A Little Starstruck!

So, this blog has opened so many doors to new friends and opportunities to me. Many of you bloggers out there know what I mean. We meet people that we never would have met without today's technology and networking outlets. So, when I got the opportunity to meet one of my bloggy friends for the first time this past weekend, it all came full circle!

Let me back up a bit and give you some background on how this all came to be. A little over a year ago, I was getting ready to apply for the WDW Moms Panel. I was already a huge fan of the site and was familiar with most of the panelists via their online bios. Then, while doing some research via other Disney fan websites (ie, the DISboards), I learned of several blogs written by WDW Moms Panelists. The first day I read Darcie's blog, Such the Spot, I loved it! She is witty, serious, relatable, and super sweet! The way she writes makes you feel like you have just lived out the story with her.

So, in October of last year, I decided to start my own blog. In doing so, I turned to Darcie for some advice on how to get started, blog design, how to get my site noticed by other bloggers, etc. She was so thoughtful and quickly responded with a wealth of information. And she did this with having never met me, never having read my blog (as it wasn't started yet), and only trading a handful of emails and comments through her blog!

Then, from day one, she has been a loyal reader, commenter, and supporter. We eventually became better friends outside the blog through email, facebook and twitter. We sent each other Christmas cards, and have exchanged several other various cards and sentiments. She was also one of the first to offer words of sympathy and support after my grandmother's death and our recent miscarriage. And once again, we have never met in person.

Now, through this all, we have always shared our deep passion for Disney as one of the lifelines that began our friendship and continues to keep us bonded! So, earlier this summer, when I heard she might be going to D23 Expo, I knew I had to get the chance to meet her in person. To give her that hug. To see her smile and laugh as we talked. As it got closer, we arranged to meet. My mom and I had dinner reservations at Napa Rose, one of Disneyland Resort's premier restaurants located in the Grand Californian Resort and Spa. So, we asked her to join us for an evening of what I hoped to be good food, great wine and an amazing night of laughing and friendship!

I have to admit, about an hour before meeting her, I got a few butterflies. I mean, this gal is what I have often called my "bloggy mentor" and she is a Moms Panelist (a celebrity in my book anyway)! As we walked up to the restaurant and met up with her, all those nerves went right out the window. She is soooo down to earth and personable. It was like we have known each other for years.
Of course, we talked Disney, but we also talked about our families and lives back home. We enjoyed an amazing meal (more to come on that in my upcoming food post), some delicious California wine and great conversation. As the meal came to an end, we almost didn't want to leave as we had so much to talk about. It was getting late, and she needed to get back to her hotel, but we agreed to meet up again for several of the D23 breakout sessions. So, on Saturday, my mom and I once again met up with her and hung out at the Expo. We got our picture taken with one of our "mutual" friends and then got to hear about the exciting things in store for our "favorite" place.
As she left that day to head home, I was a bit sad to see her go. However, I know now that we will remain close friends and try to find more opportunities to get together again. In fact, I am trying to convince my husband to go on a Mediterranean Disney Cruise next year since she is going with her family. How fun would that be....to meet yet again and spend our time together especially when it is Disney related!

So, Darcie, thanks for your friendship! I am truly blessed to have you in my life!

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