I am always visiting lovely blogs and think wistfully... if only we could live near each other what fun we would have, making things together, exchanging patterns and tips, shopping for fabrics, etc. These blogs visits are of course virtual, brought about by the wonders of internet. 
In mid December Merruli, from Finland, and then others asked me if I knew of Melissa and her upcoming move from New Zealand to Norway. I checked out her blog and was crazy about it. I decided that this was a person I certainly wanted to get to know! I wrote her and to make a long story short my little family took the train yesterday to visit Melissa and her little family who have just moved in a couple of hours away from us.
We had a wonderful time visiting them but felt terrible that we left their house a complete mess. I mean, it wasn't a bit messy in the kid's room, no. Here is an example of the disarray we left them in just one room: the couches were turned upside down, and covered with beautiful quilts to make a house. The childen had an amazing time and cannot wait to meet them again.
On our departure Melissa presented me with a gift of the most delicious of fabrics, embroidery threads, and hand made cards (the images in this post). I was so touched by her thougtfulness to share with me some of the precious few things she has brought to Norway all the way from New Zealand.
I loved meeting Melissa and hope for many visits with her while she is in Norway. I promise to plan on a longer visit next time so that I can clean up after my children! I was simply having too much fun talking to remember to plan on enough time to clean up after the kids.
As we talked about the other day you and I, being a blogger is fantastic!
Posted by: Mette | January 13, 2008 at 06:12 PM
How lucky for both of you.
Posted by: Michelle | January 13, 2008 at 07:45 PM
I love reading TinyHappy's blog and now i have found your blog too!! I am glad that Melissa is meeting people and having fun!
Posted by: Di | January 13, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Oh I am so glad for you! That's awesome, to meet through blogland. I'm certainly glad for all the friends I've found this way. And that ribbon- so beautiful! Any plans for it yet?
Posted by: Sarah | January 14, 2008 at 01:03 AM
oh- but you didn't mention how kind you were to all of us?!
i will do that on my blog today. :) thank you visiting- we really had a wonderful time! xx
Posted by: melissa | January 14, 2008 at 08:25 AM
She's smashing isn't she? I was lucky enough to grab an hour or so with her in her home town, before she left for Norway. How can there not be a fabulous woman behind such a beautiful blog?!
Posted by: alison | January 14, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Such a coincidence because I was just lookng at the tinyhappy blog then! How lovely that you guys get to meet and hang out. Thank you also for your lovely response and for visiting my blog.
Posted by: melinda | January 14, 2008 at 10:06 AM
what a wonderful thing to do. you must be such a lovely person to do this. And I love your dolls too!
Posted by: Tiel | January 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I found your blog from Melissa's and it sounds like you guys had the best day! The sad thing is I've lived only four hours drive away from Melissa for the last three years and I read her blog daily and never went to visit. It's so lovely you made the effort to welcome her! She and you rock
significantly.
Posted by: alisonmc | January 15, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Oh, what a nice day you had together! I knew from your comments in my blog and from your writings in here that you are a very warm and caring, but still I'm amazed by your generous welcoming gestures to Melissa. Most of us would think that transporting a sewing machine in train is impossible. I'm touched by your thoughtfulness.
Posted by: Merruli | January 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM
What a fun new friendship....what gorgeous treasures you gleaned both in a new friendship for you and your family, and the fun sewing treasures.
Posted by: Laurie | January 15, 2008 at 08:03 PM