AW Gathering in Oklahoma City?

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

The question you've been waiting for, Aston!

If there was a gathering in OKC, would there be anyone there but me and astonwest?

[MacAllister]

Heck, I'd fly down, just for fun, Jen--as long as it's not in conflict with the East Coast bunch. I promised Lisa I'd be there, no matter what. *grin*

[Jean Marie]

Uh, Mac, does that mean I have to take back calling you a "wuss" in another thread? I didn't mean it, ya know. Dawno paid me to do it...actually, that's not true, she threatened to ban me if I didn't. You've no idea...http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonsscared.gif don't tell her I told you!

[astonwest]

If there was a gathering in OKC, would there be anyone there but me and astonwest?Would there need to be?
:tongue

(Looks around for wife-with-dictionary-in-both-hands)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Would there need to be?
:tongue

(Looks around for wife-with-dictionary-in-both-hands)

Bwahahahahaha!

(Looks around for husband-about-to-pull-power-cord-to-PC)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Heck, I'd fly down, just for fun, Jen--as long as it's not in conflict with the East Coast bunch. I promised Lisa I'd be there, no matter what. *grin*

I'll absolutely make sure it's not!

And it looks like a small enough group that I can fix a full Southern breakfast, complete with grits, at my house!

[Jean Marie]

Would there need to be?
:tongue

(Looks around for wife-with-dictionary-in-both-hands)
That where your getaway $'s stashed http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif or, is it to clobber your butt w/?

[astonwest]

I'll absolutely make sure it's not!

And it looks like a small enough group that I can fix a full Southern breakfast, complete with grits, at my house!

Mmmmmm, grits!

[MacAllister]

I know. I might very well show up on Jen's doorstep for an old-fashioned southern breakfast, even if y'all DON'T have an OKC AW gathering...

[Birol]

All things being equal, I could probably make OKC.

[Jean Marie]

A shootout @ the OK Corral? How cool http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif I'll take photos for the AW yearbook http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[SpookyWriter]

A shootout @ the OK Corral? How cool http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif I'll take photos for the AW yearbook http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gifI'm not allowed in OKC because I took the IQ test at the border and it was higher than the 80 required to enter.

[Jean Marie]

Ouch! Ol' Fashioned Girl's gonna get you for that. Watch out, sonny http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I know. I might very well show up on Jen's doorstep for an old-fashioned southern breakfast, even if y'all DON'T have an OKC AW gathering...

And you'd be MOST welcome!

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I'm not allowed in OKC because I took the IQ test at the border and it was higher than the 80 required to enter.

If I was a meaner person, I'd take away one of your rep points for that crack! And here I *liked* you!

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

A shootout @ the OK Corral? How cool http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif I'll take photos for the AW yearbook http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Technically, the OK Corral is in Tombston--- oh! It was a JOKE! I get it now! :>

[SpookyWriter]

If I was a meaner person, I'd take away one of your rep points for that crack! And here I *liked* you!I am living in Dallas, so naturally all them Okie jokes filter down. No offense...:flag:

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

So... lemme get the list straight:

Me
Aston
Mac
Birol

Breakfast looks like it's gonna be:

Grits
Gravy
Biscuits
Ham, Bacon, Sausage
Fried Taters
Eggs
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (ala Cinnabon)
Sweet Tea
Milk
OJ
Coffee

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I am living in Dallas, so naturally all them Okie jokes filter down. No offense...:flag:

Would it help if I confess I always root for Texas when they play OU?

[SpookyWriter]

Would it help if I confess I always root for Texas when they play OU?Whooohoo! I may just pop over the border and pay a visit someday. It's only an hour or so away...

[Jean Marie]

Technically, the OK Corral is in Tombston--- oh! It was a JOKE! I get it now! :>
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteROFL.gif Birol said OKC, and there you have it! Gotcha! If I was closer, I'd love to come join you. I would, really. The menu sounds delicious http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteHug2.gif

[MacAllister]

Hah. Spooky, my money is on Ol Fashioned Girl, in this little dust up.

BWAhahahahahha.

Play nice, and maybe she'll invite you to breakfast, too.

[SpookyWriter]

Hah. Spooky, my money is on Ol Fashioned Girl, in this little dust up.

BWAhahahahahha.

Play nice, and maybe she'll invite you to breakfast, too.I think it would be great. I just need to make sure my passport is current.

[Jean Marie]

I think it would be great. I just need to make sure my passport is current.
They don't let spooks across any border http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[SpookyWriter]

They don't let spooks across any border http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gifHey, I ain't a spy no more. Besides, I know all the best receipts already...:D

[Birol]

{Notice how I just invited myself along? ;) }

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I think it would be great. I just need to make sure my passport is current.

We could get you some 'proper' documents... some that would allow you the right access up here in the hinterlands and not hinder your return to the Homeland.

[Jean Marie]

Yeah, but, you're spooky...

[MacAllister]

Heh. Most of my family is in Texas. *grin* If you're that close, you better be planning to show up for the shindig.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

{Notice how I just invited myself along? ;) }

As well you should! At four, we certainly haven't reached the point where I have to renig on the offer to cook breakfast!

[SpookyWriter]

Heh. Most of my family is in Texas. *grin* If you're that close, you better be planning to show up for the shindig.I'll bring my cousin in case you need a date.

http://f3.yahoofs.com/users/41cb8943z5efa4681/420bre2/__sr_/49adre2.jpg?phwksTEBFTOS9LJp

[MacAllister]

I liked the first guy better. *g*

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I'll bring my cousin in case you need a date.

OW!OWowowowoowwowoowowow! It'll take two hours and a steel wool pad to scrub that image outta my brain! Warn a girl, wouldja!?

[Jean Marie]

I liked the first guy better. *g*
I must have missed the first choice http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif the second one makes me wanna stick w/ my dog, ya know!

[SpookyWriter]

I liked the first guy better. *g*This one?

http://f3.yahoofs.com/users/41cb8943z5efa4681/420bre2/__sr_/cb7cre2.jpg?phwksTEByeJ579tS

[MacAllister]

Too bad I'm saving myself for Helga, eh?

[SpookyWriter]

Too bad I'm saving myself for Helga, eh?Me too!

Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!Food fight!

[MacAllister]

Did you forget your meds again, Spookers?

[SpookyWriter]

Did you forget your meds again, Spookers?Meds? Hmmm...must be on my list somewhere.

[Jean Marie]

checkin' the list twice, checkin' it thrice...oh, there they are...come on over here little meds, go to spooky. There you go...

[SpookyWriter]

checkin' the list twice, checkin' it thrice...oh, there they are...come on over here little meds, go to spooky. There you go...Writing and coming back to laugh is funny.

I'm working on a scene that's "yep, a little spooky" but can't forget to stop for a good chuckle. Two pages in five minutes...errr...where's my secretary!

David pushed his plate forward and then stood up from the table. He sensed, like Megan, that something about the three people wasn’t normal. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Ever since they entered the boarding house, he felt an eerie sense of being watched. Not like someone was using a spy camera or anything like that, but within the walls. He didn’t want to mention it to Megan or Ryan because they’d just get upset or wouldn’t understand. But now that Megan brought it up, he too didn’t want to stay any longer than necessary. Coming back tonight, he would remind himself to check their room again.
---
Okc is starting to sound sane...hahahhaaaa

[Jean Marie]

Your secretary's probably w/ the fish http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif hey, gotta go for a bit, feed the pups and me.

What you just wrote sounds good, spooky. I have got to get back to work on my ms. Have got to get back to...

[LightShadow]

San Diego or bust!

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

San Diego or bust!

Hey! Git yer own thread! :guns: :>

[JenNipps]

The question you've been waiting for, Aston!

If there was a gathering in OKC, would there be anyone there but me and astonwest?

Whoa! This has been hiding from me until now. :)

Speaking of OKC... Are you in/near there? If so, do you know about the conference next weekend (May 5-6)?

If there were to be an AW gathering in OKC, I'd be there! :)

(I'm in McAlester. It'd only be a couple hour-drive. Er.... Ride [since I don't drive].)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I'm surrounded by the place. ;) I live in a little suburb called 'The Village'. (Ooo... there was a scary movie about that, wasn't there?)

I'll add you to the list of breakfast guests!

And... there's a conference next weekend?

<<Updating list: Me, Aston, Birol, Mac, Spooky and Jen>>

[JenNipps]

Yeah, there's a conference next weekend. It's put on by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. Their website is here (http://www.owfi.org). The conference info is here (http://www.owfi.org/Conference/tabid/59/Default.aspx).

It's at Embassy Suites on Meridian. Since it's after April 15, it's $150 for the full conference, including two banquets, though there are single-day registrations available, too. It officially kicks off around 9:00 Friday morning with a general session. There's also registration on-site if they're not sold out. (We've sold out for the last two years, so they're looking for a bigger place, by my understanding.)

Both days are packed with speakers and sessions and some opportunities for editor/agent appointments. After the Friday night banquet, there are "buzz sessions" that are best described as informal workshops. :)

If you want/need more info, send me a PM or e-mail or something. :)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I was a member of OWFI a long, long (fifteen years!) time ago... OKC Writers and the Romance branch, too. A lot of those names on the website are folks that were there when I was! I stuck around for about a year, won several categories in their contest and got irritated with all the back-biting and politicking and dropped out. I was younger and more irritible back then, I guess. (Some would say that the only thing that's changed is that I've gotten older!)

[JenNipps]

I think the amount of politicking and such varies with whoever is president at the time. Last year and the year before, it seemed like there was a LOT. But this year has been pretty mellow compared. I've been involved for ... six years now. Maybe 7.

[astonwest]

2 hours away...maybe less if I can get my ship fixed (or the interstate isn't too congested)...

[astonwest]

Yeah, there's a conference next weekend.Is this on the same weekend every year? Might be something to think about for next year.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

<<Updating list: Me, Aston, Birol, Mac, Spooky and Jen>>

Aston pointed out an important detail, so here's a revised list:

Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky and Jen...

You last four bringing SO, spouse or a main squeeze if this thing ever really gets off the launch pad (that last was a tip of the hat to our resident space pirate...) :> ?

[Birol]

I [happily and contentedly] travel solo. :)

[threedogpeople]

Hey, if everyone is going to Oklahoma, just show up at my mom's house (she's in a burb of OKC). She'll feed everyone...again and again and again.

===============

Oh, one warning though, even the air at her house has more calories than anywhere else on the planet. Yumm, warm home-made chocolate chip cookies with Oklahoma paper shell pecans, Mrs. Fields Pecan Pie, chicken and dumplings, chicken friend steak, mashed potatoes (made with whipping cream), yikes...must quit thinking about mom's food, gaining weight already.

[Dawno]

Hello. Late to the thread but thinking, hmmm. If you've got room for one more? Can't commit until I know the date - I have some other obligations around the same time as the East Coast meet.

Plus Aston said he'd introduce me to Vladrian liquor if I came out that way.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Hey, if everyone is going to Oklahoma, just show up at my mom's house (she's in a burb of OKC). She'll feed everyone...again and again and again.

===============

Oh, one warning though, even the air at her house has more calories than anywhere else on the planet. Yumm, warm home-made chocolate chip cookies with Oklahoma paper shell pecans, Mrs. Fields Pecan Pie, chicken and dumplings, chicken friend steak, mashed potatoes (made with whipping cream), yikes...must quit thinking about mom's food, gaining weight already.

Um... can I go there now? Do I have to wait for the gathering? :>

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Hello. Late to the thread but thinking, hmmm. If you've got room for one more? Can't commit until I know the date - I have some other obligations around the same time as the East Coast meet.

Plus Aston said he'd introduce me to Vladrian liquor if I came out that way.

How could I exclude She of the Sparkly Ears? You ARE going to wear them, right? :) We'll pick a date after Jenna sets the East Coast Gathering.

Latest list: Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky, Jen and Dawno!

[Jean Marie]

How could I exclude She of the Sparkly Ears? You ARE going to wear them, right? :) We'll pick a date after Jenna sets the East Coast Gathering.

Latest list: Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky, Jen and Dawno!
Dawno has no choice w/ the ears. Not supposed to tell, but I trust you, Ol'--she had them surgically attached. Grafted right on, permanent like. So, yup, she will definitely be wearing them http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[astonwest]

Plus Aston said he'd introduce me to Vladrian liquor if I came out that way.That means I'm going to have to figure out how to concoct an equivalent with Earth supplies...since I'm out of the real stuff for the time being.

[JenNipps]

Is this on the same weekend every year? Might be something to think about for next year.

Kinda sorta almost maybe.

It's always the first weekend in May, unless that happens to be Mother's Day like last year, then it's either a week before or after.

[JenNipps]

You last four bringing SO, spouse or a main squeeze if this thing ever really gets off the launch pad (that last was a tip of the hat to our resident space pirate...) :> ?

I don't have an SO or main squeeze, unforunately. However, since I don't drive, I'll be bringing whoever drives me. lol.

[JenNipps]

Hey, if everyone is going to Oklahoma, just show up at my mom's house (she's in a burb of OKC). She'll feed everyone...again and again and again.

===============

Oh, one warning though, even the air at her house has more calories than anywhere else on the planet. Yumm, warm home-made chocolate chip cookies with Oklahoma paper shell pecans, Mrs. Fields Pecan Pie, chicken and dumplings, chicken friend steak, mashed potatoes (made with whipping cream), yikes...must quit thinking about mom's food, gaining weight already.

Speaking of paper shell pecans, we have two of those trees in our backyard. I'm sure going to miss them when we move! (We will eventually, I hope, since this house is too small for us.)

[JenNipps]

How could I exclude She of the Sparkly Ears? You ARE going to wear them, right? :) We'll pick a date after Jenna sets the East Coast Gathering.

Latest list: Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky, Jen and Dawno!

Yay! Dawno!!! :D

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I don't have an SO or main squeeze, unforunately. However, since I don't drive, I'll be bringing whoever drives me. lol.

New Latest list: Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky, Jen and her Chauffeur and Dawno!

[threedogpeople]

Um... can I go there now? Do I have to wait for the gathering? :>

Sure - it's always open house at my mom's; except you need to time it just right, since he retired my dad has been doing some of the cooking (although his deviled eggs are great!).

BTW - they are in Edmond.

[threedogpeople]

Speaking of paper shell pecans, we have two of those trees in our backyard. I'm sure going to miss them when we move! (We will eventually, I hope, since this house is too small for us.)

Are you any where close to Broken Bow?

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

:poke:

[JenNipps]

Are you any where close to Broken Bow?

I always have to stop and think which one is by Tulsa - Broken Bow or Broken Arrow.

I'm in McAlester, so I don't think so.

[astonwest]

I know of a Broken Bow, Nebraska and a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, but didn't realize there was also a Broken Bow, Oklahoma...

How long before we know when this event will be taking place?

[Popeyesays]

May fifth and sixth WHERE? I live in near NW Oklahoma City right on the edge of Bethany.

I too, must admit a certain distaste at rooting for anyone in the OU/UT match ups. I went to the UT system and had to sign the pledge to hate Aggies and Sooners forever and ever. But my wife thumps me in the head when I root for Texas - she was born in Stillwater, OK the home of OSU where her father graduated and she actually WENT to OU for awhile.

I will be there if at all possible, if I know where it is being held. How much does it cost?

Regards,
Scott

[Jean Marie]

It's at Ol' Fashioned's house...and wait until you hear what the entry fee is...oh, boy http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteROFL.gif

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I know of a Broken Bow, Nebraska and a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, but didn't realize there was also a Broken Bow, Oklahoma...

Broken Arrow is the one near Tulsa and Broken Bow is WAY down in the SE corner - closer by far to McAllister than to OKC. ;)

How long before we know when this event will be taking place?[/QUOTE]

Waiting for the decision on when the New York shindig takes place... then we'll try to figure out when this one'll be.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I will be there if at all possible, if I know where it is being held. How much does it cost?

So far, all we've decided on is breakfast. ;>

Newest New Latest list: Me and Mr. Ol' Fashioned Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Astonwest, Birol, Mac, Spooky, Jen and her Chauffeur, Dawno and Mr. and Mrs. Popeyesays!

Cost? I'm thinkin' I can handle twelve folks for breakfast. Any other costs will likely be determined by what y'all want to do when we're done eatin'... that is, if you can manage to get to your feet with your belly full! :>

Do y'all want to try to organize this around some kind of event here in the city? There's a Fall Arts Festival in Septemberish, at one of the colleges. There's always the OKC Bombing Memorial. Or we can sit around and bore our SOs to tears as they listen to us commiserate with one another about being writers - or maybe they could have a break-out group to commiserate with one another about being in love WITH writers...

[JenNipps]

May fifth and sixth WHERE? I live in near NW Oklahoma City right on the edge of Bethany.

I too, must admit a certain distaste at rooting for anyone in the OU/UT match ups. I went to the UT system and had to sign the pledge to hate Aggies and Sooners forever and ever. But my wife thumps me in the head when I root for Texas - she was born in Stillwater, OK the home of OSU where her father graduated and she actually WENT to OU for awhile.

I will be there if at all possible, if I know where it is being held. How much does it cost?

Regards,
Scott

Referring to the conference?

May 5 & 6 at Embassy Suites on South Meridian. It's a 2-day event. Registration starts about 7-ish Friday morning. (Yep, I'm helping at registration this year.) For both days, it's $150, including a ticket to the banquets. The Friday night banquet has a keynote speaker. The Saturday night banquet is the awards banquet for the contest (deadline was in February).

There's a schedule, registration form, etc., on the website at www.owfi.org (http://www.owfi.org). I have the info downloaded on my computer, too, if for some reason you can't get to the site and want the info.

[astonwest]

Do y'all want to try to organize this around some kind of event here in the city? There's a Fall Arts Festival in Septemberish, at one of the colleges.September would be good for me, or most any time after. Just not August...too much crap going on in August.
Or we can sit around and bore our SOs to tears as they listen to us commiserate with one another about being writers - or maybe they could have a break-out group to commiserate with one another about being in love WITH writers...My wife will bored to tears whatever happens, so... ;)

[JenNipps]

Any time would be good for me, providing I have enough notice to alert my chauffeur -- or chauffeuse, whatever the case may be. :)

Anyone who's been asking going to the OKC conference this weekend? (Had to ask. lol)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

If anyone sees the plans for the New York gathering, make sure I know about 'em, wouldja? :) I don't want to miss anything important!

[astonwest]

Just poppin' this back up to the top...

I say we don't wait on them there Yankees, and come up with a date ourselves.
;)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Just poppin' this back up to the top...

Ditto. I ain't forgotten or given up!

I say we don't wait on them there Yankees, and come up with a date ourselves.

I'm beginning to feel the same way! They sure is slow, ain't they?

[astonwest]

I'm beginning to feel the same way! They sure is slow, ain't they?I'd say they have no work ethic, but it would probably be considered too offensive.

I'm game for the weekend after Labor Day...what say the rest of you?

[PeeDee]

*mumblemumble* I have no idea when Labor Day is....... :)

...and I should probably start mentioning this to my wonderful wife, so she can acclimate to the idea of meeting you strange lot.

[SpookyWriter]

*mumblemumble* I have no idea when Labor Day is....... :)It is that day when we recognize people who labor in life. Oh boy, pregnant women on parade. What a pageant.

[PeeDee]

It is that day when we recognize people who labor in life. Oh boy, pregnant women on parade. What a pageant.

The parade makes it about ten feet, and then degrades into the general slaughter of all men who are within arm's reach.

[SpookyWriter]

The parade makes it about ten feet, and then degrades into the general slaughter of all men who are within arm's reach.Or they all break their water at the same time and we get a good soaking.

[PeeDee]

Or they all break their water at the same time and we get a good soaking.
http://www.thewarforge.com/uploaded/sa/shocked.jpg

[SpookyWriter]

:roll: Where'd you get my baby picture? http://www.thewarforge.com/uploaded/sa/shocked.jpg

[PeeDee]

:roll: Where'd you get my baby picture?

From my side of the bed.

[SpookyWriter]

From my side of the bed.Ha! I know you have no side of the bed. Funny man. You live in a tree with a bumble bee.

[PeeDee]

And you think me and Fredrick Bee sleep standing up, do you?

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Good lord, what happened in here!?

[SpookyWriter]

Good lord, what happened in here!?Blame it on PeeDee. He's a trouble maker, yep sure enough. ;)

[PeeDee]

Blame it on PeeDee. He's a trouble maker, yep sure enough. ;)

Spooky was crowding me!

[SpookyWriter]

Spooky was crowding me!PeeDee was studying up on the Oklahoma visa test.

[PeeDee]

http://aeaclubs.org/theater/oklahoma2002/oklahoma.jpg

[astonwest]

Good lord, what happened in here!?
I think these two endeavor to take over every thread on the board...that's my guess.

[Birol]

They are two that are either going to hate each other or develop an even deeper and lasting friendship should they meet in person. That is, if they don't already know each other in real life.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I've received a query regarding 'Whatever happened to the OKC Gathering?'... so.... uh... I'm bumping this back up to the top.

I guess I oughta take a new roll call and get some input on dates? (Since we missed Labor Day weekend and all!)

[astonwest]

As long as it's not the last weekend of September, as they're having a book festival around these parts...

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Check! No 'Last Weekend of September'! ;)

[Soccer Mom]

Um, quite a Texas contingent we've got around here. We should make it Texas-OU game and meet at the Cotton Bowl. Two words: Beer and cotton candy. Okay, that's three. We don't have to pass an IQ to live down here. :D

[Popeyesays]

Well, I'm still interested. As to a football game, well, it might cost me my testicles in Oklahoma to admit it, but I couldn't care less about football games in general.

Though I am contractually obligated to hate OU and Aggies. That pledge is part of the application requirements in the UT system, and I went to UTEP.

Regards,
Scott

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Um, quite a Texas contingent we've got around here. We should make it Texas-OU game and meet at the Cotton Bowl. Two words: Beer and cotton candy. Okay, that's three. We don't have to pass an IQ to live down here. :D

Uh... I don't think they play in Oklahoma City, though. ;)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Well, I'm still interested. As to a football game, well, it might cost me my testicles in Oklahoma to admit it, but I couldn't care less about football games in general.

Though I am contractually obligated to hate OU and Aggies. That pledge is part of the application requirements in the UT system, and I went to UTEP.

Football barely exists as far as I'm concerned. If I had any testicles to lose, in Oklahoma or elsewhere, I'd lose 'em 'cause I'd cheer for whoever was beating OU. ;)

[Soccer Mom]

Uh... I don't think they play in Oklahoma City, though. ;)

I was just suggesting an alternate location. Not really a hijack, but just a little to the south. And I'm rabid for football. I think it's in the water down here.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

It's in the water up here, too... but I think some folks around here (Oklahoma) forget that there is more than just one college in this state. Always annoyed me when I was going to Central State (now University of Central Oklahoma).

[astonwest]

Two words: Beer and cotton candy. Okay, that's three. We don't have to pass an IQ to live down here. :DApparently not...because I count four words... ;)

If we're talking moving the location, did I mention a book festival around here?

But no, we cannot change the location...because we would then miss out on the wonder that is the cooking of OFG...

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

But no, we cannot change the location...because we would then miss out on the wonder that is the cooking of OFG...

Ahhhh... the home-cooked Southern Country breakfast!

[astonwest]

C'mon folks...it's been over two years...when are we raiding OFG's home and getting some of that fine Okie cooking? :)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Shoot. I couldn't even get 'em to come to a restaurant!

[LaurieD]

Football barely exists as far as I'm concerned. If I had any testicles to lose, in Oklahoma or elsewhere, I'd lose 'em 'cause I'd cheer for whoever was beating OU. ;)

HA! Me too! I've lived in OK for ~gasp~ 11 years now and HATE football, which basically renders me a freak out here...

[Fenika]

I would have loved to have met ya'll, but I'm never going back. Nevah!

Take pics if you folks do meet up :)

[LaurieD]

I would have loved to have met ya'll, but I'm never going back. Nevah!

Take pics if you folks do meet up :)


I'd love to leave, but finances as they are... I'm stuck at the moment. Tornado season scares me to death - literally. My allergies here are worse than they've ever been, anywhere else I've ever lived. We spent two weeks in Florida, only going inside to go to sleep, and my son only needed his inhaler once. Here in OK, he needs the thing at least daily. :Shrug:

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

That's 'cause we have such warm winters here and the growing season for all the wonderful local allergens is longer, as well as the humidity that keeps about 3006 different species of mold growing.

Neti Pots are weird, but they've really helped Ol' Boy and I with our allergies... I don't know how much success you'd have getting a child to use one, though. ;)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

As for Tornado Season... how long have you lived here? First thing to do to get control of your fear is learn the weather and don't listen to Gary, Mike, or Rick too much. Remember: their #1 job is ratings. If you're not scared, you won't tune in and they lose.

[LaurieD]

Yeah, I know, 11 years is long enough to figure 'em out... Have I mentioned I also hate snakes and spiders and live in rural NE OK? : D

BTW, what is a Neti pot?

[Fenika]

Tornadoes *shudders*

[Susie]

The question you've been waiting for, Aston!

If there was a gathering in OKC, would there be anyone there but me and astonwest?

I expect you to mail me your Southern wonderful breakfast. One portion for me for me and one for Mr. Susie. :) Wish we could be there.

[Ken]

I'd travel to the far reaches of the galaxy to meet up with OFG...and Mindy :-)

[astonwest]

I'm not seeing anyone posting dates... :)

Are there any book events coming up soon in OKC?

[astonwest]

First thing to do to get control of your fear is learn the weather and don't listen to Gary, Mike, or Rick too much.Second thing (from a life-long Kansas boy) is to learn how to spot them on radar signatures without the weather anchor. Third is to remember all the names of local counties. If the warnings don't pop up in those, nothing to fear. ;)

[Unique]

C'mon folks...it's been over two years...when are we raiding OFG's home and getting some of that fine Okie cooking? :)

When the economy improves (my personal economy, anyway). I wanna see OFG (& eat some eats) and there's a book in a library down that way ...
Only two copies in the US that anyone is willing to share.

One in a University in OK, the other in a seminary in Denver. hmm..
I pick OFG!!! in OK!

[Eskimo1990]

I would love to join you all...but I don't think my parents would approve of me going down to Oklahoma to meet people I met on the internet. Besides, you probably don't wanna hang out with a 17 almost 18 year old...lol

[Maryn]

Eskimo, I can't speak for the Oklahoma group, but if you lived in my area, I would gladly visit you and your parents at home and convince them they and you had nothing to fear by connecting with other writers in the area.

I don't consider myself a mentor or anything, but I do a lot of critique for young writers I only know online. Many, I'd be delighted to meet. Well, I'd be delighted to meet the others, too, so I could slap them (just once!) to impress upon them the importance of saying thank you.

Anyway, it won't be long before you're old enough to make your own decisions and friends, and if that includes fellow writers two or three times your age, you'll probably still have plenty in common.

Maryn, hoping you won't exclude yourself

[Eskimo1990]

Thanks Maryn

[astonwest]

I don't think my parents would approve of me going down to Oklahoma to meet people I met on the internet.Actually, I met my now-wife on the internet...not sure how many people approved of that at the time, either. :)

Still not seeing any dates from anyone... ;)

[Cassiopeia]

You know we never did get to have our retreat either. :D

[astonwest]

Personally, I'd be up for sometime between Christmas and New Years...but not sure what everyone's plans are.

[III]

My sister and her family live in OKC and it's a short flight (or long drive) from San Antonio. If ya'll nail down plans let me know and I might be able to pop up there, depending on the timing.

[astonwest]

Hopefully this time we can nail down some plans... ;)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

December 27th is on a Saturday. ;)

[Cassiopeia]

Oh man! If it's during the holidays I can't make it but OFG might just have another visitor one day. ;)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

The holidays are rough for most folks, I think. Especially Christmas, 'cause so many have spent so much already for gifts, cooking, donations, etc. And December makes it more than likely we'll be having nasty, cold weather - especially if we plan something! :)

There's never a 'good' date, though. Someone (sometimes many someones) can't make it for whatever reason.

Lemme check into the book convention aspect, though, and see if there's anything at all going on in the central Oklahoma area that's related to what we're allegedly supposed to be doing... at least it would be deductible expenses for folks traveling in from out of town! :)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Here's one from the Oklahoma Writers Federation:

OWFI announces its forty-first annual conference to be held April 30- May 2, 2009 at the Norman Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Norman, Oklahoma. (http://www.owfi.org/)

And one called Conestoga 13:

Literary Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention April 24-26, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (http://www.sftulsa.org/conestoga/archive/2006/writers-conference/)

The Oklahoma Red Dirt Book Festival, in Shawnee, OK, November 6-9, 2009. (http://www.reddirtbookfestival.com/)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

(And just 'cause you might think you've gotten lost... I moved this from Office Party to the right place for discussing meet'n'greets. :) )

[astonwest]

(And just 'cause you might think you've gotten lost... I moved this from Office Party to the right place for discussing meet'n'greets. :) )

Booooooo! Making me subscribe to the thread like that, since I rarely make it into the Roundtable area....

I'd be up for either Conestoga or the OWFI, assuming the world doesn't come to an end before April... ;)

[CaseyMcG]

Bumping thread *winces from thrown objects* I'm a semi new kid here reigning from Tulsa. Saw something about Conestoga. Is there going to be a meet up. I'm down if anyone else is going! Eager to find other writers in Tulsa Area!

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Ouch! You hit me with that bump! :)

I'm down in Oklahoma City... and I actually know absolutely nothing about Conestoga or the OWFI meeting...

Can anyone fill us in on both? Either?

[JenNipps]

Conestoga I can't help with. OWFI however....

The conference is May 1 & 2 at the new Embassy Suites in Norman this year. The conference schedule, including information on the pre-conference self-editing workshop (which I will be attending) can be found on the schedule page (http://www.owfi.org/Conference/ConferenceSchedule2009/tabid/131/Default.aspx).

Tess Gerritsen is the keynote speaker for the Friday night Famous Authors banquet.

(By the way...I'm in Ada, but I go to Tulsa just about every Monday for Toastmasters.)

[astonwest]

I'll be heading to Conestoga (http://sftulsa.org/) at the end of this month (though technically I'm from Wichita)...no official meeting, but hoping to see a few folks from AW. If enough folks are around, maybe we can meet for a late dinner or something. :)

I didn't realize OWFI was basically the next weekend... :(

[CaseyMcG]

Conestoga I can't help with. OWFI however....

The conference is May 1 & 2 at the new Embassy Suites in Norman this year. The conference schedule, including information on the pre-conference self-editing workshop (which I will be attending) can be found on the schedule page (http://www.owfi.org/Conference/ConferenceSchedule2009/tabid/131/Default.aspx).

Tess Gerritsen is the keynote speaker for the Friday night Famous Authors banquet.

(By the way...I'm in Ada, but I go to Tulsa just about every Monday for Toastmasters.)

Holy crap! I'm from Ada too! But we moved here to Tulsa when I was in the second grade. We went back at Thanksgiving to visit family and I chose Ada as the setting of my book. What can I say, Wintersmith Park sets the standard to which I hold all other parks. I'm not sure about OWFI. It's in the middle of my finals but I'll be at Conestoga!

[JenNipps]

I grew up in Ada, moved to Norman, moved to McAlester, back to Ada, moved to Dallas, back to McAlester, stayed there for almost 10 years that time, then back to Ada.

I'd like to move again. Those were all job-related. I will NEVER live in Dallas again.

I'll definitely be at the OWFI conference in May. Hopefully I'll see someone from AW there? To make it easy for ya, my actual name is the same as my AW one. :)

[MaLanie1971]

Howdy! I am about three years too late to this post! And I thought it was just SE Hinton and myself writing in OKlahoma. I am in Edmond, land of contstruction and too much traffic.

I am glad to see I am not alone!

[LaurieD]

I'm still in OK too, NE of Tulsa.

[MaLanie1971]

Jen, your life sounds like mine. I moved to Pawhuska (in 81) then Bartlesville, then back to Pawhuska, then Tulsa and then Broken Arrow. In 96 I came back to OK, lived at Fort Sill (Lawton), then moved to Perry (picked up a husband) and then Edmond where I have been ever since. Oh the life of a Gypsy.

[MaLanie1971]

Laurie, I love NE OKlahoma. Hills and trees!

[LaurieD]

And the ever increasing nightmare of Tulsa traffic.

Come buy my house so I can move back to the beach!

[MaLanie1971]

LOL, nope if I live any where in Oklahoma it has to be Edmond. It's not so bad here, although I wouldn't mind a second home in Portland to stay at during the drought seasons! RAIN

[MaLanie1971]

You aren't kidding about T-town, what is up with that place? Did the city officials go on vacation?

[Fenika]

Ha, I've been watching the OK weather thread in OP and haven't checked in here. I'm now subscribed to both threads.

Anyone gonna be in Tulsa on Saturday? I've got strong plans to do some shopping there.

[Fenika]

*crickets*

I'm gonna try and set something up in the OK Weather thread (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3661748#post3661748)in OP. See how it goes.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

It's a GO, people... so... GO! (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3696565&postcount=394)

[astonwest]

I'm there! :)

[astonwest]

And for those who missed the event, be sure to stop by the OK Weather thread (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3717849#post3717849)...

[FOTSGreg]

Aw, Drat! Looks like I missed you folks this time around.

Mebbe' next time...

(I noticed I can't post down in the OK Weather Thread - is there a secret password or handshake or something?)

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

Uh... you should be able to post there! It's not restricted or anything and it's not passworded. Try it again and if you still can't post, let me know via PM.

Sorry you missed it! I bet we do it again, though. :D

[FOTSGreg]

Ol' Fashioned Girl, Tried again today, but it still says "You May Not..." for all options and doesn't give me access to a comment box.

It's fairly odd since I seem to be able to post anywhere else around here.

I'll check back again in a few days.

[Fenika]

What's everyone doing on Feb 10th b/c I've got an allergy appointment that morning in THE CITY...

Not sure I can stay until dinner, but maybe a lunch or midafternoon thang? If it's lovely weather, I'm all for the zoo (which would put me in the mood for staying till dinner).

PF Chang's again?? :D

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

I'll be workin'... maybe some of the others can make it, though. ;)

[astonwest]

I'll be working that day as well...

[Fenika]

Yeah, that's the problems with doctors. They tend to work when we do. ;)

Anyone else?