Friends Fun And Photos: #BloggersBash2017

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Sherri Matthews

Last year I called it Big, Bright And Beautiful.  And it was.  The Blogger’s Bash 2016 was all of those things.

So what do I call it this year?  I could call it the  ‘International Blogger’s Conference’ as displayed in the lobby of the  The Grange Wellington Hotel in London where this year’s Bash was held.  After all, with bloggers from Ireland, Canada and the USA attending, it truly was an international affair.

But I am going to call it this: Simply Wonderful.

So it was on June 10th, arriving in London on a beautiful, not-quite-officially summer morning,  I met up with Julie en route for a quick coffee. It was fantastic to see her again; we’ve both attended all three Bashes, real old timers, ha!

First of my mad spate of selfies with Julie Lawford

Just before meeting Julie, Sacha and Geoff happened to be walking towards me on their way to run an errand before the Bash began…what a great surprise! From then on, it was hugs and photos all round, all day long…

Sacha and Geoffle, sporting his lovely reddish/pinkish beard as has become Bash tradition…

Arriving at the hotel,  Ali greeted me with the most wonderful welcome which naturally meant a huge hug and it was as if it had been only yesterday when we last saw each other.  The same with Helen who I met for the first time last year…

Ali Issac & Helen Jones…no escape this time!

Last year, Graeme organised an impromptu pre-bash meet at a nearby pub, but this year he held one for, well, himself.  Can’t blame him, since the bash started earlier this year.  But next year…perhaps a Pre-Bash Breakfast might be in order?  Always great hanging out with Graeme…

And then there was Hugh.  Hugs galore! For anyone not sure about attending the Blogger’s Bash, I would say go just for the welcome alone.

Three years ago when I walked – late, as usual – into the very first Bash held around a table at a Pizza Express, not recognising anyone amongst the sea of faces, I froze.    Thinking, yikes, I can’t do this, I’m in the wrong place, I was about to head for the door.  But I heard someone call out my name. And there was Hugh.    Need I say more?  Blogging friendships are real.

And a lot of fun. Lord knows laughter really is the best medicine.  A joke about my purple shoes and who wanted to wear them and an incredible compliment from Queen-of-Killer-Heels Sacha who said she loved them – wow! – and taking away great fun with great friends is what the Bash is really all about for me…

Hanging out with Hugh Roberts and Graeme Cumming – my purple shoes unseen…

Then the Bash began!  Thrilled to find a seat next to Marje, we chatted nonstop.  I heard ‘Sherri!’ again and there was Sally arms open wide ready for the most promised of hugs.  I’ve known Sally since my very early blogging days four years ago.  I can’t believe I finally got to meet her and later, to share in her joy at receiving the Runner-Up award for the Most Informative Blog. Richly deserved, as Sally’s excellent blog is all that and much more…

Marjorie Mallon and Sally Cronin…big smiles and big hearts, both…

Sally…for real!

The day flew by with presentations given, awards handed out and announcements made, with several tea/coffee/water/G&T breaks (socialising being thirsty work) and lunch.  And let’s not forget an amazing selection of delicious homemade cakes on display at the back for the room from Ritu and Geoff…thank you both!

Geoff had a little too much fun playing holding the microphone as Hugh, Sacha and Ali gave their presentations…

Here with Lucy Mitchell is anybody’s guess…

Throughout the day, Sacha posted live on the Blogger’s Bash public Facebook page for those who couldn’t attend. Debby Gies, friend to me and many attending bloggers, posted a short but very sweet live video message all the way from Canada. Shout out to Debby and Tina – next year, right lovely ladies?

Suzie and Elena both gave informative and helpful presentations about ways to bring more traffic to our blogs. Suzie gave great tips for those wanting to monetise their blogs and Elena about the value of using Pinterest…

Suzie Presenting…

Together with Christoph , Suzie and Elena then formed a panel, inviting us to ask questions about blogging in general.  What came across strongly for us all is that the most important thing about blogging is not the numbers: it’s the connection with our communities and the friendships we form.

Last year I met Ritu for the first time and I was thrilled not only to see her again and have time for a quick chat, but also to congratulate her when she won Best Overall Blog…

Ritu gets her well deserved Best Overall Blog Award from Sacha and Geoff…and of course a great big hug…

Many congratulations to all the Award winners!  You can find the full list of winners here at Sacha’s blog.  Also to Ellen, winner of the ‘Connections’ writing competition with her beautiful story.  Noelle  and Steve were runners-up and you can read all three great stories here.

Joy and laughter and celebration filled the room, and of course, I carried on clicking away…

Ellen Best and Julie… great to meet Ellen for the first time…

Ritu Winner!

As always with these events, I was sorry not to be able to chat with everyone.  But I did get a hug with Shelley and it was nice to see Lance there again.  Great to catch up with ‘old’ friends  Mary and  Sue, and meet new friends  Willow, Eloise, Jessica, Adam, Jo, and Alexina.

Great to meet Jo…and still chatting to Marje…

It was great to meet Alli who came all the way from North Carolina.  Always keen to talk to a ‘fellow’ American about my other ‘home’, I hope I didn’t ramble on too long…

Allie Potts…welcome to England!

By coincidence, Allie had a FaceTime session going with Sarah as I walked by, so I got to say hello to her too in the States.

And there it is, BB 2017.  Too soon, it was all over and we said our goodbyes.  But do not fear, because it’s all happening again.  On June 9th 2018 to be exact.  Sacha’s blog will have all the updates starting soon I’m sure.

If you want to read more about the Bash, check out the BB public Facebook page and the hashtag #BloggersBash2017 on Twitter for lots more great photos, videos and write-ups.

Also, and very importantly, Hugh, as he does every year, has made a wonderful video of the day, now live on his blog.  Waving to Charli and Norah, Irene, Anne, Sarah and all the gang at Carrot Ranch, and thanking those of you who still read my blog even though I’m barely here these days,  it was great to share the day with friends near and far…

And finally, a huge thank you to the Blogger’s Bash Committee: Sacha, Ali, Geoff and Hugh, for once again making this event so successful, enjoyable and fun. Thank you so much for all your hard work and excellent organisation making such a terrific event possible.

Great Day, Great People.  Simply Wonderful.

Goodbye BB…see you next year!

Hi and Goodbye until next year from Sally and Ritu and me!

About Sherri Matthews

Sherri is a British writer working on her second memoir while seeking publication of her first. Her work has appeared in magazines, anthologies and online as well as long/shortlisted and special mentioned in contests. Once upon a time and for twenty years, she lived in California. Today, she lives in England with her human family, owned by two black cats.
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153 Responses to Friends Fun And Photos: #BloggersBash2017

  1. First Night Design says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    I t was so lovely seeing the video – the next best thing to being there but not nearly enough, of course. x

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. shelleywilson72 says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Great post, Sherri! Seems like an eternity ago now! I’m glad you didn’t add that our hug took place in the ladies loo haha 😂😜xx

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      I know…doesn’t it? As I wrote this, I kept thinking, is it only just over a week when this all happened? Did I dream it all up? Haha…I was determined to hug you Shelley, in the ladies’ loo or not! Next time, it will be a long chat and a selfie, for sure…but not in the loo, LOL 😀 Congratulations again on your much deserved award, still love that photo of you jumping for joy!! 🙂 xx

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  3. Helen Jones says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    it was such a fab day, Sherri, and over too quickly, as you say! Here’s to next year – maybe we’ll have to make a weekend of it this time, just to get all the talking done 😀

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  4. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Sherri Matthews has done an amazing job with her #postbloggersbash2017 report and deserves an award for bringing smiles to people’s faces. By now you will have read several accounts about the day and apart from the brilliant team of Sacha, Ali, Hugh and Geoff the day was one of reinforced friendships and collaborations. I recommend that you go next year.. it will give your spririts a huge lift… Thanks Sherri…

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  5. Sue says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Sounds like a good time was had by all!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Ritu says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    What a wonderful post Sherri! It was great to see you again 😍😍😍 next year here we come!!!!

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  7. Sarah Brentyn says:
    June 20, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    I would have been frozen, too. And late. Glad this year was different. What an absolutely wonderful recap of the day! 🙂 So glad you had a good time. LOVE the photos. And it was so beyond awesome to see and talk with you by video! ❤

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  8. Jill Weatherholt says:
    June 20, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    It looks like you had a fantastic time, Sherri! But do you know who’s missing? ME! What fun that would be. I’m happy you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your photos! xo

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      Oh Jill…that would be absolutely amazing if you could be there too…can you imagine? We would never stop talking! Of course, you would have to bring DFD too and then we could all hit the town together! ❤ xoxo

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  9. Mary Smith says:
    June 20, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    It was a great day, Sherri. Lovely to see you again though so little time to chat.

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  10. Ali Isaac says:
    June 20, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    Aw lovely post! In a way the BB doesnt really end, not at least till the last BB post is blogged! It was wonderful seeing you again… looking forward to next year! 😊💕😙

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks Ali…so glad you enjoyed it. I defnintely went a bit mad with the selfies, haha!! So wonderful to see you again…was it really not even 2 weeks ago? Doesn’t seem possible. We’ll have to keep the posts coming so that the BB never ends stretching seamlessly into next years…can’t wait! 🙂 ❤ 😉

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  11. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    June 20, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Great post Sherri, you did an amazing job with all the photos. So lovely to see them all. Your post sums up what the bash is all about, and how you are literally hooked once you’ve been once! Long live the bash! 🙂 xx

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  12. Judy E Martin says:
    June 20, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    This was such a lovely post, Sherri. I am so sorry to have missed having a ‘proper’ chat with you this year. It was lovely to see your photo too with some of my other blogging friends. I am glad you all had such a great time xxx

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  13. ellenbest24 says:
    June 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    Sherri a great day captured in another cheerful and uplifting post. So pleased to meet you I will be going again next time. X

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  14. Mike M says:
    June 20, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Colourful capture of a very special day if you are as sparkling to the bashers as I believe you are then I expect next year’s event to be keenly anticipated!!

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  15. insearchofitall says:
    June 20, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Whatever it takes to hear from you again, I’m all for it. Had been wondering how you were doing there in your summer house. Looks like everyone had a good time and inspired each other. Whenever I get ready to give up blogging, someone manages to inspire me to stick with it. I hope it doesn’t take another whole year before we see more of your lovely adventures here. Giant hugs.

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Marlene! Oh I have missed you so much! I’ve been so absent from blogging as you know…and it’s looking like we’ll be moving in a few weeks time so I’ll have to disappear again for a while, but I will get some visits in before then, and I defnitely want to catch up with you. Ahh…I know what you mean about blogging…I have struggled too as you know…and then something happens like this and it makes it all come alive again and think, I can’t manage without my amazing blogging community and friends, and that includes you my friend! I hope it won’t be another year too…yikes, I will make sure of it! I will be getting a new view and a new summerhouse…so long as you’re there sharing it with me then I’ll be just fine 😉 Squeezing back… ❤

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  16. davidprosser says:
    June 20, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    What a wonderful time it sounds. You’ve formed some great friendships over the years and I know they’re real.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

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  17. Tom Merriman says:
    June 20, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Looks like you all had a great time, Sherri. A good round up of events… and some good Selfies there as well! 🙂

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 4:54 pm

      Haha…gone are the days when I did a selfie and disguised myself for the first time here! Now it’s hey, let it all hang out lol!!! Maybe you will make it next year Tom…it would be really great to meet you! 🙂

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  18. thecontentedcrafter says:
    June 20, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    What a great affair this is – and it brings you back to us for a quick share of the happy occasion and that is EXCELLENT! I think this Bash is just going to grow and grow and soon there will be hordes of folks from all over descending on London to just stand in each of their friends presence for a few minutes – it’s a wonderful thing!! Big hugs to you dear Sherri, I think of you often and hope all is proceeding okay in your writing, in your life and the lives of your loved ones. xoxo

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      Dear Pauline, how I love to hear from you! When you write of standing in the presence of friends, even just for a few minutes, and the Bash growing and growing I feel a surge of excitement at the thought of you being there, even though I know it is a long way to come. Oh how amazing that would be! I do enjoy sharing the day here, I’m so thrilled with the response! That’s the beauty of the day, it isn’t just for those who can go, easy for us who live not so far away, but for all our blogging friends worldwide thanks to the wonders of modern technology! Thank you so much for your lovely message…for thinking of me…for your kind and loving heart. And I think often of you and when I do I smile and I hug tightly back… 🙂 ❤ xoxo

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  19. Graeme Cumming says:
    June 20, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Terrific post, Sherri. It was, of course, great to see you again. As you know, I do like hanging, so it would be a shame to have to wait another year…

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  20. dgkaye says:
    June 20, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    Sher, what a fab post! You got so many great shots here, and thank you my lovely for mentioning me and Tina. We really had our hearts set on coming. OMG, lol you linked to my little hello video. Thank you kind heart. I was truly there with you all in spirit! Counting on next year! Huge hugs xoxoxxoxoxo ❤ ❤

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  21. TanGental says:
    June 20, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    well where would we be without you Sherri? Certainly the energy levels would drop. I assume you must collapse completely when you get home to recharge after the amount you expend on everyone.. See you very soon..

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Haha…you have the measure of me Geoff! It took me days to recover…I loved every minute of the BB but yes, sadly I am not like the Energizer Bunny, although I would love to be…as in my younger years 😉 Always wonderful to see you Geoff…here’s to very soon…. x

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  22. Allie P. says:
    June 21, 2017 at 12:22 am

    It was absolutely lovely to talk with you as well! Looking forward to reading about all your other adventures moving forward.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Aww Allie, thank you so much! What a great day it was…I can’t believe it was not even 2 weeks ago! So glad you got back safe and sound and hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in jolly old England 😉 I loved talking with you and so much appreciate your patience, ha! Great to connect, and likewise, looking foward to reading you too! 🙂 xoxo

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  23. Norah says:
    June 21, 2017 at 4:12 am

    Sherri, what an awesome day. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It sounds like wonderful fun. I was with you in spirit. Maybe one day, I’ll be there in person. How lovely to meet so many blogging buddies.

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Mabel Kwong says:
    June 21, 2017 at 5:14 am

    Looks like quite the gathering, Sherri. Look at all those happy faces and good to hear it was so warm and welcoming, and bigger and fuzzier. I saw Hugh’s video and everyone looked like they belong. Wish I could have been there but…one day. Lovely to see you spread the Summer House love over there and wishing you a good summer 😊

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Hi Mabel! It would be so wonderful if you could go! But I always get quite nervous about Hugh’s videos lol! I did my best to be somewhat sensible this year!!! What a lovely thought, ‘spreading the Summerhouse love’… 🙂 I will be disappearing again soon Mabel, as not sure if you saw in my last post, but I am moving house and having to leave my beloved Summerhouse behind 😦 But all is not lost, I will get a new one and a new view! I’ll visit you before signing off….I miss you! I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful summer so far, as we are officially this Summer Solistice. We’re having a heatwave in the UK, sweltering! Take care my friend, always such a pleasure to hear from you, and see you soon! 🙂 ❤

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      • Mabel Kwong says:
        June 23, 2017 at 11:32 am

        It looked like you had a good time and if you were nervous, I’m sure no one minded 🙂 Good luck with the move. From how I see it, it seems the Summerhouse will get a new makeover and not getting left behind. Not a new one, but just…another version. Brighter and warmer 😀 We just had the Winter Solstice here, and wish we could have shared some of your warmth. Take care, Sherri. Also stay safe ❤ 🙂

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        • Sherri Matthews says:
          June 23, 2017 at 4:48 pm

          Thanks so much dear Mabel. And I love that – a brighter, warmer version! Of course, you are in the midst of your winter…I hope that all the sunshine and warmth from my Summerhouse reaches you at this moment, although it has cooled down a lot since I last commented. And I don’t mind, it was too hot for here! But always enough sunshine to send your way… Take care too, and until next time, have a wonderful weekend and keep warm and cosy and I will keep cool. Sounds good! 😉 ❤

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  25. eloisedesousa says:
    June 21, 2017 at 6:09 am

    Such lovely memories – looking forward to the next one Sherri.

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  27. restlessjo says:
    June 21, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Good times and a feast of hugs! What’s not to like? Happy Summertime, Sherri! 🙂 🙂

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  28. Jools says:
    June 21, 2017 at 9:33 am

    A brilliant day, and especially good to re-connect with you, Sherri, for the third year running. Looking forward very much to seeing you again very soon. x

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  29. Sarah Potter Writes says:
    June 21, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Dearest Sherri, I’m so glad you had such a fabulous day. The Bloggers’ Bash certainly seems to be growing from strength to strength. Good to see Allie Potts there. A few of the others are familiar names to me, but most of them aren’t in my blogging circle as yet. Hugh knows he’ll never get me there, unless he can offer me teleportation!

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  30. Hugh's Views and News says:
    June 21, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    What a lovely recap of the Bloggers Bash 2017, Sherri. So many wonderful photos and you’ve captured the whole day so well. Loved filming Geoff interviewing you. You two should be a double act – the next French & Saunders, me thinks. 😁 Maybe I can get Sacha to persuade you both to do a presentation at the next Bloggers Bash? 🤔
    I can’t believe how quickly the day went. Mind you, running around trying to film everyone and ensuring I was tweeting everything as well, I certainly needed those drinks at the end of the day.
    A super fun-packed day which you’ve captured brilliantly. I’ll be sharing this on Twitter and flipping it over on Flipboard.
    Hugs from me.
    xx

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 21, 2017 at 5:58 pm

      Hi Hugh! Ahh..so glad you enjoyed it. It took me a while with all the links but I love doing my write up of the BB…it brings all the joy and fun back as it was yesterday. Well, it was just about!!! It was all over too fast though, like Christmas! Haha…that’s funny about me and Geoff…French and Saunders lol!!! But oh no…not a presentation…I will need at least three G&T’s to even consider it Hugh!! You, Sacha, Geoff and Ali work so hard before and on the day. You do a great job filming everyone…next year, I will be first in line to buy you that drink! But hope to see you way before that. Thank you so much for sharing as you are always so generous. I’ll do the same with yours. Flipboard sounds intriguing! Not been there, nor Pinterest or Instragram…but never say never!!! Hugs back from me to you Hugh… xxx

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  31. evelyneholingue says:
    June 22, 2017 at 12:01 am

    Oh, you’re so lucky to get to enjoy this kind of event, Sherri. There are quite a few bloggers I’d love to meet one day too 🙂
    Lovely selection of happy faces!

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  32. Charli Mills says:
    June 22, 2017 at 4:01 am

    What a wonderful day, indeed! I’m and at how much the BB has grown and the connections you continue to make. Susie is so right — it’s not numbers that count but the friendships we make. I feel so happy seeing you smiling and hugging so many blogger friends! Thanks for the shout out to Carrot Ranch and for representing us! I was enjoying the day in your pocket.😁

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 22, 2017 at 10:33 am

      So glad you enjoyed the day in my pocket Charli…you were there with me in every smile and every hug! Next: the real thing…and it will happen 😉 I was dubious about online friendships some years ago, thinking how can we make true friends without meeting in person? But three things happened to change all that: witnessing the vital and very real value of my Aspie youngest’s online community and friendships to his daily life; meeting my hubby; and blogging. It’s the way of things these days, the modern equivalent of smoke signals. And I’m sending you one right now, adorned in turquoise and wrapped up in a true friendship hug 🙂 ❤

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  33. robbiesinspiration says:
    June 23, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    Lovely to see all your photographs and read a bit more about this lovely event, Sherri.

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  34. Steve Rebus says:
    June 23, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    Wow Sherri! What a fantastic post about a fantastic bash! 🙂

    The photos simply come alive with the smiles of friendship[

    This post makes me feel so involved…..And i wasn’t there, lol.

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  35. Andrea Stephenson says:
    June 24, 2017 at 6:54 pm

    Sounds like another great get together Sherri, I’m glad you’ve been able to take some time for some writing-themed fun 🙂

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 28, 2017 at 10:16 am

      Thanks Andrea…it was really great to get out and about and return to the Bash. I need more writing-themed fun as lately I tend to spiral into writing defeat when I can’t get to my writing as much I would like and then, worse, start to hate everything I’m writing! ❤

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  36. Bespoke Traveler says:
    June 28, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Looks like a lovely meet-up Sherri! Best of luck as you keep chugging along with your writing.

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  37. Ste J says:
    June 29, 2017 at 9:14 am

    It looks like a great event, I need to join you at one of these, somehow things conspire to get in the way of that, it is great to see the BB thriving.

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  38. Annecdotist says:
    June 29, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    Enjoyed your photos, Sherri, and glad you all had such a great time hugging each other. This event has become quite an institution.

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 30, 2017 at 9:00 am

      It really has Anne. Can’t believe this was the third BB already. Glad you enjoyed the photos, lots of hugs for sure. Think about it for next year…how great would that be to meet up!

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  39. whitefeatherfloating says:
    July 2, 2017 at 1:01 am

    Sherri, I’m so happy for all of you. But this post made me cry, because you don’t know how badly I wish I could meet you and all the other awesome people I’ve met on WordPress!!! Glad you had so much fun!

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      July 4, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      Aww Patsy…I’m sorry it made you cry 😦 I would so much love to meet you and many others too who couldn’t be there…that is the hard part about blogging, meeting wonderful people like you yet can’t meet…but never say never my friend! 🙂 ❤

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      • whitefeatherfloating says:
        July 5, 2017 at 3:05 pm

        It’s okay, Sherri. I think it is wonderful!! And yes, maybe someday. You can see me and hear me on my video at my blog today!!

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        • Sherri Matthews says:
          July 17, 2017 at 12:18 pm

          Hi Patsy…realised I had a few messages here I didn’t manage to reply to, with so much going on at home. We were supposed to move this Friday but there’s been a problem we’re trying to resolve, I can’t tell you how stressful it’s been. I will catch up with you as soon as I can but it will be a while…I cant’ wait to hear you on your blog. I hope you’re having a good summer…keep me in your prayers my friend, I need them, and thanks for understanding my absence during this time…I will see you as soon as I can, I promise… love and hugs ❤ xoxo

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          • whitefeatherfloating says:
            July 17, 2017 at 6:09 pm

            Hi Sherri! It’s good to hear from you, my friend. You are always in my thoughts. I am sorry you’re under so much stress. I so dread when we have to move from here someday when George retires! I feel for you!! I am having a good summer. I got lots of moving around and getting rid of furniture in the house! Josh’s room is my studio (that I’m sharing with George) now! 😉 I actually have 2 videos of me talking about my studio on my blog now. I posted one yesterday. Well, I hope you all get to move soon and things go smoothly. No worries about getting back to me. I’ll be here! Love you and big hugs to you, too, Sherri! xoxo 🙂

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            • Sherri Matthews says:
              July 28, 2017 at 10:31 am

              Hi Patsy…oh I am so sorry for taking so long to reply to your messages, but I’ve been in hiding, licking my wounds, due to our house move going horribly wrong. Long story, I will try to email you as soon as I can. I’ve been far away from FB and all social media, so I really apologise if I’ve missed your posts and updates. The only FB post update I did was change my photos in rememberance of my Dad and share a post I happened to come across about book reviews which I shared on my public FB page. I really do need to keep that more regularly updated but I have been in a void. I’m only just now quickly catching up here as I feel so bad for the long time lapse. It’s wonderful to know you’re still here my friend! I will check out your blog videos as soon as I can. It’s been a most horrible time and we are now having to show our house all over again. It’s mostly packed up, and trying to do that while showing it is not the best of things. The good news though is that I am now working exclusively on my memoir and the flow has returned. I was in such a bad place for a while I couldn’t write or anything much. I have decided that I am going to work on it as much as possible in this brief lull before we have up sticks (and Lord willing, it will happen…) as I really need to do this. So glad to hear about your studio, sounds wonderful! I hope your writing and art and all your projects are going well as you pursue your goals this summer Patsy. Take good care of yourself my dear friend and I’ll be in touch again soon I promise….hopefully with good news about our house situation. Much love and big hugs to you Patsy! 🙂 ❤ xoxo

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              • whitefeatherfloating says:
                July 29, 2017 at 12:29 am

                Sherri, it is good to hear from you! I’m sorry things have gone so wrong with your house situation! Did your buyer fall through? I’m sorry for whatever you’re going through; whatever it is, I’m glad your flow for writing has returned, though! Enjoy that! I need mine to get in gear as I just began a correspondence course with the Institute of Children’s Literature to learn how to write children’s stories! Writing fiction is so much harder than blogging!! 😉 My first assignment was a bomb, but I am doing a lot of reading to learn about what I didn’t do that I should have! Ha, ha. I haven’t worked on my memoirs in a long time either. But I also just figured out how to get my other blog (where my autobiography is for what it is so far) fixed to where you can go from the Prologue through all the chapters. I just set up each thing as a “page” at the top, so you just click on them! Before it was turning out like my PCC blog which was too confusing because it wouldn’t let anyone go back and forth between posts. Weird!
                I have been drawing new sea turtles for 5×7 size so I can do paintings that size and get printed cards made of them. One of these days I need to reorder the Sherri’s Ocean cards; I only have one left! It was a good seller. I think I will try to get out and really try to sell my cards when I get a bigger stock of them. Well, much love to you, too, my friend! I’ll send you a quick message on FB for whenever you do check your private messages and let you know what’s going on with the kids! Love you Sherri, and big hugs to you, too! xoxo 🙂

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                • Sherri Matthews says:
                  August 1, 2017 at 5:10 pm

                  Hi again Patsy, lovely to read your message, great to keep in touch. I know I said I was going to email you but with having to put our house back on the market, I’ve been so stressed having to keep preparing it for viewings. We put our house on originally in February, sold it, and now here we are it’s August and back to square one. Our buyers still want our house, but because of the problem with their buyers, they have had to put their house back on the market too. The whole thing is just awful and I am just about at my wit’s end with it all. More on that later, enough from me. So glad to hear you’ve started your children’s literature writing course, well done! It’s funny, I started one when I was expecting my youngest, but I had such bad morning sickness (translate: most of the day) and with the two boys to look after and their father away on shift work, I had to give it up. I had ideas of writing children’s stories but it came to nothing. Who knows, maybe oneday! You’ll be great at it as you learn the style. I found it hard too, it’s not anything as easy as some might imagine. So keep at it my friend, and keep me posted! I can see you doing really well with it 🙂 Will be great too for you to get more of your cards ready for selling. I do love your art so much. And you know my favourite lol 😉 I am so much looking forward to checking out your other blog and your autobiography. Great to know you’re pursuing your various projects. I’m so glad at least I can keep on with my writing too, otherwise I think I would seriously lose it! I’m still not on FB or social media, just checking in here as I can. Love chatting with you my friend. And I will email very soon, I promise! Have a great week ahead and much love and big hugs to you… 🙂 ❤ xoxo

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                  • whitefeatherfloating says:
                    August 1, 2017 at 11:05 pm

                    Oh Sherri, I feel for you! That has to be so frustrating! I can’t believe people make offers on houses and then end up not being able to by them, but stuff happens, I know. We have never owned a home and most likely never will. We rent the housing here at the fish hatchery and will obviously have to move when George retires.
                    I have been pretty busy lately, for sure! It helps though, with the kids being gone now. I am holed up in Josh’s old room (my new Creative Corner) these days. We have my art table, another old kitchen table to use for various things and Josh’s little desk that fits me perfect that I use for writing, etc.
                    Today I did my first turtle in a 5×7 size for a card. Painting them smaller cuts down on the cost of the scan the printer has to do. I just need to add the background (just water for this one) and it will be done. I worked on it for about 5 hours today, so I’m going to finish it tomorrow.
                    I am going to go on Thursday and check out a watercolor painting class taught by someone local. She probably only lives about 15 minutes from me, but we’ve never met. I hope it will be fun. $20 for an hour and a half; not bad! I don’t want to do it every week though unless it’s a lot of fun! (I would rather use the money for getting cards printed!) LOL!
                    Don’t worry too much about e-mailing if this is easier for you. It’s fine for me.
                    Have a wonderful week, Sherri! It’s always great hearing from you! How is Claire? Is she doing okay out on her own? xoxo 🙂

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  40. mihrank says:
    July 3, 2017 at 8:26 am

    sherri – this is so beautiful post, showing a wonderful journey of life and appreciation. amazing post!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  41. Lilka Raphael says:
    July 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    So glad to see a great time was had by all Sherri!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      July 4, 2017 at 4:16 pm

      Hi Lilka…how lovely to see you again! I have been thinking of you, you must have read my mind! I have been away from blogging for a long time and barely managed only a few posts this entire year. I will be disappearing again as we are in the throes of a house move, amongst other things. Needless to say, I am still trying – note, I said trying! – to work on my memoir. I hope all is well with you my friend and your lovely family…have a wonderful summer and I’ll be back as soon as I can 🙂 xoxo

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      • Lilka Raphael says:
        July 4, 2017 at 4:38 pm

        Take your time and handle what you must. We enter various stages in our lives, we stop, we go, we persevere. I had only posted a few times this year as well. Mom got sick and I lost her March very unexpectedly. Lan graduated high school so we are getting him ready to transition to college. So many changes for us both this year but our Heavenly Father does see us through! B Blessed on your side of the pond! 😉

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        • Sherri Matthews says:
          July 4, 2017 at 4:49 pm

          Oh Lilka, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom, what a terrible shock for you and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences. It will be one year on the 17th this month when I lost my dad…it is hard to get back on track but as you say, we perservere as we can with God’s help and strength. Oh my, where has the time gone? I can’t believe Lan is going to college! Huge changes for sure. My youngest has been quite ill this year…good days and bad days… Bless you my dear friend – and I meant to say Happy 4th July! How I miss my days in California with the kids barbequing and letting off fireworks on the beach…ahhhh….so many happy memories 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful celebration with your lovely family. God bless you Lilka…thank you so much and take good care of yourself through the grief. Much love to you and a huge, loving hug… ❤

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  42. jjspina says:
    July 10, 2017 at 1:11 am

    Looks like a fun time to get to meet so many lovely fellow bloggers in person. Maybe one year I will get there! Happy to hear it was another successful bash! Hugs everyone! 😘

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  43. Mahesh Nair says:
    July 11, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    It’s a lovely post, my friend. So much warmth and camaraderie. How exciting to meet/see fellow bloggers. Coming out of the blogosphere and interacting in person has its special charm. Gives blogging and the community a whole different meaning. Keep writing. Best!

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      July 17, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Thank you my friend. It seems a long time ago now. I haven’t been able to blog for a while and it will be a while longer before I will return, but it’s lovely to hear from you again. Have a wonderful summer 🙂

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      • Mahesh Nair says:
        July 17, 2017 at 1:08 pm

        Thanks for writing 🙂 You will be missed. Hope you’ll be back soon. All the best, and have a wonderful summer to you and family 🙂

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        • Sherri Matthews says:
          July 28, 2017 at 10:58 am

          Thanks so much Mahesh, I hope so too. I’ve missed our chats! Remember BB? I have since watched The Sopranos. Oh how I loved that show, best yet I would say 😉 Have a great summer my friend, and yes, I hope to return as soon as possible … 🙂

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          • Mahesh Nair says:
            July 28, 2017 at 1:14 pm

            Yes, BB (my favorite show) 🙂 Love The Walking Dead too. Watched the first two episodes of The Sopranos years ago; will soon watch the rest. Thanks Sherri 🙂 Come back soon, and have a beautiful summer yourself 🙂

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            • Sherri Matthews says:
              August 1, 2017 at 4:32 pm

              Walking Dead one of my absolute favourites too…love it! Once I started watching The Sopranos I couldn’t stop…hope you get a chance one of these days to watch the rest. Would love your thoughts 😉 Thanks again Mahesh, the good news is with all the stress of the house ‘stuff’, I’m taking every chance I can to get my memoir rewrites done and I actually feel I’m on a roll with it at last which makes me reticent to come back to blogging and social media too soon, until I’m where I need to be with the writing. I do miss the connection here greatly…so it’s great to pop in for quick chats like this with you. Will be great to connect again properly later in the year. Happy summer to you and your family my friend, see you soon! 🙂

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              • Mahesh Nair says:
                August 2, 2017 at 1:49 pm

                I will watch The Sopranos and will share my thoughts. Thanks, Sherri 🙂 Great to read this “…I’m taking every chance I can to get my memoir rewrites done and I actually feel I’m on a roll with it…” You’ll do great, trust me. You’re spending the-time-away-from-blogging really well – at least you want/intend to. We so look forward to the progress you make: All of us want your memoir to do well. Best, my friend 🙂

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                • Sherri Matthews says:
                  August 17, 2017 at 2:15 pm

                  Thanks so much Mahesh! It’s hard being away from blogging…I miss everyone…but it’s the only way I can give my book 100% focus while also trying to deal with all the stuff of life. Looking forward to returning to the swing of things here and of course discussing The Sopranos with you – not least of all Tony Soprano 😉 See you as soon as possible my friend, take care… 🙂

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  44. anotherday2paradise says:
    July 17, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    Hi, Sherri. It looks like you all had so much fun. It must be wonderful to meet up with so many blogging friends. All those warm hugs would be very well received by me, and there would be an extra specially big one for you. ❤ xx

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    • Sherri Matthews says:
      July 28, 2017 at 10:56 am

      It was a great time Sylvia…seems so long ago now, especially with so much that’s happened since. But oh, how wonderful that would be to meet you, I am already waiting for that extra special hug from you! Never say never, right? And again, Happy Birthday dear friend! 🙂 ❤ xoxoxo

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  45. Luanne says:
    July 24, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    Oh, it looks like such fun!!! I’m so glad you could go!!! xoxo

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  46. Abhilash PS says:
    September 11, 2017 at 10:13 am

    I think you guys had a wonderful day with your friends. Blogging is such a wonderful platform. Thank You for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      October 1, 2017 at 2:16 pm

      Thank you for your comment! It was a wonderful day, although it seems a long time ago already! Blogging is a great platform and many friends made through it! My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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  47. Sarah Potter Writes says:
    September 15, 2017 at 11:21 am

    I was just looking at the list of those placed in the competition. It’s a completely different blogging circle from mine and I didn’t recognise any of the names! It just goes to show how big the blogging world is 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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