on the peach that is Ashley...

So, I just got back from meeting up with the lovely miss Ashley, and although I have a million things to do around here, I figured that I would instead sit down in front of the computer and blog. Mmmkay? I have priorities, you know. It's fun times.

Anyway, I didn't realize how nervous I was going to be when I left to meet Ashley. It's the most bizarre thing, going to meet someone face-to-face that you've known for what feels like forever, and who has had the ability to sort of get inside your head a bit through reading your blog. It's almost like a backwards getting-to-know-each-other. We already know so many detailed things about each other and our lives, but when we meet face to face we have to start at the beginning, the basics. Does that make sense?

Anyway, back to my story.

I was nervous about meeting her, because I always get those usual insecurities. What if it's awkward? What if I talk too much? What if she thinks I'm cooler online than in person - ahhhhh? But, no. I was happy to discover that we got along just as well as I figured we would. Ashley is just as sweet and beautiful and friendly as I figured she would be! And, seriously? Such a peach. (When I said I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home with me, I was not kidding.) She was even nice enough to give me a bunch of pointers on my camera - helping me discover settings that I didn't even know where there. "What? That's what that thingy is for?" (Yeeeeah. I really need to see about that users manual one of these days.) As for photography on my end, I found that I didn't take many photos; for some reason I get entirely too nervous to take photos when I'm around someone who is, obviously, so incredibly beyond my level of photography. (This photo made me happy, though, so I had to post it. Ahhhhdorable.) I wish I'd taken more, actually. But I'm sure you'll get to see her amazing photos soon enough! And really? I walked away with so many new things to try out and work on, that I can't wait to see my family tomorrow and force my little sisters to be models again.

Aside from the photo goodness, we had some great conversation. It was funny how often our words were peppered with, "Oh, I remember you blogging about that!" or, "You twittered about that, didn't you?" or, "I remember you posting something about that!" Only between blogging friends, eh? Heehee. We did agree that we both feel like we have a huge group of friends thanks to the amazing ladies we've met online. I would've never thought I'd find such an amazing support system and circle of friends through this blog. But I'm so thankful for each and every person I've had the privilege of getting to know!

I'm so thankful that Ashley was able to make the time to meet up with me while she was in town! Next time around, I'm definitely going to make sure we're able to schedule a shoot with Jay and I! (Yesterday Jay told me, after I was telling him how sad I was about us not being able to have our photos taken by Ashley, "We can just go to JC Penney." And I wailed, "IT'S NOT THE SAAAAMMEEEE!" I'm mature, obviously.)

Ashley, you are a dear. Thank you for being such an encouragement to me, and such a wonderful friend - online and otherwise. Your talent is a constant inspiration to me, and I wish you (and Colleen!) the best of luck at your absolutely amazing art opening this weekend! This is only the beginning for you, my dear, I just know it! (Oh, and thanks for helping me cross off #98 on my list! Hurrah!)