FRIENDS
Certain days stand out among the masses we’re gifted to get. I had one of those today, and not just because I got presents. I met with friends over a late morning cup of coffee – friends I’d never met before.
Although we’d never laid eyes on one another, I knew them, especially Mary. I knew her warm personality and caring nature. Yeah, words are that powerful.
I met Mary via our sites, hers is Piles of Smiles, aptly named, by the way. We both call Arizona home, Mary, and Tom in the high pine country, me in the sweltering Valley of the Sun. The “I-17” connects us, but before it was blacktop, it was the internet. Kinda reverse how it used to be.
I walked in a few minutes late only to be greeted by Mary’s brilliant blue eyes and contagious smile. Then the hug, despite my slightly sweaty shirt, to let me know I was among friends… family really.
Tom, Mary’s husband, reminded me of my cousins; a Vietnam veteran at ease in his skin. The type of man you look up to, and not just because of his imposing stature.
We chatted about life, family, of course, writing, and God, along with our mutual understanding of His sovereignty.
Here’s the thing about real friends; they give it to you straight. They warn you upfront that they’re being honest, which I’ve come to figure out the only kind of honesty there in in this world is what we call the “brutally honest” type.
Over the years I’ve had a lot of friends, and family for that matter, discard my words, had more than a few unsubscribe from this site for various reasons. I’ve learned or instinctually developed calluses when it comes to feedback regarding my writing.
But writing and editing are different than asking an acquaintance, “How you doin’ today?” The obligatory, “Fine, how are you,” expecting the same generic response won’t do for someone trying, as Mary says, “to polish their writing.”
Of course, Mary’s words have merit. She’s kind, generous, and gifted with wisdom from God. Mary spent so much of her gift of time on my words that she spoke in detail about the manuscript that she edited for me. The good stuff first… followed by the truth.
I left my pride and ego in my truck. Funny how those traits distort hearing… then understanding… and finally wisdom.
Mary’s edit is going to cause me a boat load of work… but I do believe the manuscript will be better because of her work and honesty.
A good friend will do everything they can to deliver truth as gently as possible. I didn’t even need a Kleenex. Of course, Mary and Tom’s gifts of cookies, pumpkin biscotti, and a book for my new grandson helped.
Isn’t that just like a good friend? Even if I did just meet them today.
Stop by Mary’s site here. Tell her that her friend Floyd sent you.
Lisa notes
Saturday, October 29, 2016 @ 2:25 pm
Aw, this warms my heart that you met Mary in person. I’ve read her blog for awhile now. Blessings on your book edits, Floyd! I know it’ll be worth the work.
Cheryl
Saturday, October 29, 2016 @ 7:58 pm
Oh, how WONDERFUL, Floyd!! I just love Mary so much, and I can only imagine the joy in all of your hearts are you gathered together today! What a dear blessing indeed! It is so neat that you live close enough to connect, in person. You know, it is truly amazing how God has interwoven so many of our paths through this wonderful world of blogging. I just can’t thank Him enough for all of you precious friends that I have “met” along the way. The loyalty and encouragement are just such amazing God-given gifts. I tell you what, I know that book is going to be nothing short of spectacular…with you doing the writing, and Mary doing the editing…there is no way it can go wrong. I can only hope that some publisher will have the good sense to publish it, and I can’t wait to read it!! This was such an exciting post to read…I am just SO happy for you both!!! God is SO good…thank you for sharing with us, brother!
Diane
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 2:12 am
Wow! What a gift from Abba that you two got to meet.
Not long ago, I shared with another “writer” at my church about my blog friendships. Oh, how he “cautioned” me! It took me by surprise. Some of my blog friendships are deeper and truer than someone sitting next to me in church. On my bucket list is a group (actually you are included in that group) that I want to meet one day.
What a blessing that Mary will be editing for you. AWESOME! I will stop by her blog and read. Thanks for sharing about your meet and greet, Floyd!
Diane
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 2:14 am
Had to come back and let you know that I know Mary! Love her writing! Oh, what a blessing she will be to the editing process of your book! AWESOME!
Pam
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 4:40 am
I have heard people say that relationships via the Internet aren’t real relationships. The friendships, and I do count them as friendships, that I have developed via my blog are very real relationships. So glad you and Mary got to meet up. That is something I would love to do with my blogging friends.
BTW, I visited Mary’s blog and loved it. Thanks for the recommendation, Floyd!
Bill (cycleguy)
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 4:45 am
“I-17 connects us. Now it is blacktop. used to be internet.” Ain’t that the truth? We know people by internet much sooner than by blacktop. Like you and me. someday…
June
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 8:50 am
That’s just awesome, Floyd! How blessed you are to find such a person!
Betty Draper
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 9:45 am
I am going to admit right up front, I am envious. Like Diane it is on my bucket list to someday meet some of those who have encouraged me with their words of wisdom and truth and honesty. Also I have been cautioned about those blog friendships. God gives us discernment about even those we have not met face to face. I had a widow friend who met someone viva internet and it turned out he only wanted money. But even before she really knew his motive God begin to raise some red flags. She begin to ask some pointed question and out came his motives. Like all relationship the Holy Spirit job is to inform us when they are not right. I know nothing about editing a manuscript but I do have a friend who helps me when I must write a hard letter. I am so blunt and not patience so i want to get right to the point. Sometimes that turns people off. She helps me put the gentle into my words. Praying for you book brother, I know God is going to honor the time you have spent putting memories into words.
Ed
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 4:29 pm
Now that’s a treasure..meeting friends and all that. You’re truly blessed!
saleslady371
Sunday, October 30, 2016 @ 4:40 pm
I critiqued this blog post too and it’s the best you’ve ever written. Ha ha. Thank you for all the nice words. That was the fastest few hours over coffee I’ve spent in a long time. I enjoyed our conversation. I hope it is the first of many; what an honor to meet you in person. For the gals who want to know what this phantom writer looks like behind those sunglasses and/or bars, think a young Mickey Rourke, only more handsome.
Hugs to you Floyd!
Betty Jo
Monday, October 31, 2016 @ 4:22 am
What a wonderful post, Floyd. I’m so glad you got to meet some of your internet friends in real life. I used to think internet friends weren’t “real friends”, but I’ve certainly changed that belief in the past few years of “knowing” others through their online words, laughing/crying with them, encouraging them, praying for them, and then receiving their love and encouragement in return. Turns out, some of my online friends are the truest friends ever. Most I won’t meet in “real time,” but many I’ll spend eternity with, and that’s exciting.
“A young Mickey Rourke.” Yes, that’s a perfect description!!
Hazel Moon
Monday, October 31, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
I am so thrilled that you met with Mary and Tom. And that she agreed to edit your manuscript. Someone else’s eyes are a gift when it comes to fixing our writing. So many who regularly contribute here at our Story site are friends that you can trust and believe in. Those you might pick up on a chat site, are probably best avoided. Thank you for sharing your happy friends day with us here at Tell me a True Story.
Dolly@Soulstops
Monday, October 31, 2016 @ 9:39 pm
Floyd,
I’m so glad you were able to meet online friends in person and that her edits were helpful to you. Keep going. May God bless you as you revise and rewrite. Blessings to you 🙂
TC Avey
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 @ 12:18 pm
Stories like this make me glad for the Internet . online connections can be a huge blessing.
I look forward to reading your book! God help you through the edits; )