What a day yesterday!
It was the South Coast meet and we had arranged to gather at the foyer of the Holiday Inn, Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth at 3pm. I caught the ferry across the harbour at about 2.30, feelig very nervous as I hadn't met anyone who was attending this meet.
We'd said we would make name badges and I thought I'd have a bit of fun with mine so I used one of my Russiandolls from one of my sets and glued a pin on the back (hoping desperately that the others would 'get it').
I arrived at the hotel dead on time and took a deep breath as I walked into the foyer ... I was the only person there and spent a few minutes flicking through some tourist brochures to kill time and dampen the nerves. Suddenly, the door opened in an walked a tall, elegant woman follwed by a man. Both had bright pink name badges ... it was 'Eclipse' and 'Eclipse's hubby'.
She spotted the little Russiandoll on my coat straight away and we just hugged as if we'd known each other for years ... all nerves went at that point and I knew everything would be ok.
We went upstairs to the large bar area where some others were gathered and the wonderful business of introducing ourselves began. It was like a reunion of old friends (for those nervous of going to a meet - please don't be: it's a wonderful experience).
We chatted, we laughed, we told stories and passed photos around. There were touching moments and hilarious ones. Later on, we danced, strutted out stuff and were totally 'at one' with each other. I knew I was in the company of some very, very special people.
I'd like to take the opportunity here to make a few comments on each of my new friends.
Eclipse - Cheryl, you were the first person I met at the hotel and I was blown away by how elegant you are. Tall and willowy and always with a smile on your face. You are an absolute scream and had us all laughing with your observations and stories (remember the PGA Golf tale??) Ash is a sweetheart and you are perfectly suited - so at ease in each others company. You know how to enjoy life - get you boogying at the disco showing those teenagers a thing or two!! PS - Loved your cow socks!
Cah-ching - Gill - omg you are nothing short of stunning! Height, a fabulous hourglass figure and a smile that knocks your socks off - girl you got it all!! (Can't wait till that fab photo of you is posted!!) What really struck me though is your amazing depth of compassion. I'll never forget the reassuring hand on my leg when I retold a painful experience from my childhood - thank you. You are a stylish, wonderful woman who I was honoured to meet.
Pandora - Cheryl, I was struck by just how beautiful you are. The clearest of complexions and a smile to die for. You are the calm voice of reason and talk a lot of sense. I think I'd have stumbled yet again if your 'voice' hadn't rung out on the forums a while back and I can see now that your persona in real life is exactly the same as that on the forum ... there's no pretence there - you are REAL and genuine. Someone who can be trusted implicitly - that's worth a lot in this age of BS!
You changed completely in the evening from poised lady to diva! Loved your hair!
Looking forward to meeting you again some time.
FFnF - Jennie ... well, what can I say. Fab, fab, fab person. Bubbly, funny, and uber gorgeous. you're one of those people who is compelling to listen to .. you talk such sense and express it well.
I can't get over how I thought you were someone else in the evening ... I go away to get changed and get back to see Ms Glam sitting at a table! That top was gorgeous!!
And where did you learn to dance like that??
I just have to say 'watch out world' because when you get to goal ... wow!!
Biggirlsam - Sam, the only 'big' thing about you is your personality. At first, you seemed unsure but it was wonderful to see you blossom as the day and evening went on. And dragging me onto the dancefloor? Blimey you party animal!! lol. You lit up everywhere you went and I'm so, so glad we had the chance to meet. You're someoe I feel proud to call 'friend'.
LuckyMarge - Marge ... a true lady in every sense of the word. I was glad to be able to spend time in your company - you're easy to talk to, intelligent and share my love of English (and that's a definite bonus in my book!
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You kept me giggling all evening with your sharp wit and keen observation - and that sparkling smile is a real wow.
Lynjo - Lyn ... I'm so glad I had this opportunity to meet you. I was stunned by how well you've done: I could never have guessed you'd ever had a weight problem but your photos told the story. What an inspiration you are and anyone who has you as their CDC can count themselves as very lucky indeed. I LOVE your hair .. it really suits you and you look so flippin' young!! you didn't look out of place at all raving at the club (not like me, a mum at the school disco! lol). thanks for starting the ball rolling and getting us all together for the south coast meet - you're a diamond!
SnowyJ - Jaqueline ... Model looks twinned with a fab personality - wow! I wished I could have had more of a chance to chat more to you - maybe next time we can talk more. I'm glad to be doing the Mad March challenge with you - a great idea of yours and something that will help keep me on track.
I'm honoured to have spent time in the company of such wonderful, inspiring and BEAUTIFUL women.
And to anyone who is unsure about going to a meet .... do it!
