtful to come over and check on me. I’m honored to know you missed me. I’m here and I’m OK – no time to blog at the moment.
How sweet you’ve met bloggers in real life – that’s great. 🙂 Love the last photo.
Hello WordsFallFromMyEyes,
It’s always a pleasure to welcome someone new to my blog.
It’s a thrilling experience to meet blogging buddies – I’ve met two so far.
Very happy you noticed and liked the last photo of me (it was taken on a path along the Camino in Northern Spain).
Hi. Glad to hear from you again. I like your trainer … he is like my cat perhaps and is telepathic … Jane
Ditto from me – its really lovely to hear from you Jane.
I know my personal trainer will be so happy to hear that someone noticed him in my post. Too many people have read the post so fast they didn’t “understand” that Signor Monte-Carlo was my dog. 🙂
You know I think Monte-Carlo is telepathic and psychic. On several occasions soon after my mother passed away he sniffed at an empty wall and then quickly backed away while barking.