10 June 2008

Velvet Strawberries in the House

Andrea (on the right) and I (on the left) smile beatifically in between running to check the shots on my digital camera to find one we liked.

Well, her name is Andrea Singarella but she's the author of the fantastically popular blog Velvet Strawberries. Her parents just happen to live in our area of the world, so we get the delight of visiting with her occasionally when she's in town.

The comfort and cameraderie of a blog friendship is just another reason to smile on any given day. When I first began blogging two years ago, I had no idea how cozy this world of virtual journaling could really be. I got into it for the mentorship aspect. I first sought out other women in the blogosphere who had retail stores that impressed me, venues which I could only aspire to have my own shop be like. I learned so much about shopkeeping and about my own personal brand and style of it through studying the brands and styles of others, and reading their thoughts and musings on such. Within a matter of months, I had discovered a few likeminded ladies whose blogs I regularly began reading and commenting on. I also found dozens and dozens of other lovely blogs who I check in with regularly to this day--from artists who craft unique wares, to other shop owners, to women working from home in various entrepreneurial ways, to more personal blogs that have absolutely nothing to do with shopkeeping (thank goodness--my mind needs an oasis every once in a while). I'm attracted to a great voice, a strong point of view, and sparkling prose. I don't regularly comment on many of the blogs I read because God knows if I did I'd be behind my computer several hours each day, but I love to check in, chuckle, ooh and aah over your luscious photos, marvel over your cleverness, and check in again the next day. Thanks to everyone out there who reads my blogs and comments on them (and those who read and don't comment). And please know that while I may not always leave a comment on yours, it's very likely I've been reading!

By the way, look for the feature on Andrea's Miniature Cup Containers in the Spring 2008 issue of Somerset Life.

6 comments:

Sew a Fine Seam said...

What fun to see a pic of you with Andrea on your blog! I just love Andrea's blog and her website! I just received my first order from her about a week ago and she is on my list of favorites! I know I will be ordering from her in the future. So neat that you get to see her now and again!
I check your blog every day, Abby! I don't always comment on a new post because I too don't have enought time, but I DO read it!! I'm still going to get up there sometime!
God Bless,
Jill

Andrea Singarella said...

Abby-
It was so nice to see you and shop your beautiful boutique once again! I'm glad to have found you as a friend through this wonderful blogging community.
See you next time I'm in town!
-Andrea

Lola Enchanted said...

How wonderful!!!!!~ I can't wait to visit your beautiful shop!!~

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Ooh, my first time here! A wonderful place, and I shall return!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I love your site! This is my first visit, but I will return!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

My dear Abby, I've missed you!!! Clearly we are busy as I would like nothing more than to sit and chat everyday! I see you are getting a laptop, I finally got one myself and it makes life much more do-able!

I popped over to see your smiling face on Velvet Strawberries, it was a new blog to me so it was lovely to find her. Congrats on all of your friendships and successes. You truly deserve it!

Missing you and always hoping for the best for you!

xo