I get by with a little help from my friends...

The nicest surprise awaited me when I checked my email this morning. From this day forward, I know how to answer anyone who might dare to suggest that blog friends aren't real friends: "You're full of sh*t." And this story is what I will give as illustration of my point.

If you've been reading over the past week, then you know I was frustrated in my attempts to publish the new-and-improved photo you now see as my "profile" image. Because I'm stubborn, I published the picture as a regular post anyway.

Fast-forward to this morning. Aaron had modified the photo to fit within Blogger's parameters, attached it along with instructions to ensure my success, and...well, really made my whole day! Why would anyone take that kind of time and concern over someone else's admittedly minor problem?

Friendship. That's why. We've never met, but I recognize friendship when I see it. Yesterday Susie posted a fascinating list of questions including how do blog communities form. I didn't know there were such things, but now I even know how they are formed, Susie. Just like in real life, people reach across the gaps between them and offer whatever it is they have to give. And wherever it finds you, it's one of the most satisfying aspects of life.