Monday, July 14, 2008

My Blogstock Report

I’m struggling to find the words to describe what a privilege it was to be involved in Blogstock ’08. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the Morrows and Campbells for hosting this three day event at Cliff’s place near Tekamah.

I guess the official definition of Blogstock ’08 would be a convergence of friends who became acquainted with one another via their personal blogs on the internet. The activities: we rode a float in Tekamah’s Independence Day parade and along the way we collected donations of food and money for the local food pantry. We had a great lunch at the Silver Hills Vineyard and Winery. Most of the remaining weekend was spent at Cliff’s, chatting, eating and riding horses. FYI: Cliff makes the best barbecue chicken in the Western Hemisphere.

I went through three rolls of film (yes, I still use a 35 mm film camera) and got some good pics of the parade, the float, Nora at the vineyard, Jamie Dawn on horseback, Cliff’s grandchildren being adorable, Jerry snapping beans, and a nice collection of hat pictures to send to Paul’s hat blog. But I think the one I put up here describes the event better than any other picture I took.

This is Nora from Indiana and Jamie Dawn from Arkansas meeting in person for the first time in their lives. It looks more like a reunion than a first-time introduction, doesn’t it? And that’s what it felt like to be in the presence of these fine people – it was more like a family reunion than a convergence of friends. You can find links to their blogs over at the left. They include Nora, Jamie Dawn, Jim, Cliff, Ralph, Rachel, Desiree, Lazy Blogger and Jerry.

I hope we can do this again next year.





Computer is home again. I found the best computer repairman in Nebraska - The Computer Guy in downtown Fremont. Bless his heart. He's in the yellow pages if you ever need him.

14 comments:

Rachel said...

I love the photo Janell! That describes Blogstock to a T!! Meeting for the first time but friends already!

You are so right about that BBQ chicken of Cliff's too! YUM-O!!

Cliff said...

That photo with your explaination is perfect. They do look like old friends who are seeing each other for the first time after many years apart.
Thanks for your kind words. It was folks like you who made it a great time.

Jamie Dawn said...

Yep, that about sums it up.
Meeting blog buddies in person is like seeing an old friend for the first time.
I enjoyed meeting YOU face to face!!!
Thanks for posting your version of Blogstock.
I enjoyed reading it very much.

:-)

So glad your computer is better now.

Ralph said...

Yep - that picture and your description says it all. I am really glad you were able to capture that moment.
I'll pay you a visit on my next trip out there.
Ralph

Scarlet said...

So you're the Janell I've been reading about in all the other posts! I had no idea!!

I love the pic of JD and Nora! It looks like you all had a wonderful time!

Mary Connealy said...

Hi, there, I've been gone. It's nice to come and see you all are here.

Jerry in Texas said...

It was great to meet you, and pick cherries with you. It gave us some personal time to chat.

Blogstock was just great. I'm so glad that Ralph and Cliff thought it up...and made it happen.

Jim said...

Hey Janell, arn'tchaglad too (besides Jerry and Ralph) that your computer is fixed. I was just going to ask you where you were working from this morning.
And arn'tchaglad you found ONE GOOD GUY in Fremont, the computer guy.

Your report was excellent on Blogstock, you really hit the nail (did you hammer on the float) on the head.
..

Janell said...

Thanks, Rachel!

Cliff; It wouldn't have happened without you & Marilyn and Ralph & Char. Thanks again. If you host another one, I'll have the Saturday brunch at my place.

JD; Meeting you and K and C was truly a blessing. I still owe you for my new necklace. Can you email me your postal address? I wear it to work all the time and get lots of comments on it.

Ralph - I'm looking forward to your visit. Bring your riding boots.

Scarlet; Surprise! I hope to see you at the next Blogsstock.

Mary; welcome back. Where've you been?

Jim - Yesiamtickledpink to have my computer back. The Computer Guy is the Best. Not only is he a genius, but he wears a baseball cap with the Christian Fish Symbol. How can you go wrong with a guy like that? No, I didn't hammer on the float. Had to work at the store that evening. Apparantly, Desiree did all the creative stuff.

eyes_only4him said...

Im sad I didnt go..I planned it all winter and spring then BAM, family matters popped, then this thing with my sister..

drama I tell u..

if there is one next year, I so badly want to join in, I feel I missed something pretty damn awesome.

Janell said...

Momma; You can come and visit any time - you don't have to wait for another Blogstock. I would dearly love to meet my virtual grandchildren. I can picture Blondie and The Boy on my horses.

Paul Nichols said...

Sign us up for next year!

LaDawn said...

just missed it.....doubt we'll be able to come next year but maybe the year after! Wished we'd been there. It sounds like great fun!

nora leona said...

Janell,
I love that photograph also! One of my favorite parts of Blogstock was sitting quietly on the bench at the winery together. I felt relaxed for the first time in ages.
Thank you.