When Two Blogs Collide

The One and Only - Shannan - AKA Flower Patch Farmgirl

July 2010

I'm running exactly a week behind in blogging.

This gal was here a week ago today.

It's flown by.

You do not want to know how behind I am in emails.

Saturday and Sunday was the 'Walk'

She was coming Tuesday, which meant, I needed to clean all day Monday - since I'd not been following my schedule and it looked like an episode of "Hoarders - Buried Alive" around here up in the house. I thought for a milli-second to say 'no, let's plan another day', and then I thought 'heck with it, let's do it'. I'm SO glad I did.

Oddly enough - I think I was still doped up on adrenaline Monday morning.

I felt an incredible peace as I hung out laundry, while Sarah Brightman played in the background. I love cleaning house. I love restoring order, so I suppose I was in my glory.

I actually had this thought 'What if I died in my sleep last night, and this is heaven?" That's how much peace, joy, and darn right happiness I felt that day.

Now here it is Tuesday morning, and she's on her way. I did feel a little nervous here and there, but mainly just excitement.

I may have or may have not run out of the house when the car pulled in the driveway.

I may or may have not frightened her, her mother and her children.

I tried so hard to restrain myself.

After reading each other's blogs for over a year, and emailing - I was danged ready to meet this girl smile to smile.

It was a bit surreal to see her in 'real life' and to see Calvin and Ruby - the blog stars hop out of her Explorer. Then, here comes Nancy from Ohio (how I know her, from comments) Shannan's momma.

I'm not sure what her take is going to be on the day, but I can say that it was just like seeing old friends or family. Instant love. Instant kinship. Hugs, smiles, laughs.

Let me just tell you, that Ruby - oh my heavens, that Ruby just stole my heart.

Calvin just cracks me up from here to Sunday, and Nancy - sweet Nancy - she's still in the basement.

Before I type any further, I have to ask - this green shirt I'm wearing - are the girls supposed to be UP above that seam? If that's the case, then this shirt is like six sizes too small. Hey, if you've got it - flaunt it, baby.

After chatting a bit - we bloggers started walking and talking and clicking.

I just can't wait to see Shanny Bo's photos.

I kept giggling to myself and thinking 'Flowerpatchfarmgirlsupinmyhouse - oma ga'

Aaron looks indifferent here, but I think his brain may have just exploded when he saw Shannan's camera. It's all I've heard since - Shannan's camera this, Shannan's camera that.

Why, when I was your age, I had a 110 Instamatic, and it had disposable light bulbs that blinded everyone - and you had to take your pictures to be developed and wait a week - and we liked it - and we didn't know better. Kids these days.

Shanny spots The Squirrel.

There's a nut in The Squirrel.

Shanny spies the chickens.

Nancy was the sweetest thing ever. She's a nurse. Oh what a demeanor of care and love she has about her. Makes me want to go to the hospital. Anyone who has her as a nurse is blessed indeed.

Shanny tries telepathically telling Calvin to smile.

Then she tries to lead by example.

My sweet hen Sissy.

Calvin whispers to Ruby, "I'm gonna create a distraction, and then we can make a run for it. This lady's nuts".

Calvin tries a little harder to mask his enthusiasm.

He's plotting an escape plan.

Here, Ruby scolds Calvin for wanting to run off.

"She's not crazy, she's eccentric. Besides, did you see the cake she has for us? I'm stayin'".

Upon Shannan's insistence that I not bother making lunch, we took off for the Tastee Top in Cedar Lake (also known as Cedartucky), Indiana.

To say Shannan's little ones were well behaved is an understatement.

They were angels.

We sat out at the picnic tables, the weather was fantastic, the company even better.

No awkward silences here.

Came back to mi casa, and had Raspberry Farmgirl cake.

I did see Calvin smile - but it was so elusive, there was no photographing it.

The dumplings took a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Shannan is such a rock star.

In every way.

The afternoon went by so quickly.

They were gone before they got here it seems.

Here's our Chicken Chillin' pose - I have no idea what sign we are flashing.

I'm in fear of a drive by shooting.

In fact, I think tight lime green shirts are some Cedartucky gang symbol.

I think the next two pictures encapsulate the afternoon.

Joy.

Happiness.

Friendship.

Leaves hiding my unequal tooth to gum ratio.

I'm a happier person knowing Shannan and her family.

Thank you Blogger.

Thank you Shanny.

Thank you God.

Until there are no more cupcakes on earth, until Indiana stops growing corn, until chickens stop laying eggs - I will be your farmgirl friend.