AprilM, I agree. This board has been where I have learned most of my quilting knowledge over the past 18 years. When a work schedule keeps the same hours as the local guild meeting, online is the only option but I never felt left out. I'm not afraid to ask questions and am always impressed with the time people put into not just providing an answer, but often expanding their answer with diagrams, pictures, and examples. WOW. You, my online quilting friends, have been my mentors, teachers, and inspiration. I know that I will have a kindred spirit here no matter what.
I retired a couple of years ago and finally joined a guild in person. I joined just before their retreat and didn't think twice about attending the retreat although I knew nobody. That first retreat embedded me into the guild and I now have "my people". I remember sitting still at one point and just absorbing the hum of the room, thinking "this is feeding my soul". Now, with a couple of years of being part of the guild, I lost my husband in a sudden event. It was just before Christmas, so the guild was on holiday, but when start-up time arrived I had to be there. Those women have been my balm. They have lifted me, let me cry, listened, and simply been there. I am so grateful for my quilting family. Where else could one find such an understanding, accepting group of people. No agenda, just friendship.
So, AprilM, yes, I agree that quilters are great people. And it doesn't matter where I am, if I wander into the local quilt shop and just start chatting people up it soon feels as though I'm connecting with old friends. The power of quilting!