I started blogging five years ago and became friends with two wonderful women, Tracy and Ashley. Tracy and Ashley are friends with each other even though Tracy lives in California and Ashley lives in Minnesota. (This is the same Ashley I visited last year.)
My first blogger meetup of all time was with Tracy when she visited New York in 2011. Seeing her in person cemented my love of blogging -- if blogging can facilitate making friends this sweet, it's worth pursuing.
Tracy and her charming husband Ian are visiting New York. Last night, they invited me to join them for their 25 wedding anniversary celebration. They didn't have to ask twice!
The party was at a bar in Brooklyn that's so cool it doesn't have any signs. You just have to know where it is and tentatively push open a non-descript metal door. Inside, hipsters and young folk are drinking PBRs and (my favorite) Mother's Milk Stout.
We celebrated with an eclectic crowd. Tracy and Ian have a wide variety of friends from all walks of life and all ages. During the night, I chatted with a comedian from Canada, a canine-officer from New Jersey, a lesbian in law school, and a college kid with no clue about his future. It was fun.
Tracy, of course, was the draw. Her brother Brian told me that Tracy has always been popular and you instantly sense why: she's bubbly and gregarious. And drop-dead gorgeous. Tracy herself later confided that she was a cheerleader in high school. Her hubby Ian is equally charming, with good looks, big muscles and dozens of tattoos. Ian plays music in a band and writes about baseball. He's one of the cool kids. :-)
Together, Tracy and Ian are a power-couple. They charm the pants off you and then you realize you're not wearing pants. Oops! They brought a vegan anniversary cake to the party since they're long-time vegetarians. Despite everyone's apprehension, the cake turned out to taste good.
Afterward, we walked a gazillion miles in the rain to get pizza at a fabled place; it had a sign saying, "Pizza, It's Not Just For Breakfast Any More."
I have blogging to thank for introducing me to this sparkling couple. Which is why, next month, I'm flying to Vancouver, Canada to meet even more bloggers. If you have the chance to meetup with other bloggers, go for it!
You always meet the best people and have the best stories! Tracy seems awesome! And I seriously cannot wait to meet you one day hopefully soon!). That cake though, *drools*.
ReplyDeleteOh that is so cool!!!! What a lovely couple and cake....xx
ReplyDeleteI love how blogging helps build friendships with folks all over that you probably would have never had a chance to meet. Awesome post!
ReplyDeletewww.dressed2dnines.com
How fun! They sound like a blast.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Vancouver : )
bisous
Suzanne
Your spirit definitely draws amazing people to you! It's hard not to want to keep being friends with someone like you.
ReplyDelete(That cake looks delish!)
Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us! We had so much fun with you. I loved reading this. Seeing all of this through your eyes. What an honor. I adore you!! Xoxoxo, Tracy
ReplyDeleteFun times! When I read that Tracy and Ian were celebrating their 25th anniversary, my jaw hit the floor. She is stunning and I would be lucky to look HALF that good when I've been married 25 years!
ReplyDeleteAnd since you mentioned meetups--Matt and I have been talking about visiting New York for a weekend, in part to see you! No definite plans yet, but when we start hammering out the details you'll be the first to know :)
Oh, goody! There are many fun things to do in NYC.
DeleteI'm so jealous you got to meet her! I know if I ever do, I will instantly love her!! I'm so glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteBlogging does put you in contact with amazing people ... That's how I "met" you dear Ally and hopefully one day we will also be able to meet in person ... Note to self ... START SAVING!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf it'll help, I'll visit you. Just open the door when I knock!
DeleteI couldn't possibly agree more - and they don't necessarily have to be bloggers from your own niche/corner of the world either. Most bloggers, especially long time ones, have a deeply rooted understanding of one another, even if they've never met before. So many of us operate (our blogs) all our own. We don't have bars to hang out at after work or lunch breaks to take together, so when we encounter a fellow blogger (especially if we've already had contact with them online before), it's a bit like finding out you're not the only unicorn on the planet - or at least getting to spend a little time with another one. :)
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
That sounds like such a grand adventure - I cannot wait for our adventure next month in Van! Wee! You're going to love it out here, Ally!
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like a great night out :) and ooooo I am so jealous you're meeting Sheila.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a really great time! I notice a pattern, which is that you are an awesome-person magnet. Must be a reason for that! Looking forward to seeing you in Vancouver-can't believe it's practically only a month away! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSee you there, Shawna!
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