I had an absolutely wonderful time on Monday at the Fox & Hound with the Erie Bloggers! We had a lot of old friends and quite a few new faces. Several people had read the notice on Jack's excellent Erie Media Go Round blog and some from Dennis' mention on Erie Blogs. I think that when we hit every possible source for listing the event, we do well. I was happy to see it in Showcase and other mainstream traditional media.
There was a first timer who was in a wheelchair. The staff brought over a shorter table, as all of the tables in the area we were in were pretty high. We knew a fair number of people in common. She is an advocate for the disabled, so I told her about my friend Aelis. (Reminds me: I should talk to Aelis soon. It has been too long.) Dave, a very nice guy who had an interest in radio was helping her.
I also chatted with a local filmmaker. I had no idea that there were so many films being produced in Erie. Who knew? I think some of his films will be at the Great Lakes Film Festival. (But that's Thursday's meeting.)
Weatherman Brian came with his wife Trisha, which was her first time. It was very nice to be able to connect a face to the blog.
Tam came with her fiance, Matt, which was a first time for him. I guess it was previous attendees bring their spouses" night. ;) As usual, Rachel, Jon, and ron were there as well, and Andy came back. When I was later talking with Tam and ron, they noted that I had whipped out my PDA again. (It might have been 5 times.) Tam asked if it bugged me that they teased me about it, and I told her that it was fine, and I truthfully find it slightly endearing.
Jen had been on the fence about making it, but she did show up. Alas! She later came down with something. She visited a lot with the media folks.
A new guy came who worked for the Community Blood Bank. As it turns out, their medical director is a woman I knew through the SCA. I mentioned how old I felt, as I recalled going to Ice Dragon with Rannveigr when she was pregnant with her twins, and they are now in college.
When I went over to visit with the media/film folks, one of the new women mentioned privately that she acted as well in erotic videos. Who knew that happened in Erie? She was very nice, and I figured that any meeting that let me speak to a disability advocate, a Christian stay at home mom and an erotic video performer was a relatively diverse one.
So, we are going for Panera's Yorktown next time on Monday, June 11 at 7 PM. Everyone is welcome! I have encountered some occasional bits of dysfunctional groups or cliques in other areas, and it means a HUGE amount to me that everyone can feel welcome and open. The tone that the group sets is vitally important.
As I write this, the newest ones haven't been posted quite yet, but all of the photos from the past Erie Blogger get togethers are here, and the Yahoo group to sign up for notices is here. Again, it's a very friendly bunch!
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