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Monday, April 8, 2013

A Tale of Two Buttons


I found this button amongst items that belonged to my late grandmother. My grandfather worked for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, or the C&O for many years and the Chessie Cat logo and the railroad in general has special meaning in the homes of his family still. As children, he would take my brother and I with him as he went to the shop on a Saturday; engines were kept running, I assume, while certain repairs were being made and to a little girl, they were enormous and very loud. I found them intimidating but they helped me to develop a healthy respect for trains and the power they wield. Mostly when we were there, besides exploring our grandfather's office, we played on a caboose stuck in the back corner of the shop. There wasn't anything more fun then imagining we were riding the rails from the back of the train, waving to all those sitting in their cars as we rode on by. "Sleep like a kitten, and arrive fresh as a daisy was the C&O advertising trademark back in the 50's or 60's and in the 90's I had my own cat, named Chessie, of course!

This wasn't the only Button I rediscovered myself with this past weekend. Friday evening, on a bit of a whim, I met B from Buttons Thoughts. For those of you who know B through her blog, you know she has a big heart, loves her country life and adores her Hero. And I'm here to tell you she is all that in person and more. I spotted her identifying "I'll be the one with fuzzy red mittens on the table" near the front window of Starbucks as I hurried along the sidewalk towards the entrance. I came in to find a rather sophisticated looking lady jumping up from her table asking excitedly, "Are you Andrea?!" I had barely answered before she embraced me. We sat down, and chatted about family and blogging, country life and connections and time flew by for both of us. It was the first time either of us had met a fellow blogger in person, and beforehand we were both nervous, like a first date sort of nervous! But, for a quiet girl like me, an outgoing girl like B was a perfect match and our nervousness was washed away with excitement within minutes. It is a rare treat, but oh so lovely, to be able to talk blogs with someone who gets it. There's no weird look or comments, just a good discussion on the creative and therapeutic process that blogging can be. It turns out that she lives not far from a spot where the Artist once lived. "We're all connected," she told me and I for one, am blessed to be connected to her.

~Be well friends!
Andrea

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16 comments:

Lynne said...

Loved the Chessie Button . . . I so agree, fun meeting in person a blog friend. Same language for starters!

Jessica said...

What a lovely button, full of so many memories, and a wonderful new meeting. :)

TexWisGirl said...

the first button i recognized right away from the railroad cars. so cool.

but the 2nd one made me SO HAPPY you got to meet her! she is one of the dearest souls in blogland, i believe! what a dear lady! this made my heart sing. :)

Michelle said...

How wonderful that you were able to meet Buttons! Also love the Chessie button :)

Bonnie K said...

What a phenominal week. To look into your past and then meet somebody new. It makes me happy to hear it.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I have never seen the first Button before but I love the story and hope to see one they are cool.
About the second Button I truly loved meeting you and what a nice time we had. I have to say it was the best First Date I ever had we were perfectly matched. Next time I am back up that way I will make sure I let you know. The syrup made it home and it is truly delicious. Thank you Andrea. Hug B

Alica said...

I just popped over from Button's blog...what fun it must have been for the two of you to meet. I would love to meet a fellow blogger (or two!) someday.

Jill said...

I am here from B. What a beautiful blog you have. I'm so glad you two were able to meet.

I love both Buttons. :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm here from Button's blog. How wonderful that you met and had so much to talk about!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I'm visiting from Buttons' blog. You have a lovely blog! I'm so glad you two got to meet. She is such a dear lady!

Monkeywrangler said...

Found your blog from Buttons' Thoughts. Glad you two got to meet up.

Judy said...

How did I miss this that you got to meet Buttons. How AWESOME to meet a blogging friend!

Janice Grinyer said...

I consider Buttons on of my dearest friends - and you described her well - she has the largest heart of all bloggers and from that place is where she writes from...and the world is a better place for it!

So now, how do I come and collect my maple syrup then too ;P ?

hugs from Montana!

Inger said...

I'm another one of Button's blogger friends and I have come to love her spirit, her strength, and her writing. What a storyteller she is. I'm so glad she referred us over here to meet you, never mind the maple syrup ~ feral woman has a thing for it, I think.

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

That Button is adorable and so is the one you met in person..but then so are YOU! So glad you able to meet :)
LYLAS!
xo, misha

Carla said...

One day I hope to meet some of my fellow bloggers and I know some live on the opposite side of town and others further but I think it would be fun to meet up like you did.

I remember the Chessie button.