Inspiration From The Distant Past

Inspiration From The Distant Past
Found note in an old book... warms the cockles of my bookish heart...

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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.


8 comments:

  1. I read a lot about 'blogger meet-ups.' I can't resist; they look and sound so much fun! I honestly wish I had a bookworm friend to hang out with! Glad you had an awesome time.

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  2. It sure was a blast! And I really enjoyed reading the recap here.

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  3. Looks like you guys had loads of fun and wow that place looks great!

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  4. What a great story! How fun!

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  5. Like Kathy said it was a blast!

    Jillian-- aren't you near SF? If so, when I visit my brother one of these days, let's get together! Have you checked to see if any on your blogroll might live in your region?

    Jessica-- Come visit and we'll go--your little boy would love it--lots of rides/water fun for little ones and SDC is very unique--built into the woods/hills of the ozarks-- very natural-- most rides are hidden in the trees and hollows--not flat and tar smelling like other parks. There is a fairly strenuous cave tour--music-- artisans (bakers, pottery, textiles, glass, metal, wood ect-- variety of shows depending on the current festival--acts from around the world during Worldfest. Really is fun-- and if you guys are ever in this neck of the woods, let me know-- besides I already told Chris I take him to Jesse James' hideout at Robbers Cave State Park.

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  6. Hi Lesa,

    That was a wonderful post! I really, really enjoyed reading it. I've made so many friends blogging (some have become real life friends, too), all over the world. I am coming to the US next year for BEA and the highlight will be meeting some of the people I've become friends with online.

    ALSO: I have an award for you (if you're not into awards, no problem, I understand):

    http://desertbookchick.com/award-winning-book-blogger-hop-june-18-21-2010/

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  7. This is a great post. I found your blog via Desert Book Chick's book hop and I am glad I did. I haven't been to Silver Dollar City since I was a kid, but I believe that somewhere in the house are the candles I dipped rainbow colored at the candle making booth.

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  8. Welcome and thanks, Amanda and Amcatoir! I'm so pleased and honored that you both enjoyed this post.

    Amanda-- Wow, BEA sounds so exciting! thank you for the award!

    Amcatoir-- What a great souvenir-- I only went to SDC once as a child (age 4) but I've gotten my money's worth as an adult! ;o)

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