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| Toronto 2015: I'm in there somewhere, along with all my new friends, now dear friends for several years. |
I remember it well: my first Garden Bloggers Fling. It was in Toronto, Ontario, in June 2015. My husband and I drove there and made a little vacation of it.
I was a little nervous about meeting garden bloggers that I'd followed for several years. Many of them seemed larger than life, and I thought maybe I was out of my league. I worried that I'd feel like an outsider.
Turns out, I was wrong in so many ways. The Fling "family" welcomed me with open arms. It was like discovering my tribe--folks who enjoyed plants, gardening, touring gardens, traveling, making new friends, and--as I learned in subsequent years--reconnecting with old friends. And there were other newbies there, too, as there are every year (including this one).
I'm posting about this because this year the Fling will be in Madison, Wisconsin, (June 18-21) and I'm on the planning committee. Even though we still have so much preparation ahead of us, it's all coming together, and it's really going to be a fun Fling! I'll be busy, busy, busy for the next few months and also during the Fling, but I'm really looking forward to it.
Registration is now open!
Visit this link to learn more: gardenbloggersfling.blogspot.com. If you're thinking about attending, but you're a little hesitant like I was, rest assured--the Fling "family" is friendly and fun. And this is going to be another great Garden Bloggers Fling!
I am so glad you came to Toronto!! One of my favorite photos of folks from that Fling was of you and Maya. Can't wait for Madison.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Janet. And I'm so glad we've become good friends. I remember hanging out with you and Maya and the other Flingers. Fun times.
DeleteSounds like a “winner event and location!”
ReplyDeleteYes, it's so much fun, no matter where we meet. :)
DeleteWishing you all good things in planning this event. I'm sure there will be plenty of blog and photo sharing!! I'd like to visit Madison some day, I've heard it's quite a pretty place, but it'll have to be at some other time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina. I hope I can meet you at a Fling sometime. Or if you're ever planning a trip to Madison, let me know and we can visit gardens together.
DeleteYour first fling was the only one I've missed. I was sad to miss it that year, but I think someone was graduating from somewhere. I'm so glad we're friends, and I can't wait to see you and everyone else in June. I love Madison and everywhere I've been in Wisconsin like Milwaukee and LaCrosse. I was in Madison to visit Fiskars, but it was the middle of winter. Brrr. ~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI wanted to attend several of the Flings before Toronto, but graduations and other family stuff came up. I'm so glad I've been able to attend most of the Flings since then. The Fling is a highlight of my year, especially seeing friends like you, Dee. You will like Madison better in June. ;-)
DeleteHave fun! I know it will be spectacular! I wish I could be there.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be great! Wish you could attend, too, Tammy. One of these years we'll see each other at a Fling again. ;-)
DeleteThank you for sharing about the Fling. I am excited that it is held in Wisconsin this year. We have our youngest graduating from high school. I am not sure I can fit this in, but I will talk to my husband about it. It sounds like a great time.
ReplyDeleteI know how family stuff can make scheduling challenging--the same thing has happened to me. With that said, I don't know how long it will be before the Fling is in the Midwest again. I think you'd really enjoy the group, Carla. :)
DeleteI'll be there!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you and Judy!
DeleteWill be there in spirit Beth. Thanks for the tremendous job you're doing.
ReplyDeleteWish you could join us, Susie. If things change, hope to see you there!
DeleteWish it were closer to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visits and comments on my blog.
Have a wonderful day!
It's in a different location every year, Lea. Folks travel across country, and some come from Canada and the U.K. Hope you can join us one of these years. :)
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