A Tale of Two Bookbloggers (meeting IRL)

What a fantastic adventure! Last week, Kathy from The Literary Amnesiac and I met in real life at Silver Dollar City (SDC), a pioneer themed amusement park in the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri.

How did such a meeting come to be? Simple really. Kathy commented on my recent SDC post that she would be there the following week. Since I'd be there as well, I replied wouldn't it be funny if we ran into each other. Serendipitously, of course. Hey, it could have happened! I mean, really, how hard could it be to recognize someone from a thumbnail photo in a crowded theme park. Thankfully, Kathy had the brilliant idea for us to not rely on serendipity but to actually meet intentionally.

So exciting! I couldn't wait to meet Kathy but my little boy was even more excited. He wanted kids to ride and play with so each time he spotted a family with three kids he asked: Is that them? All I could say was: I don't know! We are meeting strangers! I have no idea what they look like! Guess that wasn't the best message to send a child:

Never talk to strangers. Hey, let's go meet a whole crew of strangers

But bloggy friends aren't complete strangers-- they are more like penpals, aren't they.

I will confess to some mild concerns. Would Kathy and I hit it off? Would two gals who have only talked books online have much in common or much to talk about (beyond books)? Were my concerns warranted? You'll see...

After a bit of phone tag to coordinate schedules (Kathy was caving and I was salooning), it was finally time to meet. Armed with clothing descriptions, we trekked uphill to her location keeping an eye out for a funnel cake eating family. Kathy spotted us first and the rest is history!

If you've ever wondered what two bookworms would look like after a day of rides, wonder no more. A bit tired and bedraggled but we're happy! This photo was taken just after riding the Lost River ride on day one. Lots of fun but it is a soaker!

Oh yes, my concerns... Ha, I feel so silly... Kathy and I never stopped talking and laughing! It's a wonder we didn't pass out from lack of oxygen. So much fun... and we didn't even discuss books till the next day!

Here we are on day two after a long lovely ride-free chat.

What can I say about Kathy The Literary Amnesiac? She is fun, friendly, clever, energetic and has a great sense of humor. Or would that be a quirky sense of humor... Well, she seemed to appreciate my own brand of nuttiness. Kathy, hope you were laughing with me and not at me!! ;o)

Here are a few things Kathy and I have in common besides loving to talk, laugh, read and blog. Both of us grew up in cities but now live in rural locations with no visible neighbors. I grew up in East Texas and Kathy who is orginally from-- Shhh *whisper*-- North of the Mason-Dixon Line now lives in East Texas. (Her hubby is a good ol' E. Tx boy and he is great fun too) Both of us read a variety of genres. Both of us are annoyed by contrived emotional/tear jerker books.

Our conversations ran the gamut and I loved every minute. Never in a million years did I expect to actually meet a bloggy friend in real life but what a rewarding experience! Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life? Do you want to? If you are ever traveling in my region (E. Ok/NW Ark), give me a holler!

Wheee! Kathy riding the Grand Exposition roller coaster in the Victorian World's Fair area of SDC.