Lend me your ears! It's time for a shindig folks. I haven't seen Jatraqueros in 4 months and I haven't seen my regional Jatraqueros in over a year. What do you think? Who's up for it?
I'm willing to drive up into the nether regions of Washington, and I'm also willing to host again in Portland should we decide to do that.
Thoughts?
[ August 20, 2005, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: Narnia ]
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I'd love to get together again. Portland's a lot more convenient for me than anywhere in Washington, of course, but I could be flexible. I'm leaving to go back to ASU on August 15, though.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
When are you thinking, Cecily?
Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
Fie on you ALL.
...unless you happen to think of a feasible way I could perhaps load myself into a box and mail myself to y'all back in the PacNW? Lemmeknow.
Sigh. I miss Portland.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Portland misses you too. (And then it gets pissed off that you live in Hawaii!! Hello? )
Shan, I've got quite a few open Saturdays over the next three months, I'm open for evenings and suggestions to. I was kind of thinking late August or September, but then we'd miss Shig.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Depending, I can try to swing it. Paying for lots of gas for a long drive could be an issue.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
too bad we all couldn't meet at the fair with you this weekend. I'd love to go. Is this weekend the last?
Posted by MoonRabbit (Member # 3652) on :
Off topic, but since I am in Portland and don't post much-
Just got home from pitching at the Willamette Writers Conference. The VP of Fortress Entertainment liked my pitch and wants to read my screenplay!
Woo Hoo! Posted by ReikoDemosthenes (Member # 6218) on :
How far north are people willing to go? I might be able to make it if it's in Washington, depending when and all that.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
No, the faire is the next three weekends, though I'm only going this Saturday and the next.The 20th I am going to an anniversery party. I do really want to meet you all if possible.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Congrats MoonRabbit, that's awesome news!! Keep us posted on what's going on with that.
Well hm....I'm willing to try the ren faire on the 13th if anyone else wants to go. It might be a little too soon for me to plan to get away and it might be a little far for me, but I'm willing to take a look if we get some people that want to meet there.
Reiko, where are you in Washington? I'm one of the only Portlanders, so I'll drive up and around where ever.
Any other ideas? When's good for the rest of you folks?
(I think we'll probably miss you Amy. You and I should get together if you're in Portland before you go though. )
Posted by ReikoDemosthenes (Member # 6218) on :
I'm not in Washington, I'm in BC. I live about four minutes from the border, though, and several hours from Seattle.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Oh cool.
Wow. I say we have a shindig in Vancouver BC. I love that city.
Anyway, let's set a date. Pick your favorite Saturday in September (or the last two weeks of August) and let's vote.
I say August 20th or 27th.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
The 27th when I'm officially on vacation (grin). Otherwise, let's look at mid-September?
As Cecily knows, my l'il truck can hold four, so I have room for two more if folks want to carpool.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Mid-september sounds great. I can't do the weekend of the 10th, but that's it. Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
It'd be great to see you folks again, but I don't know for sure if I could get anywhere. I'll be in Eugene in September working a lot, and I won't have a car. But I'll keep track of this thread to see if I could make it to something.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Aug 27th works, let's see, the 3rd is my birthday, then the 10th is good (after noon) and then I leave for Fresno.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
What's the 3rd like for everyone? I know that's Labor Day weekend. Anyone in town?
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I'll be in Seattle for Writers of the Future from Aug. 14 to the 20th. Not sure of my availability, but it's something we can discuss. .
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Dang it Scott! I'd come up on the 20th, but romany won't be around. Maybe a few of us can head up there anyway. I'd love to meet you if you have time.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
I'd love to get to meet Scott R, and might be available for something closer to Seattle than Portland. Where's the fair?
Posted by ReikoDemosthenes (Member # 6218) on :
August is best for me, although I may be able to manage it in September. *glances at profile* jeniwren, you're only in Bellingham? wow...people are closer to me than I thought...
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I'll kinda be at home eating cake on the 3rd.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
There's a book signing at Level 3 ( at the Sci-fi museum? I have no idea) on Friday the 19th, I believe. I'll be at that. . . signing books, looking nervous, missing my wife. . .
Anyone who identifies themselves as a Jatraquero/a will get a . . . um. . . I dunno, a wet willy? KIDDING! Ha. Sheesh.
I'm rooming with the inestimable and extraordinarily talented Eric James Stone, who is a lurker. If you come to the signing you can make him real. . .
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Narnia, there's a chance I'll be in Beaverton on Sunday afternoon. My cousin's due to be born today, and we'll probably be visiting him and my aunt and uncle. If we end up doing this, I can probably convince my parents to stick around for another hour or so so that we can hang out. We'll see.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Reiko, I will be in Bellingham today and probably Sunday, but I should change my profile -- I moved to Marysville last week.
ScottR, you're at the SciFi museum on the 19th?
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Yep-- in the evening, anyway. . .
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Ooooh!! OK, I have to write that down.
Anyone possibly want to meet at Seattle Center that afternoon?
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Is the 19th a Friday? *doesn't have a calendar nearby* That sounds fun, I'd be up for that...but if it's in the evening, I might have to crash at someone's house and make the 3 hour drive back to Portland the next day.
Amy, this Sunday? I'd love to see you for a bit!
And where is Jonnynotsobravo? It won't be a get together without he and Shan. Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Actually, it may change to tomorrow. I'm e-mailing you my phone number.
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Ha! I pop in for the first time in like a month and this page jumps out at me.
Mostly, I've just been on Sakeriver and perusing life in the co-op I live in. I live in Seattle, and you're welcome to stop by any time (though a little advance notice so I can clean up my room would be nice ). Just send me an email.
I have never been to the sci-fi museum, and here's my chance. I will look for you, Scott. romanylass, email me if you'd like to meet at the Seattle Center that afternoon.
It'd be great to see you all. Most weekends are fine, just let me know in advance. Thanks for thinking of me, Cecily. Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
I would be happy to play hostess, too, Cecily!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Yay!!
So am I really driving 3 hours to go to Seattle? Yes. I think I am. Woohoo!
Let me clarify.
Date: Friday, August 19th (I would drive up in the morning and maybe meet Shan at her house...or I could just meet everyone at the museum at the time we're meeting if Shan's still working.)
Place: Seattle Center/Sci-fi museum (And Shan is sweetly letting me crash at her house that night.)
What: See Scott R at the signing. Scott, will you be up for dinner afterward, or are they whisking you away to somewhere else?
Who: Scott R, Shan, Jonnynotsobravo, romanylass, and Narnia for sure.
Maybe: ReikoD, jeniwren, Nato, and MoonRabbit
Does that sound right folks?
Posted by ReikoDemosthenes (Member # 6218) on :
Alas, I'd love to go, but I don't finish work until 3 o'clock on Friday. It's a three hour drive, when traffic is good, so the earliest I could make it for is 6. So probably not this time, but hopefully next time.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Yep. What time at Seattle Center?
I can't do anything that costs money, and I'll have kids with me.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
>>Scott, will you be up for dinner afterward, or are they whisking you away to somewhere else?
My understanding is that the signing doesn't start until after 8p; we will have had a dinner and awards ceremony previous to that. I do not know how long the signing will go on for, so do not count on me for dinner.
There's very little to be had in the way of an actual, reliable schedule 'round here. . .
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Oh goodie! I love company! I am not off until 6 pm that Friday, though . . . what are times looking like, Cecily?
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
It says that the museum is open until 8pm. How long would it take you to get to Seattle Shan (I don't remember how far away you are)? I'll probably meet romany and Jon up there at the museum whenever they plan to get there. We'll meet you as soon as you can get up there and then head over to see Scott. Does that sound good?
And then whoever can stay can hang out and catch up. Scott, do you know how long your signing is? I'd be willing to hang around for a little while if we could see you later...but maybe we can just play it by ear.
So what time should we meet at the museum? Shan? Jon? romany?
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
>>Scott, do you know how long your signing is? I'd be willing to hang around for a little while if we could see you later...but maybe we can just play it by ear.
Eric says that last year, the signings went on really long. . . and that the award ceremonies went on really long before that. So the award ceremony starts at 8, and may go on until 9 or 10. . .
He says that they were there signing books last year until 3am...
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
The awards ceremony STARTS at 8 pm, and then the signings go on after that?! And the museum closes at 8 PM so I don't know if the General Public is allowed to go, but then Scott R says we can meet him at the signing so I guess we can. Is the signing/awards ceremony a ticketed event? Do we need to purchase some? Hmm, maybe I'll call the number they have...
Anytime y'all want to meet is good with me. We may want to hang out for a bit before the signing, and if Shan gets off at 6, she can probably get to downtown by about 8 or 8:30 PM depending on if she needs to stop at home first. Cecily, if you want to drive up early, feel free to drop by my house and I'll give you a brief tour of the U District. We can walk around the UW campus, visit Gasworks Park and see the infamous Fremont Bridge Troll. Romany, how much time do you have, and do you want to meet at the Pacific Science Center earlier than the signing? Or can you stay that late for the signing with the kids? You're welcome on the tour as well, but it sounded like you have less time. It'll be great to see y'all!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
The tour sounds great Jon! I'd love to hang out for a while. What time are you free Friday? I'm game for whenever you guys are (as long as I don't have to leave my house before 8am. )
Scott! You poor thing! What exactly will you be signing anyway? Stuff you've published? (I'm in the dark, forgive me.)
Oh, and those questions Jon asked about who can be at the singings are good ones. Anyone know?
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Let me see if I can get off early - and then maybe we can carpool up, too, Cecily - and save the horrid cost of gas and parking fees. At the very least, I could meet you in Olympia and show you how to find my home so that if we got separated on the freeway, you wouldn't be forevermore lost!
Romany - how many children? I have some passes for the Science Center needing to be used . . . and I'd be willing to take Nathan out of sports camp for a trip up to the Science Center . . .
For that matter, I could probably switch my Friday over to a Saturday or Sunday work day.
Cecily - what do you like for breakfast?
(Enjoys planning a little fun . . . )
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
>>Scott! You poor thing! What exactly will you be signing anyway? Stuff you've published? (I'm in the dark, forgive me.)
I'll be signing the Writers of the Future XXI anthology-- but if you don't want to buy one, I'll sign anything (just about anything, anyway) that you stick in front of me.
I'll ask today what the deal is with the signing. . .
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Shan, 3 kids. I don't know if I can stay into the evening, but I can meet people for lunch at the fountain if they can make it.I'll swing what I can.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Folks, those are all good plans. I'd love the tour, I'd love the stop with Shan (if you can swing it. I don't want you to take off work if it's a pain), and I'd love lunch with romany and kiddies.
Jon, what's your schedule like? Could you do lunch? I could be up there by 1:00pm pretty easily to meet romany and then meet up with whoever else will be around. I'm also willing to drive back to Olympia to carpool with you Shan...we'll figure it out. I'm excited!
Scott, I totally want one of those books with YOUR signature on it. And I think I'll print out all of your poetry from strongverse and make you sign that too. Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
All right, so here's the scoop-- the awards and book signing are invitation only!!
SO FRIGGIN' LAME!
They apparently didn't schedule a book signing with any of the bazillion book shops around Seattle. . .
In any case, if you're still interested, drop me an emiail with your Hatrack name, and your real name, and I'll see if I can get you on the list for Friday. I'm not sure how they're going to handle things; as in, do you have to arrive for the ceremony, or can you just show up for the booksigning? Yeah, dunno at all.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Well, that sucks. I'd like to go, and if it's in the evening, I probably could. I'll drop you an email, Scott.
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
I'll drop you an email, too, Scott. I'm guessing the awards ceremony is in that there JBL Theatre which doesn't look terribly large so I'm not holding my breath or anything.
Cecily, anytime Friday is cool. Just email me when you and romany work things out about lunch and where and when y'all would like to hang out. Shan, I hope you can make it up here during the day!
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Ooohhh! Goody! Cecily - if you met me in Olympia by 11 a.m., we could (traffic deities on our side) be to Seattle by 12:30.
Romany - I can pack a picnic lunch for Nathan, Cecily (if you'd like), and myself, if picnicing works better. I have enough passes for you and your three children for the science center - and one more! Cecily - you and Jonny fight over that one.
I can probably (with Nathan) stay out as late as 10 p.m., but then would need to get my munchkin home to bed . . . will that work for you, Cecily?
I'll drop you a line, too, Scott, just in case. *grin*
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Forgot one thing-- my email is j beekeepe r (at) ya hoo dot com
With no spaces. I don't check the hotmail account so often.
Shan, Jeni, JNSB, I got your emails, and will be forwarding your names.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Augh! Put me on there too! *sends Scott an email*
Shan, I will do my utmost to be at your place by 11am. I'll try to get there early enough to help you pack lunch. (And I'll bring my brownies for the gang.)
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Oooohhhh! Goody! Brownies are wonderful! Shall I e-mail directions?
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Yep. Let's do it. I'll try to get to you by 11-11:30 which could get us to Jon/romany...when? 12:30-1:00?
And this is Friday, right? Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
This Friday! I'll work from home until you get to me, we'll zip over to basketball camp and grab up Nathan, and then we'll hit the road. And pray for decent traffic, so we can meet all the folks at the fountain in the Seattle Center for picnic lunch, and then check out the Pacific Science Center, and all other manner of fun thing!
Sound good?
Jon - do you want a sandwhich, too? Tuna fish or PBJ, folks?
Cecily - let me e-mail driving directions when I get home tonight - that way you'll get road signs and freeway exits rather than local yokel landmarks and vague gestures . . . *grin*
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
No problem Shan, whenever you have time.
I love PBJ. I'll see what other food I can bring to throw into the picnic mix too.
Yay! I can't wait to see you guys!
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Shan, that sounds awesomeness! Oh, thank you!How about we all meet at the fountain-I will aim to be there about 12:30. I'll bring yummy stuff. My e-mail is cymoril3 at yahoo.
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Sure, Shan! Tuna fish would be great! And I'll bring some fruit and some soy milk (because it doesn't need refrigeration 'til you open it).
Romany, I'm guessing that with lunchtime traffic, picking Nathan up and parking we can expect to see them more about 1 or 1:30. I just don't want you to sit around waiting for longer than you have to. If you have a cellphone, it might be a good idea to exchange numbers with them. Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Shan, e-mailed you my cel #!
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Good thinking, Jon - and tuna fish it is! Got your cel# romany! Between 1-1:30 at the fountain! Yay! Summer fun! I'm so excited. Cecily - I'm e-mailing directions right now. However, I have not joined modern day society and don't have a cel# so if you do, would you be okay with sharing with romany?
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Sure. I've got Jon's (if it's still the same) and I'll send romany mine.
WOOT!! I'm excited to see you guys!
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
So any word from Scott on tomorrow night?
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Got it, cecily! I'll bring lots of peanut butter crackers and some toys for all.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I haven't heard anything from Scott, poor guy. If he sees this, he can email his phone number to me at cecilyjeanne at hotmail dot com. (If he has a phone with him.) Shan and I can check before we leave her house tomorrow morning. In fact, I'll email my number to him right now just in case he can call.
If not, we'll just hope to run into him somehow. I can't wait to see you all! Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Everyone who emailed me is supposedly going to be put on the list.
Hope you guys can make it!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
What time Scott? 8pm?
Jeniwren are you gonna be there too?
I'm leaving right....now. after somewhat of a late start. (It's about 8:30am) I should be up there by 11:30 still.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Yep-- 8pm.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
I'm going to try to be there. It would be way fun, and I haven't been to the SciFi museum yet.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Narnia, Shan, JNSB-- It was great to meet you guys! Thanks for coming out!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Scott, how was the ceremony? Did you win anything?
We're sorry we couldn't stay, but we didn't think cute Nathan would make it through the whole thing. We're so proud of you though and it was great to meet you! Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Scott, it was great to meet you, too. Sorry you didn't have more time to hang out! Your writers of the future gathering looked like a huge, fancy deal and I'm glad you got to be part of such a prestigious event!
We waited around but didn't run into jeniwren.
Shan, Nathan, Narnia, and romany: it was great fun to hang out with all of you! Let me know next time you're in Seattle and want to do something! Nathan, you were very entertaining and thanks for putting up with us. romany, your kids are awesome and tons of fun!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I had a really great time yesterday. I definitely need to hang out in Seattle more often, it's such a cool place. Some of my pictures really stink, but I'm going to put them in the album anyway just for posterity's sake.
I arrived at Shan's place at about 11:00am. We made sandwiches for our picnic and headed off to get Nathan from Basketball camp. Shan lives in a lovely little nook just outside of Olympia and it was really neat to see the area.
After that, we headed up to Seattle where we would meet romanylass and her kids at the awesome fountain in the middle of the Seattle Center. We arrived at about 1:30 and soon found romany and her cute (and wet) kids. They were so social and easy to get along with, we had a great time eating lunch and talking. Much fun was had by all.
Soon after, Jon showed up and helped us eat some more food. We watched the four warriors sword fight some more (romany has good pictures of that) and then set off for the Science Center.
After that, Jon, Shan and I said goodbye to romany and her kids (with much waving and shouting 'Bye!! Bye! BYE!!!'). We then headed back into the museum for a while. After that, there was dinner, a brief roller coaster ride, and ice cream.
We then set off to find Scott R and eventually met him. He was all dressed up for his awards ceremony and (dang it all) I only got one, really bad picture. (It looks like Jon and Scott are fading into another dimension. Sorry!) But we were glad to see Scott, even though we couldn't stay for the ceremony. Just seeing how fancy the event was made us proud to know him. I hope you make it home safe Scott!! We didn't get to see Slash or jeniwren ( ), so we hope we didn't miss them.
After that, Shan and I dropped Jon off at his house in the U district and then set off for Olympia. Good girl talk ensued but we went to sleep as soon as we got home. We were tired! This morning was berry tea and then I was off! Shan is a sweet and wonderful hostess and Nathan is a great kid.
It was so fun to see all of you...it actually strengthened my resolve to see you more than once a year. You definitely won't have to twist my arm too hard to get me back up there again.
If you want me to add pictures that you have, go ahead and email them to me. I should probably email these to ludosti so she can get them up on foobonic.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
PS The other pictures in the album are of Shigosei and I when we met last week in Portland. Her cute parents came along and we had ice cream.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
What Narnia neglects to say is what a splendid house guest she is . . . she made her bed before she left this morning! Amazing!
It was delightful reconnecting with Jon and Cecily, and delightful to meet Jenna and her three wonderful children!
Scott - I hope you survived your awards ceremony! It sure looked exciting.
Nathan agreed this morning that he had a good time, particularly playing with Jenna's children and the roller coaster ride with Cecily, and clocking ball throwing speed with Jon. Hands-on science museums are such fun!
We really should get together again soon!
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
It was exciting-- as my flight back to Richmond is delayed, I'll post the details there.
Erm-- that is, I'll post the details of the ceremony, celebrations, etc., on my WotF diary thread.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I had so much fun meeting John, Shan and Cecily. They are all wonderful. John is so patient.... I think he carried Livvie almost the whole time. The boys keep talking about Nathan!
Cecily, those pictures are wonderful! I'll try to get some up later in the week.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
oh romany . . . (pics?)
And I'm on vacation now until September 12 . . . Pt. Defiance Zoo?
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Dur. I'll have to download some.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Oh, and let me look at $$$ re: the zoo.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
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(And then it gets pissed off that you live in Hawaii!! Hello? ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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