Whew. Another Bash Come and Gone...

Post blogger-bash roundup for everyone interested.

It was a great time. The hangover is quite subdued this time--just a mild thumping around the temples instead of the jackhammers that were trying to break through following the last bash. Don't think that I didn't do my part in the drinking, it's just that the conversation got me a little sidetracked on occasion.

Ah, and the conversation. It's amazing what happens when this many intelligent, opinionated people come together in one room. Scary, actually...

While we missed some who attended during the last bash, it was nice to see a mix of the usual crew and some new faces. Matt Moore, his lovely girlfriend Beth, and our friend Andy all showed up to get the party started. We didn't get our usual seats toward the rear of the place because somebody had reserved it for one of those oddly uncomfortable holiday parties where half the people were underdressed and the other half looked as if they were going to prom--or maybe that's just my view of the occasion. Yeah, well, moving on...

Matt, the un-Pundit showed, as well. He was joined later by his wonderful bride-to-be, Alison, who had their dog Kimbro in tow. Kimbro is in training to be a service dog, and may well be the cutest dog in existence. He will, however, be about the size of a small bull by the time he's finished growing, and it will be interesting to see if he still wants to be a lap-dog at that point. One of the highlights of my evening was getting to sit down and let him nuzzle me after his jacket had come off. Now, if only we could somehow bribe Matt to write more than a few times a month...

The amazing Linda Seebach, from the Rocky Mountain News showed up, as well. For an aspiring writer like me, it was an opportunity to have a conversation with a writer who knows the ways of a profession that has me spellbound. She was a delightful addition to the bash and generous with her time and advice. I hope she goes to our next gathering.

Walter in Denver was also there. I still like his idea of Libertarians hijacking the Democrats. He's absolutely right: the Democrats are in desperate search for an identity and a message, and the Libertarians are in need of a wider audience. If traditionally liberal (I mean that in the philosophical sense) Libertarians were to help guide the Democratic party toward a stronger message, I actually think that the country would benefit from the change.

Stephen Green was there--but it wouldn't be a blogger bash without him. Patient, urbane, witty, and with exquisite taste in alcohol, Stephen is the blogger we all want to be when we grow up.

Susan Pelto, the gracious and wonderful wife of Chuck Pelto (better known as Chuckle in commenting circles) were there after having made a very long drive to arrive. What terrifically nice folks--and I'm hoping that they make our next bash as well. Perhaps we should consider doing it in Colorado Springs next time so that certain of our blogging friends don't have to make such a long drive? Just a thought...

One of my recent favorite bloggers, the Colorado Conservative was there, and, let me tell you, he's precisely who I thought he would be. If he isn't on your blogroll, he should be. He is wrong about one thing, though: it should read "Go Army! Beat Navy!."

I'm just sayin'...

Another newcomer, both to the bash and to blogging, was there and I can't wait to see what he writes for us when he really starts rolling. Blogosphere meet Chris Gallegos from Indiview. Something tells me he's going to fit right in with the rest of us. He's another one, though, that already has made his mark in traditional media, so he has quite a bit to teach the rest of us.

Jed, from Freedom Sight not only scooped me on the early blogger bash reporting (7a.m.? I didn't think any of us would be getting up that early.), but also was the center of some wonderful conversation the entire evening.

Another newcomer (if not to blogging, then simply to my notice) is Tim Berglund. I've been spending a little time over at his site this morning, and it's amazing to me just how much of his personality--a tremendously warm, calm, and friendly personality--shows through in his writing. I may disagree with him on some issues, but he states his case well. I'll definitely be adding him to the blogroll and urge everyone else to check him out. I'm glad he could arrange for a babysitter and join us.

And, finally, Steve Wheeler from Off in the Tall Weeds was there, as well. I, unfortunately, didn't have the opportunity to speak with him for more than a few words at a time, but it was nice to have another returning face from our last bash. Thanks for coming!

Last, but not least, Vicki was there in spirit and, for a moment, in cell phone. She was missed and I hope that she'll be able to find her way out to Denver sometime again.

Did I miss anyone? If I did, I apologize profusely and beg forgiveness; let me know and I'll ammend the posting.

So, for those who are counting, that's 16 people (a few non-bloggers, but we don't discriminate), one dog, and one spectral Vicki. Not a bad line-up, is it?

Posted by zombyboy at December 6, 2003 09:47 AM | TrackBack