Putting a face with all those words

It is two years ago since I first had the opportunity to meet real bloggers in person. When I met amba and Ronni, it was after I had been blogging for only five months. I felt just like a new born Bambi with trembling legs and a shaky tail. It was magical and very exciting putting a face with all those words. It was like being accepted into a new and different community, like one I had never encountered. For we immediately had something that binds, what authors have in common: the need to express themselves publicly for all the world to read. But more than that because, even though they were veteran bloggers when I met them, blogging was a relatively new phenomenon. So it was being involved in something technological, leading edge, unknown and exploratory that created an immediate bond as well.

Now,after authoring two different weblogs and having survived quite a few transitions and crises, I am preparing to meet four bloggers who I have read and admired for close to two and a half years.

• When? the afternoon and evening before I go on my hike
• Where? London

On Thursday I received the plan from Jean at This Too:

Dear Tamar

Here is the plan for your day in London:

I will come and collect you from your hotel in the afternoon when you have had a rest (2 or 3 pm? - you can ring me in the morning) and we can go for a cup of tea and food if you are hungry, either at the cafe in ... gardens at the end of your street or somewhere inside if it's not nice weather. Then I will take you to Natalie's apartment ... which is an easy ride by bus or tube, or taxi if you are feeling tired, and leave you to spend some time with her and see her wonderful artwork. Ernesto, Andy and I will then arrive at Natalie's at about 5 for drinks, before we all go for an early dinner at 6 at her favourite local Italian restaurant. I - or maybe Ernesto ... will get you back to your hotel for a reasonably early night, we hope.

How does that sound? Speak now if you are allergic to tubes, buses or Italian food :-)

I was at work when I received the e-mail and naturally dropped everything to reply immediately:

Jean,

This all sounds completely perfect. Am sick with excitement and so grateful for all the trouble you are all taking to meet with me. What a wonderful, wonderful day!

I can't wait!

Absolutely no allergies, you darlings!

Huge hugs and a huge smile all day now!

Since then I have been thinking of nothing else. All the worries about aching bones and will-I-make-it type fears about the 100 mile hike, have completely dissipated and all I can think about is putting faces with those reflections, insights, beautiful writings, and exquisite drawings. My only dilemma is that I will be unable to blog about it immediately afterwards because I will be hiking for days without Internet access. However, I will have my journal with me (I don't leave home without it) and will keep notes about thoughts, feelings and impressions so that I will be able to report back after the facts.

But for now, right now, my cup runneth over and joy seems to be spilling out through my typing fingers in anticipation. Of course, Jean replied right back. I once wrote about her as one of my angels (see if you can work out which one she is):

We are just as grateful that you take the trouble to meet with us although you have so little time in London!

Can't wait either.
xJean

I hope she won't mind that when I finally get to meet her in person, I simply must give her a great, big, real hug ...