Oh, the wonders!

I don't remember when I first read the book, 84 Charing Cross Road, but I immediately loved the concept of strangers corresponding for years and developing a comfortable friendship.

If you are not familiar with the story, it is written by New Yorker Helene Hanff about the 20 year correspondence she maintained with Frank Doel, the chief buyer of Marks & Co antiquarian booksellers in London, England.

Recently, I realized that through blogging and Instagram, I have formed relationships not unlike the friendship of Helene Hanff and Frank Doel.

On Wednesday, I saw this picture on Instagram with the following message

Despite having a female dog, I had no answers, but through Instagram, I have become friends with the lovely @pmacaulay who is a bit of a dog whisperer so I left the following comment.

Soon I saw that Shelley of @peoniesandtumbleweedblog had left me a comment.

And not far below that comment, I saw that Patricia had seen my comment and responded just as I knew she would do.

Next was Shelley's response to Patricia

followed by Patricia thanking me for getting her involved.

The conversation ended with Shelley's comment to both Patricia and me.

@peoniesandtumbleweedsblog is absolutely correct that we truly do have an amazing community

and I love the daily connections with friends made through social media.

Patricia and I were connected once again as I put these fun towels in Steve's kitchen today (they photographed much nicer on the baker's rack) because she lovingly chose them for me to fit my primary color palette and love of the ocean.

I also connected with Karen of The Feral Turtle today when I spotted this grouping of little red hearts in the entry. 

Karen sent me the hearts and these cool Asian discs (along with other fun Christmas decor) in the Christmas Ornament Exchange organized by Vicki of Life on Willie Mae Lane.

That connection led me to Vera of Row Homes and Cobblestones

as I placed a little creature in the vignette because she inspired my collection of mice.

As I write this, Steve is making a lovely prime rib dinner which will be served on these beautiful Pfaltzgraff Pistoulet dishes which were a gift from Kris of Junk Chic Cottage.

Mary Alice of Chateau Chic and @chateau.chic has no idea that we made a connection today, but this gorgeous mantel vignette I saw on her blog this morning led to my using stars on my mantel this afternoon.

Random connections and inspiration

with sweet people from all around the world are why I love blogging and Instagram.

Just as Helene Hanff and Frank Doel never met, and I might never meet my blogging or IG friends, but oh, the wonders of social media.

Thanks to all my blogging friends for connections ... friendships ... ideas ... and so much more.