Tammi's World

View from the 6th Floor Patio

I have been working since yesterday morning to come up with my recap of the Austin blogmeet. Now, I will admit I always struggle with these types of posts. It might surprise you to know I'm kinda wordy. Yeah, imagine that. I can't just tell a story, oh no.......I gotta give you all the details and wander all around it before I can get to the point. And with everything that happened this weekend, all of the incredible people I met, my post just keeps growing and growing and growing. (hmmm reading back, I probably should have said that differently, but you see what I'm gettin' at!)

Anyway - so have patience. I'm pullin' it together.

What I can do is just give you a glimpse. A glimpse from the 6th floor patio of the Austin Holiday Inn, that is!!!

Holy Shit I had a good time.

And, honestly I needed that more than I can say. Spending time laughin and talking with people that I enjoyed that much was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered.

Before I go one step further I have to thank OddyBobo and T1G for even making this trip possible. I didn't know until Wednesday night I was going, and these two are the two that made it happen. Thank you guys - more than I can ever say. You just don't know how much this meant to me.

I was very excited to see some of the bloggers I had already had a chance to meet. I knew Zonker was gonna be there and I just couldn't WAIT to see him again. Seriously - this guy is about the best hugger ever. And he has a way of making you feel so special. Thanks Dude. And I'm so workin' on gettin' down there this fall. I promise.

I'd had the pleasure of meeting Leslie at Fritz Fest in February, but we didn't have much chance to talk. Still didn't get the long term quality conversation we were both hoping for, but made a good start. I see some serious girl time in our future. Near future. Leslie - you are the best darlin'. And you know, you are welcome here at the Little Blue Cracker House anytime!!!!!!

I'd met Denny at Eric's place last fall and fell under his charm. There is just somethin' about a man and a guitar (not to mention kazoo!!) Funny and charming - the real deal. It was treat to see him again.

And my favorite Redneck. Dude - I just love you. This man had me laughing harder than I remember laughing in forever!!! And he's such a marketing genius. Don't Dream and Drive. The PERFECT Tammi's World T-shirt. And Neck? Yeah, I'll work on the whole Doris Day thing, really I will. I just can't make any promises.......... Oh, and don't you dare forget about our bet this year!!!

Eric, that Straight White Guy, is always a pleasure to hang out with. Having a conversation with him is always a treat. Just remind me not to try and bullshit you any time, 'mkay?!? ;-)

My girl Bou was there. And I have to be honest - she was one of the main reasons I was so damned excited to be able to make the trip. I couldn't wait to see her again. While we didn't get much "one on one" time, it was great just being able to look up and see her across the room, or hear her laughter. It's the nice thing about friendships like ours. We know, we just know.

Jimbo Jimbo Jimbo. One of my favorite people in life. Seriously. This man's got it all.....talent, humor, smarts and GREAT FAROOKIN' HAIR. Dude, honest to goodness, even your hat hair rocks!!! ;-) And another one that I can just sit and listen play and sing for hours. I'm just ticked I didn't get my good-bye hug. Oh well, that just means we'll have to meet up again SOON!

Oddybobo was my roommate and salvation. I adore this woman. Plain and simple. Her smile, her laughter (not to mention that adorable son of her's). You can't help but feel good when you're anywhere around her. I love ya darlin'. And you're right - we'll be getting together again....soon. THAT'S a promise!!! And I miss you already too!!!

And my poor buddy T1G. God love 'im. That guy has the patience of a saint and the humor of, well, someone with a lot of humor. Seriously - think about it.....all that time trapped in a car with me and my half-a-brain. He's the other reason I was able to make the trip and part of the reason I've hung on to what sanity I have. I cannot imagine a blogmeet without him. They just don't make 'em any better than this guy. Period.

Now add to the fact that I got to spend time with all these folks I already count as friends, the fact that I got to meet so many new folks - and WOW!! You can see why I'm having such a hard time getting my hands around this whole thing.

Ellison - holy cow. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy this man. Damn. NEVER a dull moment, always up to help pull off a stunt, funny, funny, funny. And the best insight. Not to mention charming!!! And yes, I'm gushin'. So what?! I adore this guy!!! And I'm tellin' you what - if I'm anywhere near Atlanta??? Yeah, you better be available for a drink. I'm just sayin'.

Marcus is another charming gentleman that I just am thrilled I got to spend time with. I just wish I hadn't of brought up the whole sales meeting connection - damn Dude....sorry about that. Whoda thunk it was such a small world. But I will say - if I get to Houston, I so wanna hang out on the Patio, sippin' drinks and listenin' to stories. Can we just make sure if we go anywhere, we take a cab? Yeah, the whole direction thing? Not so good. But I still love ya!!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Acidman. And I'll be honest - I have a hard time thinkin' of him as "the Acidman" after spending time with him. Oh, I've been a reader of his for some time now, so I know he can be. But the man I met? The first phrase that comes to mind? Charming Southern Gentleman. Seriously. His smile is flat out beautiful, lights up his whole face, echoing in his eyes. And when you're having a conversation with him? You HAVE his attention. And I can't even begin to describe the pleasure of hearing him play and sing. A joy. A real joy. Plain and simple.

What can I say about Christina? Words just flat out escape me. Delightful? Intelligent? Full of joy? All that is true, and so much more. And so you know - I really do have your back sweetie. Honest I do. As soon as I stop laughing. ;-) But seriously, I've talked to this wonderful woman a few times on the phone and have read her forever, and STILL she surpassed all I expected. And her mother! OMG - I ADORE her! What a treat. Yes darlin' - I will come visit. I cannot think of anything I would enjoy more. I love ya!!!

And part of the joy of THAT visit would be the opportunity to spend more time with the Dashing Dash. Wow. Yeah, that sums it up pretty well - Wow. I'm just so glad I got to visit with this guy - that Louisiana Charm is leathel. And here again - another great hugger. It was a pleasure Sir. Truly.

Talking with the Confabulator was an adventure. That man has more stories than, well, I do. And funny! Holy Cow. Cman - I am SOOOO glad I got to meet you and cannot express how much I enjoyed talking with you!!!

I think I've mentioned that Jimbo is one of my favorite people in life. Well, it should come as no surprise that I simply, flat out adore his daughter. TJ Rocks!!! There's really no other way to put it. She has a beautiful voice, and I can just imagine how much fun it is at those family gatherings. Her laughter is infectuious and she's just quick as quick can be. Nope, there's no gettin' anything past that one. Oh yeah, it's lookin' more and more like I'm going to need to add the East Coast to my list of Must Visits. Love ya TJ. And I'm SOOOO glad you're back to blogging.

Livey was another blogger I had not had the pleasure of meeting before. And I'll tell you what - I think she out hugs me. Yes, you read that right. I would lay money on the fact that she gave out more hugs than even I. It was wonderful to meet you, Ma'am. I look forward to the next time.

I was really looking forward to meeting the infamous Shoe. On her blog she comes across as smart, funny, quick....all the things I most admire in a person. She was all that and more. She did a fantastic job of pulling this all together and my only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time getting to know her.

It was wonderful to see that Kelley made the trip. I have to admit, I've always been in a bit of awe with her. I read and just never comment. But she was wonderful. Just wonderful.

I feel just terrible that I didn't get the opportunity to spend time with Walrilla, Nancy, El Capitan and Knine. Hopefully I'll get the chance to make that right. In the very near future.

Yikes! Obviously that turned out to be a bit more than a glimpse. See....I told you I can be a bit wordy at times!!!

Again for EVERYONE that made it possible that I could be there - from the bottom of my heart. Thank You!!!!!

Seriously - this weekend was everything I needed and more than I could have hoped for. I laughed, I cried (only when leaving Bou) and ate really great food. Well and I guess I did have a drink or two. ;-) I heard beautiful music and wonderful stories.

What more could a girl ask for???

Posted by Tammi at May 3, 2006 02:20 PM | TrackBack