NW Writers Meet and Greet!

[Foinah]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this.
This is the OP link
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63812

Saturday June 9, 2007 in Portland, Oregon.

1:00 PM at Henry's on 12th

http://www.henrystavern.com/index.cfm

This is right up the street from Powell's Book Store and we will converge there after cocktails and refreshments.

We have a fun crew coming and have plenty of room for more!

Please RSVP with an IM or an email so I can finalize the reservation.

Cheers!

Foinah

[Linx]

Blah - too bad I am on the east coast!

[Lavinia]

Wish I could come but alas it does not work for me. But have a fabulous time everyone! I wonder if any of you from the PNW will be at the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Conference in Seattle on July 26-29? If so, PM me...it would be fun to meet. I'll be going and all by my lonesome. Anyway- hope somebody will report back on your meeting in Portland. How fun! -Lavinia

[Medievalist]

There's a very nicely done downloadble/printable .pdf walking map of Portland from Powell's bookstore here (http://www.powells.com/pdf/portland_walking_map.pdf).

[wyntermoon]

Have fun everyone! Foinah, hoist one for me!

[Foinah]

You know it!!! Wish you could be here :Hug2: What the heck...I'll hoist two :e2drunk:
I have reservations all set up at Henry's - should be a great time!

[jenfreedom]

How many people are coming to this thing so far, or how many people say that they're coming to this thing?

~ Jennifer

[Foinah]

So far attendance is as follows :
Macallister, me (Foinah ;) ), Fingers, Lyxdeslic, WackaMole, Medievalist, Sean D. Schaffer, Caren 1701 has a potential scheduling conflict but I'm hoping she puts in an appearance, Jen Freedom...

There has been interest but no one else has confirmed. It will be a fun and small gathering...nothing huge but it should still be an enjoyable time.

I made a reservation for twelve people just in case.

[jenfreedom]

Thanks.... Now I can get background checks on each and every last one of you and memorize all these kooky names. Just kidding; I was simply curious.

Thanks again
~ Jennifer

[Foinah]

hee hee!!! I'm glad you are going to be there!

[kiplet]

It would have to be the same day as the Olympia comics convention, wouldn't it.

[Foinah]

It would have to be the same day as the Olympia comics convention, wouldn't it.

Sorry 'bout that...I don't follow comics.

Hopefully we'll do this again so those who couldn't make it this time will be able to come ;)

[Foinah]

WOOHOOO!!! SATURDAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!!

[Foinah]

Wish I could come but alas it does not work for me. But have a fabulous time everyone! I wonder if any of you from the PNW will be at the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Conference in Seattle on July 26-29? If so, PM me...it would be fun to meet. I'll be going and all by my lonesome. Anyway- hope somebody will report back on your meeting in Portland. How fun! -Lavinia

I'll be at the Cape visiting family for that conference in July - too bad!

[WackAMole]

It would have to be the same day as the Olympia comics convention, wouldn't it.

oh damn...i hope you guys are worth missing THAT!

[MacAllister]

Hah -- have you any real doubt?!

[WackAMole]

Hah -- have you any real doubt?!

Heh..Nope..otherwise it'd be the comic con for me :P

[jenfreedom]

Thanks.... Now I can get background checks on each and every last one of you and memorize all these kooky names. Just kidding; I was simply curious.

Thanks again
~ Jennifer

Well, I did my background checks and you folks are too scary. Just kidding.

But sadly I can't come. :( I want to believe you me. Lately I've been feeling totally suffocated what with mostly non-writer friends. It'd be nice to actually met up with folks who don't say, "What do you do all day, sit around, watch tv."

But Ben came home with news the other day -- he got a new job and he has to fly out to Nashville to do a week long training and this has created a bunch of issues around when I'll be able to work (my son is home all day with me) and I'm currently taking on a project of immense proportions --- So, 1) Ben wants me around since he'll be gone for a week, and 2) I have to write massive amounts before he leaves or I'm going to be behind big time. Then I'll have to hire my own writer to bale me out.

His new job pays the big bucks so I'm glad about that -- but his productive timing could not be worse. I'm so bummed. And, sorry that I just found out. I hope it goes well so that we can have another one.

Take care
~ Jennifer

[Foinah]

Jen, sorry to hear you won't make it! If we do this meet thingy again I'll keep you posted! Good luck with the writing ;)

[ChunkyC]

I took the liberty of moving this thread over here, hope y'all don't mind. I left a redirect in the original forum.

[Medievalist]

I loved getting to meet Fingers, Foinah, Henrietta, MacAllister, Sean D. Schaffer, and WackAMole.

This is definitely something to do again.

[WackAMole]

I loved getting to meet Fingers, Foinah, Henrietta, MacAllister, Sean D. Schaeffer, and WackAMole.

This is definitely something to do again.

I second that. You guys were awesome :) I just got to my own comp..been at my moms. I'll get these pictures on here sometime this week and send em to ya so you can decide what to do with em.

Very intelligent, interesting group of folks. Seans a sweetheart, Mac has the most hilarious laugh, (I mean that in a good way!) Medieval is just absolutely fascinating to talk with..foinah is hilarious when she does her irish rant, fingers was a great guy though he was at the opposite end of the table and left not long after I got there, but very nice :) and WriterInChains..omg u cracked me up when u followed everyone outside just to get a little second hand smoke LOL!!!! All in all you were all really great people and I sure hope we can do that again sometime.

[Sean D. Schaffer]

I loved getting to meet Fingers, Foinah, Henrietta, MacAllister, Sean D. Scheaffer, and WackAMole.

This is definitely something to do again.


Thanks. Only one thing I would change. You misspelled my last name. :o

Oh well.

It was good finally meeting you, and everyone else too.

BTW, thank you kindly for the info about two of my favorite writers. I'm reading that van Vogt anthology right now, along with Uncle Jim's book. Both are wonderfully written.

:)

[kiplet]

Well, I got to eat homemade lasagna and rhubarb pie and hang out with Chris Baldwin up in Olympia, so there. (Also got to attend the Spouse’s debut on a comics convention panel, so there was that.)

How was Henry’s? I’ve yet to make it there myself.

[Medievalist]

There are photos here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalmedievalist/sets/72157600346443571/).

[chartreuse]

Shoot - I only found this thread today.

I would definitely be interested in meeting up next time.

[Lavinia]

Ah pooh...I posted and lost it all.

[Lavinia]

and now it goes through with a dumb, Oh Pooh message. Oh well-Wish I could have been there. The pics are great. Any plans for another?

That's the shooooooort version of what I just wrote and lost.

Lavinia

[Medievalist]

It's certainly possible. I go to Portland as often as I can since I love the area, and Powells is a constant lure.

Let's occasionally poke this thread, so people will see it :D

[WackAMole]

I was just in Portland yesterday! I would be all for another meeting. Only next time I hope to be able to stay longer

[WriterInChains]

I'm always looking for an excuse to jump on the train & head into downtown (as if I need one, with Powell's right there!). When I get to talk writing too, it's doubly good.

As long as you're not into meeting in some trendy spot in the Pearl District, I'm game (almost) anytime. Just rattle my cage here or in a PM. :)

[Fingers]

I have a large backyard. I could easily accomodate a dozen or so people here. It would have to be on a sunday because The Boss works on saturdays. And of course this being oregon we would have to wait for the rain to stop. Im right close to 122 and division so the bus stops about a block and a half from my house and max isnt far so I could pick people up there too for a short hop to my house. My truck only holds me and one other for that. Whadya think? Since im off work from the surgery it could be any old time. Just a thought.


yer pal Brian

[WackAMole]

Well Henrietta went back to sweden today, so I'll need lots of things to do to ignore the sad thoughts. Just let me know. Im there.

[Foinah]

I think it's time for a Fall Bash! Maybe make a dinner and night out of it? Any interest?

[Karen Junker]

Sure, but I'm in the Seattle area...

[Sean D. Schaffer]

I think it's time for a Fall Bash! Maybe make a dinner and night out of it? Any interest?


Oh yeah. I would love to go ... provided I'm not working by then. I've gotten so tired of sitting around the house that I've decided to see if I can't get a part-time job. However, since I haven't found one yet I don't know what any hours are going to be like.

Still, if I can go, I'd be more than happy to do so. I think these Meet & Greets are fun.

:)

[Fingers]

Since no one wanted to meet here at my place, I reckon Im up for it. Still would like to have some folks meet here, but whatever.

yer pal Brian

[Novelhistorian]

Just noticed this thread today. Another Seattleite, happy to look into convenient, comfortable venues for a get-together.

[Karen Junker]

Well, I do have a small group that meets on Tuesday nights at 7 PM in Crossroads Mall (corner of NE 8th & 156th Ave NE in Bellevue), inside in the food court, in front of the Jones BBQ. We're the ones with the laptops. It's for writing time, but it would be fun to meet some of the other AW'ers if you'd like to join us!

[chartreuse]

I think it's time for a Fall Bash! Maybe make a dinner and night out of it? Any interest?

Yeah, absolutely. I missed the last one.

Pretty much any night would work, except Mondays and Fridays.

Anyone else?

[Foinah]

Let's start looking at October. I'll check the local calendar for Powell's and see if any interesting writers are coming. Maybe there's something else going on that might be fun to plan around...or we could just meet for a fun evening out.

It's been a bit mental in the household lately, what with my daughter's seizures and all, but I could use a good night out with some fellow AW'ers.

I'd enjoy meeting those who couldn't make it to the last one.

Fingers, I'm sorry your BBQ idea fizzled! Summer is a hard time to group everyone together ;)

Local, and not-so-local peeps, start tossing out ideas!!! The sky is the limit!

[Fingers]

Not to worry kiddo. What with my surgery and getting fired Ive got so much time on my hands I just threw that out there. My suggestion is that we have it somewhere other than downtown. The parking is so hard down there and costs more than some can afford. (at least in my case) Now that Im off the painkillers I can even have a drink or two. Count me in even though you saw me last time. I too would like to meet some more AW fans.


yer pal Brian

[chartreuse]

Not to worry kiddo. What with my surgery and getting fired Ive got so much time on my hands I just threw that out there. My suggestion is that we have it somewhere other than downtown. The parking is so hard down there and costs more than some can afford. (at least in my case) Now that Im off the painkillers I can even have a drink or two. Count me in even though you saw me last time. I too would like to meet some more AW fans.


yer pal Brian

There's a place in the Hollywood District (NE Portland) called the Moon and Sixpence - it's an English pub type place - great selection of beers. It can be a little noisy at times but the fish and chips are excellent. Not usually TOO crowded except Friday and Saturday nights.

[Fingers]

Count me in. I dont drink the beer, but If they have sodie pop Im good to go.

yer pal Brian

[Foinah]

That place might be too smokey for some peeps. If'n ya want to go to a pub, we could go to the place I used to own ;) A charming (raucus) Irish pub that moved from Hawthorne to Glisan. There's liquor there, too.

Actually I was thinking of all of us meeting at a restaurant. We could do the same thing as before -- a late lunch/appetizer thing -- and then carpool over to Powells.
Or...we could do a dinner and then hang out afterwards. Drinks and writing chatter ;)

[WriterInChains]

I'm in too -- as long as I can get there by some combo of MAX & foot-power. Last time was really fun. :)

[chartreuse]

That place might be too smokey for some peeps. If'n ya want to go to a pub, we could go to the place I used to own ;) A charming (raucus) Irish pub that moved from Hawthorne to Glisan. There's liquor there, too.

Actually I was thinking of all of us meeting at a restaurant. We could do the same thing as before -- a late lunch/appetizer thing -- and then carpool over to Powells.
Or...we could do a dinner and then hang out afterwards. Drinks and writing chatter ;)

Oh...I think I know the place you're talking about (althought the name is escaping me at the moment). Haven't been in there since the move. Sounds good to me.

My personal vote is for dinner and hanging out after.

[chartreuse]

Anyone have any more input?

Places to go for dinner? Votes for not doing dinner?

Nights that will or won't work?

[Fingers]

Well, I just got cleared to go back to work yesterday, but I cant go back to the same job or one that requires physical labor. Just about any night is good with me and as long as the dinners are affordable Im in. Someone just tell me when/where/who/what/why/how/a/s/l oops, forget that last part. Got carried away.

yer pal Brian

[Fingers]

Well, its pert near the middle of october. Is the meet and greet DOA? Whats the good word?


yer pal Brian

[chartreuse]

I'm still up for meeting, but this thread's been pretty quiet on the subject.

Show of hands in favor of still trying to pull something off before the holidays?

Anyone in favor of putting this off till spring?

[Foinah]

Right, so...
How does November 17th sound? It's a Saturday to make it easier for out of town folks. Pre Thanksgiving (11/22) so we could have a bit of a holiday theme. I'll scout some dinner locations -- not expensive, but yummy. Italian? Chinese? Pub? Cocktails are a must (yes, I'm a lush ;) )
Suggestions would be welcome. Partners/sig others are welcome -- I'll probably bring the hubby. Depending on the venue young children might not be appropriate...teens may sulk in the corner (unless we go to a pub).

A writer's symposium -- aspects of the craft : from the writer's and reader's point of view.

This way everyone has something to talk about. I'll round up the usual suspects.

[MacAllister]

I'll be in Portland that weekend, too. (http://www.orycon.org/orycon29/)

[Foinah]

I forgot that was that weekend! That might be cool...

[chartreuse]

Pretty much anything but Mexican or Thai is good with me - so long as they have a good beer selection (I'm a lush too).

Won't be bringing my significant other - I keep my life as compartmentalized as possible.

[WriterInChains]

I'm moving Nov 16th so I can't make this one, but let me know if anyone takes pictures! :)

[Foinah]

So I have bad news...I must bail on the organizing...my mom will be having surgery most likely on the 15th, so that puts me out of the fun for a while.

Have an absolute blast you guys! Take loads of pics and email me if you need any help with anything.
Cheers-

[TurkeyLurkey]

Oh Drat! I will be in S.Diego that weekend with the in-laws! (ugh!)
But I'd like to meet with you during the next gathering!
:)

[Fingers]

So.... Its just me and mac and char then?


yer pal Brian

[MacAllister]

I'll still be there that weekend. :)

But we can do another date, for everyone who has plans the weekend of the 16th. It's not like Portland is a thousand miles away, you know?

[Fingers]

What the heck, im up for a few drinks somewhere if nothing else. Ive got nothing but time. As for food, Im not much into mex, or italian, or hell, if it has cheese its not for me. Lemme know what ya think.

yer pal Brian

[Foinah]

Well, if we pick another date then I can go! Woohoo! It's always good yo get as many people as you can.

And Fingers....HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE CHEESE?????

[chartreuse]

I vote for picking another date so more people can attend.

As long as it's not a Friday or a Monday, I think I'm pretty clear as far as dates go.

[Fingers]

And Fingers....HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE CHEESE?????


Its just one of those things kiddo. About the only thing I eat with cheese (voluntarily) is pizza. Im not allergic to it or anything, just dont care for it. Somebody pick a date here for crying out loud already. Im good to go just about anytime, any day (or night).

yer pal Brian

[Fingers]

Well, I was the last to post here last year and the meet and greet never got off the ground. Hope I dont jinx this one. Anyone still up for a meet somewhere? Still not working so Im still able to pencil you guys in. Hope this year goes better than last year. The table is now open for input.


yer pal Brian

[chartreuse]

Hi -

Yes, I'm still up for meeting, at least if we can do it mid-February or later. I'm pretty booked up till then.

Overall schedule is still the same, though - I work weekdays, and Monday and Friday nights are also out.

[Foinah]

Things are still hectic for me, but should mellow soon. Sorry about having to bail on the organizing before...
Okay. Let's look at either March 1st or March 8th for the gathering. Saturday seems to work for most people what need to drive to get to Portland. I say March 8th for now.

This far ahead people can clear their schedules for the meet and greet. I'll go through and update the local email chain, get notes sent out and such.

Please PM me with any questions regarding funding (how much you want to spend on your meal or drinks), etc. How fancy a place to meet or just a pub...lunch or dinner...you know the drill. Transportation needs, carpooling...yaddah yaddah yaddah.

This should be fun! The last one was a hoot ;)

[Fingers]

I can give a ride to one other person. My little nissan pickup can handle that much. I will just throw my fishing poles behind the seat. Eating, drinking is good. I dont do fancy as I dont even own a tie so a pub or whatever is great. As long as the food costs are reasonable, just about anywhere is good for me. As I said last time I dont eat cheese (exception to the rule: pizza) so as long as the menu has food without cheese in it Im good to go. Come on folks, lets make it happen this time. The last meet and greet went pretty good and even an old grump like me had fun. Hope to see youse all there.

yer pal Brian

[WriterInChains]

Any chance to move it to March 1? I have tickets to Twelfth Night on March 8. Otherwise, my weekends are pretty clear (except for BIC, but anywhere I can sit works).

Hope it comes together again, last time was fun! :)

[Foinah]

Any chance to move it to March 1? I have tickets to Twelfth Night on March 8. Otherwise, my weekends are pretty clear (except for BIC, but anywhere I can sit works).

Hope it comes together again, last time was fun! :)

Consider it done!
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2008
NW WRITERS' MEET AND GREET

[Leigh Walker]

I havent posted in awhile, but I would love to go to the meet and greet. I actually wont be in town on March first, but if for some reason the date gets moved to the 8th I would definitely be there.

[Fingers]

I musta missed it. How did it go?

yer pal Brian

[Sean D. Schaffer]

I musta missed it. How did it go?

yer pal Brian


Hey, Brian! It's good to see you again. :hi:

[Foinah]

Actually, no one else stepped up to the plate to organize and it didn't happen.

I had to take time away for personal/family reasons and the meet and greet once again fell through the cracks.

If someone else would like to take a stab at organizing a get together that would be great -- if not then maybe we could focus on late July or August for something.

-- nice to see you Fingers!!!

[Sean D. Schaffer]

If someone else would like to take a stab at organizing a get together that would be great -- if not then maybe we could focus on late July or August for something.



That sounds like a good time for me. :) I'm moving in the next month or so to Wilsonville, and so the next couple months will be pretty hectic. But July or August, for all intents and purposes up to this point, would be a decent time -- and it's right around my birthday, too. :)

[JacobWorld]

Sounds good but just too far . I am in China

[CDarklock]

And here I thought I'd just missed it. I'd be game for a drive to Portland. Count me in.

You know, like, whenever you get around to rescheduling.

[writersprite]

...i missed it... Suck fest! I have family in Oregon City and could have made a 'day' of it.... :cry:

Maybe for the next one!

[Fingers]

(Wanders around the room cleaning up the cobwebs, throwing out the empty beer cans. Opens the winders to air the joint out)
Well, I didnt find any bodies in here. Where the heck did everyone go?


(Closes the winders and turns off the lights)


yer pal brian