Monday, June 2, 2008

A Breath of Fresh Air

To quote the great Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, oh how the Baroness "loves it when a plan comes together".

If you have be reading this post for a while, you will recall I mention on various occasions how much I love the whole community aspect of the blogosphere - within what appears to be the confines of these monitors and keyboards lies the power to do anything. To connect. To enrich. To enbolden. To enhance.

Imagine my delight, then, when it was arranged that, whilst in Seattle this past weekend, as the rest of the von Bloggenschern clan roamed the malls, the Baroness would have the good fortune to meet up with Asthmagirl, of Is My Cape Fluttering?

Are you curious? Who is this mystery woman, whose shadowed picture graces her page? Let me just say this - she has the beauty of:
Catherine Deneuve


... and the strength and spirit of:
Supergirl


In true scatterbrained Baroness fashion, I suggested that we meet at the Cafe at Nordstrom's. On the third floor. All I was thinking was that it would be a civilized arena for a meeting of the minds and a somewhat quiet place to chat.

What I failed to think about (insert your own big "D-Uh-uh's" here), is that this lovely scent-sensitive woman, plagued with asthma, would have to run the gauntlet of the perfume department and all of those fanatical sprayers (who I believe get paid commission on volume of aroma squirted per hour - with bonuses for depleting their bottle by the end of their shift!!).

Yet, as a testament to her fortitude and determination, she made it.

We had a lovely time. We talked of our loved ones, of politics, of blogging philosophies & strategies. We even waded into the murky waters of "She Who Will Not Be Named." Nice to know that I was validated a little bit, and that I'm not just a crankpot.

[Well, I can be a crankpot - but that's a story best left for another time]

Our visit, in my estimation, ended hours too soon with text messages from my kin with the oh-so-familiar refrain "Where ARE you? We have to go...".

So, with a big hug, and a picture for posterity (see her post here for details), we once again went our separate ways. And I was giddy with delight at having the opportunity to meet such an interesting, engaging lady.

I urge you, if you can, make the effort to connect with the bloggers in your community. Make the big world into your small world.

It is so worth the effort, and truly, truly a breath of fresh air.

Baroness out!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Nordstrom Accords! I feel so honored.

I fear my post did not capture everything that was wonderful about meeting you and talking "blog" and other topics. It was beyond delightful!

I too was glad that the plan came together and I hope that others will have the same oppotunity to meet when they cross blogging territories!

Thanks for the visit... Slipping through enemy lines (perfume counters) was so worthwhile!

Regards,
Asthmagirl

Anonymous said...

Sounds heavenly. As far as she who will not be named...
check out one of my recent posts:

http://formerlyfun.blogspot.com/2008/05/girl-gestapo.html

Mental P Mama said...

Somebody come to Connecticut. Please?

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Oh dear, She Who Will Not be Named! I would die to be a fly on the wall to hear the conversation! Just for the record, I don't name her either.

Anonymous said...

Countess MPM: Someday soon, The Baron and I will be coming to Mass. Which is in New England. Isn't Conn, too? Or is my geography way, way off?

Countess iPost: Welcome! Perhaps you were the fly on the wall, with the Harpo inscription tattooed onto your small fly back, listening in to our every word & reporting back to headquarters...

Anonymous said...

We hope ipost will shade the converstaion toward the positve when she reports back... Surely we shared only the kindest of thoughts regardy SWWNBN.

Anonymous said...

Yes, surely - only the kindest words...

Michele (Moosh) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michele (Moosh) said...

Alas, my delete. A comment of such regalness dare not have any pathetic grammar.

Hence, the rewrite, complete with prior missing comma (yet still casual enough to appeal to the 2nd graders who of course read your blog while playing with their Bratz and snacking on Lunchables):


Baroness, you must--indeed, it is imperative--come to Portland. This is by decree of Tigress de Mooshtenberg. Don't you know that Mrs. T. Mooshtenberg moved here from Vermont simply for you? You, whom I "met" merely days ago? Yes, it is true, I moved here a decade ago in the happenstance that our noble paths might cross.

But you are not allowed to visit me until you write a book. You must, I cry, you must.

By the way, nice hair, babe.

Jules said...

Came to visit via asthma girl..how great that you two met in person..I am lucky to have Mental P Mamma and tsannie just around the corner...Ct is v-close to Ma...come visit!

RiverPoet said...

I love it when virtual meets real. When NATUI and I got together for coffee, it was very much like meeting an old friend. I highly recommend this kind of crossing over whenever possible. It adds depth to the whole blogiverse!

Peace - D

Anonymous said...

Countess Michele: Portland, eh? Well, at least we are on the same side of the country. Who knows? There may be a trip someday in the future. Oh, but I'm supposed to write a book first(about what, I have no clue). I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen...
I'd would also like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time to correct your punctuation - this is a fine quality to have.

Countess Jules: Welcome! I'm glad you made the trip. Have you met MPM since you're so close? Lucky you; lucky her!

Countess Momma: While I still harbor jealous feeling that the two of you got to meet each other, I'll get over it soon. As for the "Crossing Over" - maybe we could turn it into a podcast (I'm sure this is a highly original idea). I love your phrase about it "adding depth to the blogosphere". So true.

 
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