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News sources have been insistent that social media and all of the electronic means of communication are ruining us as a society, that we’re becoming more disconnected and distant. As an optimist, I can’t agree with that view.
{source}As a blogger I am touched by the encounters I’ve experienced with people from all over the world. Their sincere kindness and their willingness to take time out of their day to read, and yes, sometimes respond with comments (sometimes not) moves me. You and I both know how busy life can be, whether you’re a full time worker, like some of my blog friends (including me), retired, or somewhere in between, LIFE IS BUSY!
This line of thought came to me when out of the blue I received a message from a woman in another state that was paring down. I can relate. She decided to sell some of her things through consignment, one item was a set of Pierre Deux stone coasters. When she Googled Pierre Deux coasters, my post of the coasters being on my wish list came up. She contacted me and asked if I would like her set. For shipping costs only, I will receive a gift from a stranger.
This delightful surprise and the chats that I’ve enjoyed with friends I’ve never met from blogging brought to mind the excitement I felt, as a grade-school girl when our 3rd grade teacher put our class in touch with a classroom in Germany. These children became our pen pals. For a few years my pen pal and I would write to each other sharing our school events and happenings. I’m sorry to say I lost touch with her about the time we would have entered middle school, no surprise, I suspect other pursuits began to interest her.
Have you ever had a pen pal? If you’re a blogger, share with me one of the most memorable, random acts of kindness someone in blog land has bestowed upon you.
Garden, Home & Party 
taylor Greenwalt said:
I think what amazes me is how giving my blogging pals have been…they give advise and share ideas freely….they are willing to help out anytime..
Karen B. said:
Julie, It truly surprises and delights me by the kindness of complete strangers…it’s really fun to participate in the global friendship we bloggers establish. Thank you for stopping by. Karen
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
You are both my online penpal AND my blogging act of kindness! I’m amazed that someone found you online and sent you stuff! I thought I was the only one!!
When I started blogging, I thought the internet was a fun place, but also sort of scary… but I’ve experienced nothing but kindness and wonderful people (although, I have to say I will feel better when I get my first hate mail… then I’ll feel like I’ve REALLY made it.)
As an aside about real penpals, my bff Lara and I met when we were thirteen… before email or free long distance. She is the only person I know who still writes letters. Not too often, but a few times a year, I’ll get a real letter in my mailbox. Funny how exciting it is!
Karen B. said:
Victoria, Ha, ha, ha…hate mail, to you? I don’t think so. On the letter writing thing…when my friend moved to Washington state (from CA) we used to exchange letters. When we started emailing we agreed we could skip the letters but we both acknowledged that there was something so enjoyable about sitting down with one of our respective multi-page letters and reading what was going on in our lives. I do feel we’ve lost a little something by the passage of this tradition. xo, Karen
around the table said:
I remember having several pen pals growing up .. and I even have {love} letters 🙂 from my husband! I wonder if younger folks of today ever get those anymore? The social media is a wonderful way to connect but it’s also had some not so positive effects on people and relationships. How great that you were about to receive the coasters! I am amazed by the kindness of the blogging community. It’s also interesting that we all seem to have so much in common!
Enjoy the rest of the week! xxLeslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, Yes, there are some negative incidents out there…like the bloggers whose site has been ripped off and a person will literally copy the text and images and set up their own site. I know a blogger this happened to, so sad. But the overwhelming ‘take away’ for me in blogging is one that is so positive. You’re right, I feel like I have kindred spirits in so many women in the nation/world that share my interests and enthusiasm for life. So much fun. xo, Karen
Loi Tone on Tone said:
Hi, Karen –
I’m rather new to blogging, but feel very fortunate to have made so many friends all over the world. Many have shared advice and tips on traveling, restaurants, gardening, design ideas and sources, etc. I’ve never had a pen pal, unfortunately. But, my blog friends make up for that. Looking forward to meeting you one day 🙂 Thanks for your friendship!!
x Loi
Karen B. said:
Loi, I agree, blog friends are the best…I feel like I know so many of the wonderful people we bloggers chat with via comments. I will definitely look you up at your store if ever I get to your region! xo, Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What a wonderful subject for a post! I had a pen pal for a short time in high school. Since her English wasn’t very good and my French was worse, it didn’t last long. I’ve always felt that our daily e-mails was like having a pen pal – especially since we can’t see each other as often as we’d like.
I also loved your quote about being an optimist with a raincoat. I’ve got a similar one: “Life isn’t about waiting for storms to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I can’t remember where I got this . . . probably from you!
Karen B. said:
Linda, I might have to save that one! So true, learning to dance in the rain. That’s what I would consider you my pen pal/sis/BFF! xo, Karen
Ricki Jill Treleaven said:
There are so many different times that folks have been kind to me….too many to list in a comment! How kind of someone to send you something you put on a wish list! I love that!!!
I guess that one of the kindest things a blogger did for me was sending me a book all the way from Europe. I was so touched by it!
xo,
RJ
Karen B. said:
Ricki Jill, I think the nice part is that the blog world seems to be filled with kind and thoughtful people. We’re all better for that, right? What a sweet gift and for it to come from Europe. Such a generous spirit. xo, Karen
Keri said:
Wow, this post brought back so many memories. I had a few of pen pals in grade school. One was my 3rd grade teacher. I wanted to keep contact with her when I moved out of state, so we wrote letters for years. When I married she sent me a wedding present. Now through Facebook we keep in closer contact. Another was my 3rd grade best friend. Like you and your pen pal, we lost touch about the time we entered middle school. About 3 years ago we “found” each other on Facebook, & we’ve visited in person since then twice when I was traveling in her state.
That is such a thoughtful gift your reader is sending you. Wow! It’s so nice to see spontaneous thoughtfulness in a world that sometimes seems so hostile.
Xo,
Keri
Karen B. said:
Keri, What a great story. Facebook seems daunting to me but I know it can be such a great gateway to finding friends that have since moved or are out of touch. When our adult children come for visits I’ll share with them news of someone from their school days that are getting married or starting a family and they always say, “Yes Mom, I read about it on facebook”. xo, Karen
Jennings & Gates said:
Great post. What I adore is that blogging friends will actually take time out of their busy day to pop over and say hi or send me an email or leave a comment. I’m always amazed and ever so grateful. Now I just need to start meeting some of these pals in person. We should have some sort of bloggers party. N.G.
Karen B. said:
N.G., I agree, I would love to meet some of the authors of a few of my favorite blog sites. In addition, as a West Coast person, I’d love to visit some of the amazingly beautiful states they live in, such as yours! 😀 Karen