I know what you mean about friendships, and making friends later in life. That one word, friendship, is actually so complex. I have had to accept that not all friends are forever, but nevertheless play a vital role in enriching our lives for a time.
It is complex isn’t it? Some years ago I came across the idea of friends for a reason/a season/for life and it’s something that has been helpful as so many lovely people have come and gone in the process of our many moves; however fleeting a friendship might be I’ve appreciated all of them in the moment and understand that they may not last forever. Xx
Goodness a dunk in the sea is mightily brave Vanessa! I hope it was enjoyable... I would have taken some coaxing!
I agree with you entirely about the friends we meet online, I too feel immensely grateful for those that I met and haven't yet but still speak to from my Instagram days... It was a special place for a long time and for people like me who live so far from old friends and family, a lifeline because yes, damn, it is so hard to infiltrate an existing circle, never mind initial language barriers.
Your rhubarb leaves are super gorgeous and that hedge... I'm swooning! Happy Sunday xx
Haha - we never got into the sea 🙈 We left it a bit late, the sun had gone down and it was getting very cool…… I’m determined one day that I’ll overcome my cold water resistance but this weekend it wasn’t to be. Hurrah for the digital threads we weave and fine one another by, these little connections are often the smile in the day aren’t they? Xx
I feel so grateful for all the friends I’ve made online. We change through our lives and I have enjoyed finding others with similar interests. This was mainly through Instagram though as it changed, that stopped, but I’ve found more here on Substack.
I hope one day when you find yourself in the South West (perhaps a little area exploring!) we’ll managed to meet IRL as we’ve known each other for quite a few years online now, might even have been Facebook initially?! I haven’t really managed to get to grips with Notes on Substack so think I’m missing a bit of the community here, but the comments I receive each week all feel like little tokens of friendship which I love. Xx
I love the fact that I would never have met some of new friends if I hadn't been on Instagram. Some I have met in 'the flesh' and when we first met it was like we'd known each other for years. There are those that will probably remain my friends on my phone just because of distance. I guess I'll never meet Vicki in Australia. But never say never! Knowing my friends have opened up a whole new world for me and I know that I can count on them for support or a girlie giggle. My friends that don't do social media can't understand how I can count people that I've never met as friends.
Yes! I have friends who ‘don’t do’ social media and just find it incomprehensible that I will travel across the country to go and meet/stay with someone I’ve never met before, but actually I often have more in common in reality with online friends that others for the algorithm does a sort of matching service of sorts I suppose! And never say never to Australia….. xx
We are BIG fans of online friendships … and we LOVE if they become real life friendships too (spoiler alert, we go out of our way to make that so!). Have a fabulous weekend!
I agree that IG has been a place to meet likeminded people that i otherwise would not have had the opportunity to. It has it’s downside of course, but friends made has been worth it .x
I'm so happy you got to Ramsgate to celebrate irl with Melissa! You're so right about how IG can be a positive and uplifting forum - if one curates one's platform properly, and puts strict boundaries in place!
Thank you so much for referencing our magical photographic collaboration during lockdown! When I think back on how that came about, what we achieved, how we experimented, communicated, cheered each other on... it really seems like the very best of times. I still treasure the whole experience xxx
It was a magical time wasn’t it? I’ve just been to the cinema to see Lee which I think you’ll love too. We can have a reminisce over our project when you’re down! Xx
I sometimes equate Instagram (in its early days) to a dating app for it is there that I managed to ‘meet’ so many lovely people with whom I share so many interests, values and beliefs. Xx
Thanks Eva, rest assured this does not represent the whole garden 😂 I do plan to sell the leaves, I just need to get them successfully glazed first….. I’ll be making lots more next year once the leaves return as they seem to be a hit! Xx
I know what you mean about friendships, and making friends later in life. That one word, friendship, is actually so complex. I have had to accept that not all friends are forever, but nevertheless play a vital role in enriching our lives for a time.
It is complex isn’t it? Some years ago I came across the idea of friends for a reason/a season/for life and it’s something that has been helpful as so many lovely people have come and gone in the process of our many moves; however fleeting a friendship might be I’ve appreciated all of them in the moment and understand that they may not last forever. Xx
Goodness a dunk in the sea is mightily brave Vanessa! I hope it was enjoyable... I would have taken some coaxing!
I agree with you entirely about the friends we meet online, I too feel immensely grateful for those that I met and haven't yet but still speak to from my Instagram days... It was a special place for a long time and for people like me who live so far from old friends and family, a lifeline because yes, damn, it is so hard to infiltrate an existing circle, never mind initial language barriers.
Your rhubarb leaves are super gorgeous and that hedge... I'm swooning! Happy Sunday xx
Haha - we never got into the sea 🙈 We left it a bit late, the sun had gone down and it was getting very cool…… I’m determined one day that I’ll overcome my cold water resistance but this weekend it wasn’t to be. Hurrah for the digital threads we weave and fine one another by, these little connections are often the smile in the day aren’t they? Xx
I feel so grateful for all the friends I’ve made online. We change through our lives and I have enjoyed finding others with similar interests. This was mainly through Instagram though as it changed, that stopped, but I’ve found more here on Substack.
Absolutely love your leaf plates! 🍂
I hope one day when you find yourself in the South West (perhaps a little area exploring!) we’ll managed to meet IRL as we’ve known each other for quite a few years online now, might even have been Facebook initially?! I haven’t really managed to get to grips with Notes on Substack so think I’m missing a bit of the community here, but the comments I receive each week all feel like little tokens of friendship which I love. Xx
I love the fact that I would never have met some of new friends if I hadn't been on Instagram. Some I have met in 'the flesh' and when we first met it was like we'd known each other for years. There are those that will probably remain my friends on my phone just because of distance. I guess I'll never meet Vicki in Australia. But never say never! Knowing my friends have opened up a whole new world for me and I know that I can count on them for support or a girlie giggle. My friends that don't do social media can't understand how I can count people that I've never met as friends.
Yes! I have friends who ‘don’t do’ social media and just find it incomprehensible that I will travel across the country to go and meet/stay with someone I’ve never met before, but actually I often have more in common in reality with online friends that others for the algorithm does a sort of matching service of sorts I suppose! And never say never to Australia….. xx
We are BIG fans of online friendships … and we LOVE if they become real life friendships too (spoiler alert, we go out of our way to make that so!). Have a fabulous weekend!
Yup, I agree - when online friends translate to friends IRL it’s the best! We had a brilliant weekend - hope you did too. Xx
Judging from the pile of ‘recycling’ a good time was had by all!
Love reading your 'stuff' Vanessa.
Yes, also love the IG friendship potential.
Just read a recommendation of yours from our day in Bath last autumn - Small Pleasures - such a brilliant story.
Could we meet again after the December holiday perhaps?
Liz xxx
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed it 💕 and yes, of course I’d love to meet up again! Xx
A lovely read Vanessa. Thank you.
I agree that IG has been a place to meet likeminded people that i otherwise would not have had the opportunity to. It has it’s downside of course, but friends made has been worth it .x
Thanks Gill, Instagram’s a funny old place isn’t it? I have such admiration for your consistency and commitment! Xx
I'm so happy you got to Ramsgate to celebrate irl with Melissa! You're so right about how IG can be a positive and uplifting forum - if one curates one's platform properly, and puts strict boundaries in place!
Thank you so much for referencing our magical photographic collaboration during lockdown! When I think back on how that came about, what we achieved, how we experimented, communicated, cheered each other on... it really seems like the very best of times. I still treasure the whole experience xxx
It was a magical time wasn’t it? I’ve just been to the cinema to see Lee which I think you’ll love too. We can have a reminisce over our project when you’re down! Xx
Friends met on line have become so important to me ,and it is so good to discover those you share bonds and interests with later in life
I sometimes equate Instagram (in its early days) to a dating app for it is there that I managed to ‘meet’ so many lovely people with whom I share so many interests, values and beliefs. Xx
Look at that super tidy garden! 👍 I LOVE the rhubarb leaves 🧡 Will you be selling them? I would love to buy one 🥰
Thanks Eva, rest assured this does not represent the whole garden 😂 I do plan to sell the leaves, I just need to get them successfully glazed first….. I’ll be making lots more next year once the leaves return as they seem to be a hit! Xx
Have a wonderful weekend in Ramsgate! Happy Birthday Melissa 🥳🥰