So we’re friends, right? I feel like we are.
I mean, I know we’ve never met in person but you come here everyday. You read my thoughts. You tell me yours. We dialogue.
I like the relationship that we’ve built here.
That’s why I have to tell you something. Don’t worry, it’s a good something. But I’m still nervous to tell you.
See… there’s this guy… 
He’s pretty great. He found my blog. He commented. I replied. We swapped posts (oh, the romance!). He mentioned idea of writing a book (he knew how to get this girl’s attention).
He asked if he could call me. I said yes. And ever since…
I don’t know. There’s something… I’m not sure what the “something” is, but in eight days I’m flying to Minneapolis to see.
Oh yeah. He’s in Minneapolis. Did I mention that? And he’s moving to Florida next month. Which is convenient since, you know, Florida and Oregon are super close together.
But you know what he told me when he bought my plane ticket? (yes, you read that right… he bought my plane ticket). He said, “I’m excited to walk this out with you, Ally.”
I really liked that. I thought: Yeah. That’s what we’re doing. We’re walking this out.
And we’ll see… right?
So why am I telling you? Well, a couple of reasons.
First, a bunch of you have asked. We might have mentioned something on Twitter, or something.
Oh, Twitter.
Second, I want to build a community of trust here. I mean. It would a little weird to write about relationships and not to tell you about a relationship I was exploring. It would feel like I was keeping a secret or something.
And most importantly. We are both writers and bloggers who have committed to living our lives in the open. We know we aren’t required to tell everybody everything, but we’ve both felt prompted, separately, to write about dating and relationships.
As we work to figure out what a relationship looks like with one another, weʼve decided together that we want to share our journey with you.
I’m confident in our decision. I know it’s right. But I’d be lying if I said that the whole thing doesn’t come along with some anxiety for me. I’ll tell you more about that this week. But first…
Time to take a poll: We’ve been sneaky for a few weeks now… did you catch on? Just curious.
Any words of wisdom for us?
I had a hunch….
I think it’s cool. The two of you are smart enough to know the power of our online lives and are also smart enough to know how to ‘take advantage’ of that, so to speak. You can tell that in your online communities.
I’m excited for you guys!
Thanks Chris!!
totally caught on
so exciting!
Haha, I guess we weren’t really that sneaky… at least in the last week
I saw your tweet yesterday, got me wondering…
I think this one of your best blog post
Thank you Franklin! Glad you like it. Hope you’ll keep reading. Look forward to hearing from you down the line.
OK. This post is seriously cute and also so real and genuine… how can anyone not like it?
And yeah… definitely picked up on it and I’m even new to your blog.
It’s also very cool that you’re both awesome writers
Thank you Denise! Honored you’re following the story and hope to hear from you more in the future
Hi, Ally. I’ve reallly enjoyed your blog since I started stopping by like a week or two ago. I just have to comment today. And you’ll see why in just a minute…
My husband and I met a little over sixteen years ago in the infield of the KY Derby (yes, you read that right – and that part is really funny, but not relevant to what I want to tell you.) At the time we met, he was visiting from Oregon (see the connection?). And I am a long-time KY resident. We met and had a long-distant relationship until we couldn’t stand the long distance any longer. That was before internet and cheap cell phone calls. We wrote letters and spent a fortune on long distance. Then, I went to visit him. Lots of craziness unfolded as the result of a trip to the Derby that I was not supposed to even go to. We celebrated our fourteenth wedding anniversary this year. (And that’s crazy b/c I’m not even mature enough to have been married that long.)
My words of wisdom? Trust your instincts and in God’s guidance. Lots of people thought I was crazy to explore a relationship with someone clear across the country. Sometimes, you just have to leap outside your comfort zone and see what happens.
Heather – thank you for sharing your story and your wisdom with us! “Trust your instincts and God’s guidance.” and “Sometime you just have to leap out of your comfort zone and see what happens.” Yes. Those words resonate. Thank you again for sharing.
Accountability. Brilliant. I am soooo excited for whatever may happen! I realized that 100% of our opinion of our lives is based upon our excitement of what God can/will/has been doing. So excited for you and whatever may be!
Thanks Anna! Miss seeing your face in real life but seeing your comment here is definitely second best. Thanks for the love and support!
Honored that you two are putting it out in the blogosphere – because it takes courage to pursue transparency when, like you said in your post, the situation already holds anxiety enough. Enjoy your anticipation filled flight to Minnesota & as you pursue each other through the long distance “walk” – just remember to enjoy every minute of God’s timing. Inspired by you two!
Thank you for those words! It does take some courage, but I like what you said: “enjoy every minute of God’s timing.” I hope our story can continue to inspire
I was able to meet Darrell a few weeks ago, and he’s one of my new favorite people. I’m excited to see how this plays out for you two!
Thanks Adam! He is pretty like-able, isn’t he?
So I really wanted to take credit for you including the part about Darrell buying your plane ticket since I texted you about it before you posted this. Should have figured you had it written ahead of time. So instead I’m just going to enjoy the fact that you saw the significance and importance of this before I ever stated it to you. I’m happy for you and look forward to seeing how this plays out. And if he turns out to not be a good guy… I’ll kick his ass! Be good, Darrell. Haha!
Haha, Chris. You would want to take credit…
He’s a good guy, I know that much. Thanks for reading and supporting us!
That is too cute! Enjoy the walk.
Thanks Natalie! Even though I never get to see you I really like that we get to connect here. Thanks for always sharing your thoughts – and for your support!
Yes.
I love your blog! It’s fun to converse with you here.. also, I’m always hoping that somehow I’ll pick up some of your skills and make nutrition as conversational as you make relationships. slow going.. but going nonetheless!
That’s blogging for you… slow going
You’re doing great. Keep at it. You have an important message to share!!
I just started following your blog in the last two months, but I already look forward to your fun-to-read candor and your gentle, yet probing perception. Thanks for continuing to share the new and the strange, Ally! Enjoy the ride, friend!
We will, Lindsay and thanks for reading!
Hardly a surprise but adorable just the same! Enjoy the journey!
Thanks Caitlin!
I figured it out after the tweets, but that was probably expected. Nice and stealthy, otherwise.
Good luck to you both, this sounds like an exciting time for you!
Thanks John!
I just started following your blog not too long ago (I think one of the first posts I saw was Darrell’s guest post!). I started to wonder when I always saw him commenting and liking your posts and RT’ing you
I thought it was a cute way of showing his support and interest plus you are both great bloggers so it seemed like an awesome match! Excited for you guys!
Sara – sounds like you noticed it before I did, haha. Pretty sure I was oblivious until he asked if he could call
big risk= big reward
You’re a good friend
You know, I honestly just kinda assumed you were in a relationship and were just not saying anything about it. Buy hey, congratulations and good luck. At the very least, I hope you enough the ride.
Thanks Makana – that’s the plan!
I think that the first clue was a comment Darrell made about seeing more of you on his blog.
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading, Trina! And for your support.
Excited for you guys. That anxiety is natural. Fun, even.
You’re right! I like that. Thanks Jeff
It’s also for a particular season. Glad I don’t have to deal with butterflies anymore.
Thanks Jeff!
Thanks Jeff!
Thanks Jeff!
This makes me happy. Love via Twitter, and blogs. It works! Thanks, Internet!
Enjoy your promenad together. And keep writing. I LOVE reading it!!
Thanks Samantha! We’ll keep you in the loop. Glad you’re enjoying the story
What fun! Apparently I’m not stalking your social media enough, because I didn’t have any idea. But I’m oh so very thrilled-nervous, hope-prayerful with you.
Walk it out. Makes me think of dancing. I figure that’s appropriate.
[It also makes me think of "walking out together," the second phase of Victorian courtship. How 'bout that, huh?]
So brava! and bon courage, my sweet (Internet) friend! Thanks for involving and entrusting us. We do care about you.
I never get over how much I like your comments, Renea. Seriously. I feel like we’re real-life friends. Someday, maybe…
If you’re ever in Dallas… my couch is yours.
I did. Matter of fact, I tweeted about how y’all gave me hope and how y’all were a modern day “You’ve Got Mail”. I didn’t include your names of course.
I think this is great!
I think I saw that!! I wondered…
I am even more excited to meet you Alli!! Such an attractively-written post!
Thanks Michelle! Really exited to meet you, too!
I can’t say I caught on but I haven’t really been following things that closely so that’s not surprising! But it is very exciting!! I am marveling at how God brings people into our lives….
I totally am understanding the nerves attached to all this!! But love the idea of walking it out and trusting God…enjoying the journey every step along the way. We don’t need to know what He’s got for us for tomorrow…we just need to enjoy today and relax in tomorrow knowing He’s already gone ahead of us into it.
Praying for you both…Philippians 1:9-11 (Message version)….
Writing that verse down, Jocelyn. Thanks for sharing!! And for the words of encouragement.
I had my suspicions
and I made sure you knew:) I am excited for you. It is good to trust that Spirit inside of you. And pray and take deep breaths and have fun! Hugs!
Hugs back! And thanks Haley… love having you back in my comments section
Yes! I totally saw it coming. Happy for you both and inspired by your transparency as you walk through this together.
Thanks! I think you get the prize for being the first one to call us out…
I had no idea, but I’m super-excited for you! Wow! Amazing what comes in the door when stuff is moved away from in front of it.
I know, right? My sentiments exactly. Very strange, but cool. Not questioning it. Just enjoying. Thank you so very much, Ang
Ally, I have been following your blog for about a month now, ever since you came to Tennessee and Ive never commented but have enjoyed reading all of the blogs and comments and I just wanted you to know that I am soooooo happy for you!
I love how you are being so open about it! I just wanted to post to say in a weird way, I am like giddy for you! 
I hope everything works out great for y’all!
Thanks Christina!
Just for the record, we have met in person.
I recently told another friend who I introduced to your blog that I thought the two of you seemed like you’d make a cute couple. And then there was that post on long-distance relationships…. But seriously, if God wants you two together, it will happen. Cliche, I know. But I’ve been there. Not long after I met my husband, he moved to Thailand. I even told him to go! I was living in Alaska and he was willing to stay and “date me properly” (his exact words). You can’t get much farther than that! But I knew I still needed time to do my own thing and he needed to do his. And truly during the six months that he lived there (plus one month that I came to visit), our relationship was secured. We emailed and talked and during that new part of our relationship where it can sometimes get carried away physically, we didn’t have to deal with that temptation and could just focus on getting to know this amazing person that God seemed to have created just for us.
Wow, I didn’t mean to leave this long of a comment. Just wanted to say that distance can be scary and it can seem like the opposite of what a relationship needs. But sometimes it’s the best thing. I wish you all the best of luck, Ally, and will keep you in my prayers.
Chelsea – thank you so much. For reading and for praying. Means a lot to me!
Awwww!
Saw it coming
Almost like @laurenlankford:twitter and @maxdubinsky:twitter ..hmm
I know! Sometime ask Lauren about how the first time I met her in person I sneakily tried to get her to tell me her story…
I have been reading these blogs back and forth between you two and honestly; it’s great to read and even encouraging. Stepping out in a huge way, and sharing your guys lives with all of us is great. Thanks and I will be praying for you both. Darrell I asked Ally to be my valentine and she said she felt honored, you better treat her well or you might have some people upset with you. Godbless!
When you came to Tennessee you really helped me. I love the great advice you give and I’m really happy for you:)
Emily – thank you so much for telling me that! I had fun with you girls in Tennessee. You’re all on my mind and in my prayers often
Well, as one from Minneapolis, in a totally unbiased opinion, I think you’ll love Minneapolis! And I think its rather inspiring how the two of you are going about this. Gives me hope. Best wishes to the two of you!
Lauren – that’s awesome. Thanks for telling me! And we’ll keep you updated, for sure.
“Walk this out” – I like that. I am so excited for you both!
Thank you for being so open with all of this. Women need to know that there are men out there who are intentional about their pursuit and are honest about it. And women need a good example of how to respond to that pursuit. Thank you so much!
i think the best imagination you might choose is the scenario of this might lead to something or maybe nothing… getting know each other is important but don’t be drawn too much of it
It takes alot of time to mend the broken hearts.