My favourite wild flower Oenothersa speciosa- we called them "pink primroses".
I wanted to write about a totally different subject this week, but this is what is on my mind.
I live in a very beautiful but fairly remote place in the country with no cell phone service and minimal internet access. As an introvert (INFP on Myers-Briggs) I am perfectly happy in a beautiful house and garden in the country enjoying occasional visits from friends and family. I engage in many creative hobbies. I am never bored.
However, I have felt a tug to connect with other people who share some of my passions- the countryside, animals both domestic and wild, books (I am a former bookseller), flowers (I am now a retired flower farmer and garden designer), music (I have had wonderful voice training and dance lessons), clothing and accessory creation ( I LOVE making my own clothes).
I have joined Google and Yahoo Groups, Facebook groups, followed Pinterest boards and blogs. I enjoy them, but I have not been participating in them as much as I would like. Until very recently I have been shy about leaving comments and engaging in conversations. I seem to do better when it is a question of posting photos and scans- I was fairly active for several years in some paper doll and doll collecting groups and I love sharing pictures on Pinterest! I have participated in some challenges on Facebook and managed to give my share of encouragement and support. But I have connected with only a few people who have become friends.
Then I saw Barbara Fisher's post about vintage patterns on her blog :
http://marchhousebookscom.blogspot.com/2016/04/sew-in-love-vintage-sewing-patterns.html
What really got my attention was Barbara's wistful sentence about the patterns in the Comments :
"But the dresses, oh the dresses, wish I was 20 – no, 40 years younger, so I could wear them again."
I could not resist encouraging her to express herself, make the dresses, and wear them! As a result we have had some lovely, lively exchanges. I have found a friend who shares so many of my interests. And she lives in my favourite part of England! We keep discovering more shared interests, tastes and general outlooks.
Best of all, I discovered a strong desire to inspire others to embody and express themselves by wearing what they love. (Not so surprising given my love of paper dolls and dolls to dress and photograph in their varied adventures).
I am now inspired to make some videos wearing some of my ancient dresses to encourage others, also to to share some more of my photos of my dolls' adventures -my favourite way to play!
So I have learned my lesson- when I feel a tug to comment and encourage someone I am going to go ahead. There are no doubt many more wonderful friends out there for me.
Have you ever been rewarded by being brave on social media?
Have you ever found a wonderful new friend unexpectedly?
Please leave a comment below or email me colleen412@gmail.com
Visit my Pinterest boards https://www.pinterest.com/colleen2322/
