My on-line friends

Who would have thought that a group of people from all over the world, with different faiths, different ages, different socioeconomic status, some married, some educated, some parents, some students, some...not, would connect to share life? Not me, that is for certain. But it has happened in "The Pub" at twopeasinabucket. We all were brought to the site because we share a love of scrapbooking - but it turns out we share so much more. We share our happiest and saddest times with one another. When something isn't going right, there is no shortage of prayers and postive thoughts headed your way. When something goes well, cheers abound. When someone is scared, virtual hugs provide comfort.

A little more than a year ago, I stumbled into the Pub not knowing how much I needed them. I knew I loved scrapbooking and wanted to grow in the hobby. I knew none of my friends shared my passion or any creative outlet for that matter. I knew I spent very little time with people with whom I didn't work or live. I knew I was lonley, but until I met these wonderful supportive people, I didn't know how much I needed them.

This weekend, we in the Pub unexpectedly lost a very dear friend. We are all shaken, but we are together. The past few days have been a "wake" of sorts, with everyone expressing grief and sympathy for her family, sharing their experiences with our friend, and discussing how we really value our Pub family.

The Pub is my home and I like it just the way it is. Intimate. Friendly. Supportive. I have always hoped that others felt the same way - and today a thread from my friend, Marie, confirmed it. So, Alleen, while I know you would prefer a joke to all the sappy stuff that has been said lately, thank you for bringing us together and making us feel closer than ever.