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As we dance our way to my first blogiversary (Saturday the 15th) I want to spend this week honoring some people who have been in front of the line, leading the dance and keeping us on beat. Because I sure didn’t get here alone!
Without a doubt, some of the warmest, most genuine people in my conga line are the bloggers I have met in person.
It started with Iowa bloggers. Mike Sansone, Sandy Renshaw, Mike Wagner, Mark True & Cory Garrison, Claire Celsi, the Steens, Tim Johnson, Tom Vander Well, Michael Libbie and many more. When we gather on the first Friday of every month, we are 40+ strong and pack a Panera.
Then, Terry Starbucker came a calling to Des Moines. Shortly after that, I got to go to NYC and dine with CK. Then, SOBCon in Chicago and a very special meet up in NYC again.
With each and every meeting, there is one absolute. Each blogger is exactly as I knew they would be. You cannot blog several days a week and hide your humanity.
I’ve made some very good friends since launching this blog. And many of them, like Gavin, I have yet to meet in person. But I know that every on-line relationship I have forged grows stronger once we’ve sat across from other another and shared laughter, stories and a little bit more of ourselves.
My way of thanking those smiling faces? Working on creating as many opportunities for face-to-face encounters as possible. There is no substitute for a genuine smile and a warm hug. That’s why I’m so excited about the Blogger Social. I hope to share a smile and a hug with many of you there.
Who is in my conga line?
CK (Christina Kerley)
Gavin Heaton
The smiling faces
My other blog homes
YOU!
Drew,
First off, congratuations on the milestone. You’ve accomplished so much this year. The blog is great and the AOC effort was made possible because of you. It would have never happened without your leadership.
Secondly, you’ve been a good friend to me this past year. I appreciate your guidance and willingness to chat on the phone.
Congrats and may you keep the good stuff coming!
David,
It’s been an adventure so far, that’s for sure. I’ve been able to be part of so many amazing projects and met many new friends.
I look forward to many more phone conversations over the years to come! Thanks for sharing your friendship with me.
Drew
Lewis,
I’ll meet you on a boat, or with a goat…or on a plane or near a train!
Looking forward to seeing you again, my friend.
Drew
Hi Drew – I’m back in Des Moines on Nov. 9 – I know that’s the second friday of the month but I hope we’ll pack Panera again anyway! All the best and see you soon.
Drew,
Words are not enough to tell you how impressed I am by all you did and still do. Thanks for being so generous. I still can’t believe that you’ve only been blogging for a year now. Meeting friends like you definitely brings another dimension to the word “blogging”. : )