Magic And Friends And Toronto

I keep getting older, and I keep learning lessons.  To take chances.  To be brave.  To step outside your comfort zone. And you can never have too many friends.

That last one is important.

It's taken me all week to write this post, because I've needed time to let the gratefulness sink in.  I believe there are people in the world that you're destined to meet.  People who make your life better, fuller, richer.  You never know where you might find them, but if you keep your eyes and your heart open, magic happens.

Last weekend I traveled to Toronto to laugh, talk, eat, shop, and spend time with ten amazing ladies from The Blended Blog.  We took the longest bus ride ever, walked the longest walk ever, ate all the poutine, drank all the margaritas, stopped for a million pictures, and connected like we'd known each other for years.  Seriously, if you had told anyone around us that we just met, they wouldn't have believed you.

I don't know how we found each other in this great big blogging world, but it was obviously meant to be.  It's that magic thing.  All I know is, my heart is full, and I'm so thankful and happy to call these women my friends.

Today I want to share them with you.  Be sure to visit their blogs, because each of them writes with such a beautiful, authentic voice.  

P.S. Sadly, I don't have pictures with all of the ladies.  I'm terrible at selfies, so I usually give up, and then regret it later.  Must up my photography game.  In random order:

I first met Deena three years ago when she came to Seattle, and we clicked right away. She is smart, funny, thoughtful, utterly organized, and totally delightful.  I admire her relationships with family and friends, and kind of want to be her when I grow up.  She called me a big sister, which melted my heart, so now we're family, l'il sis.

Christy is Deena's BFF and after meeting her, I can totally see why.  Right away I loved her energy and beautiful smile, her taste in music, and her positive attitude.  She has two boys, and it's fun to relive all those parenting moments through her adventures.

I really enjoyed getting to know Lisa, and wish we'd had more time to talk.  She's so stylish and creative, and wears a tuque better than anyone.  Right now she's working on a clothing line, and I can't wait to see everything, because I know it will be amazing.

Shaunacey and I met last year in Vegas, and I couldn't wait to see her again.  She's so kind and fun, and I love her sense of humor and the way she sees life.  Plus, she's the most adorable pregnant lady I've ever known.

I have so much admiration for Katie, and she's another one I wish I'd had more time with. She's strong and determined, and her enthusiastic love of life is contagious.   She also has the prettiest clothes, and I want them all.

Sarah just makes me happy, and I feel like I've known her forever.  We also met in Vegas, and I was so excited to spend more time with her.  Luckily we sat together on the longest bus ride ever.  Her kind smile is infectious, and her heart is as big as they come.  She also takes the best selfies, has the best hair, and knows her makeup.  I need lessons in all these things.

Nicole has been on an amazing journey over the last year, and she inspires me daily. For real. I wish I had her motivation and will power.  She's super cool, creative, and fun to talk to.  I loved that she was tall with me, and she took the most incredible pictures of our weekend.

Alison kind of sneaks up on you.  She quietly sits back and takes it all in, but once you get her talking she's witty and smart and so fun to hang with.  She's also a member of the tall club and has the prettiest shirts.

The "moms" of the group were Andrea and I.  With our boys off to college, we have a lot in common, and a lot to talk about.  I was sorry we didn't have more time.  She is as genuine, caring, thoughtful and sweet in real life as she is on her blog.  Nobody rocks an off the shoulder top like Andrea!

Whitney is a french teacher and world traveler, which I think is so cool. I was very thankful for her great advice before I went to Paris last year.  She's sweet and kind and knows the best poses for the camera.  More lessons for me.

Yep, it was meant to be. Can't wait to spend time with these ladies again next year!