A few weeks ago I was reading another homeschool blogger’s recount of visiting her area homeschool bookfair. What she was most excited about wasn’t drooling over the books and discovering new ways to teach her children, but meeting other homeschool bloggers!

I was a tad wistful, wishing there were homeschool bloggers in my area I could get revved up about meeting. My thoughts drifted to tweet-ups and playdates, wondering if I could pull out my “digital mom” status and arrange such a technological wonder. Then I realized, I actually did know another homeschool blogger. And she lived a block or less from my house.

And then I wondered, why did it have to be a blogger? Why can’t I just go out and meet with people?

Not quite willing to let go of the technology, I sent Karen a facebook message asking her something about story time at the library that day. I mentioned wanted to talk to her about homeschool (she is/ was finishing her first year with her oldest). We did see each other at the library, but it was so crazy full (thanks to a visit from three animals from the zoo) it was difficult to chat. Karen then reached out and invited us over to her house for lunch.

It was a wonderful two or three hour visit. Fuller had his fill of playing with kids and I had a an energizing chat with Karen, making me excited not just for the education of my children but for the relationships to be had with other homeschool families.

The neat thing is, the same thing happened the next week too. After mentioning some homeschool things to a mom at Moms Group, she invited us over for lunch and playtime to chat about reading and homeschool plans and dreams.

I value the information I get from homeschool bloggers and reading about their adventures in learning. It gives me ideas, helps expand my educational goals, and gives me affirmation that we are doing the right thing for our family. But meeting with people in real life, while watching our children play together, it is valuable and energizing. I have a feeling, by connecting with folks in my own neighborhood, we will have more accountability and success. And more playdates, which makes it even more fun!