The Mudflats

What a fantastic afternoon!  The last time there was a Mudstock in the Anchorage area, I was still one of those “anonymous bloggers” so I was unable to attend the event.  I thought at the time I might sneak in and sit at a nearby table and watch, but I knew I’d totally give myself away so I sat home and spent the afternoon wishing I could be there.

Well, this time I was very happy to be able to show up and meet all the wonderful Mudflatters from Anchorage and the Valley who were gathered at the famous Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

We all talked over soup and quiche and salad and coffee.  We got the tables configured in a giant circle and went around introducing ourselves.  It was so amazing to be able to put faces with the entities who, until now had been only screen names and avatars.  A couple of those present had either been “boots on the ground” reporters, or contributors to the blog itself.  And I really enjoyed being able to thank everyone  for their support and enthusiasm and participation over these many months.  A lot of people said to me, “You kept me sane.”  Well right back atcha.  I don’t think that I will ever be able to adequately explain how much the participation and good wishes of this community has meant.  I was also able to thank several current and former Forum Moderators and Administrators for all their great work.  It takes a LOT to keep it all running.

There were lots of thanks to the other Alaska bloggers too, one of which (Gryphen) was there to meet everyone in person.  And of course, every one of the forum dwellers had great praise and admiration for Snoskred, our Forum Master for her great organizational ability, and boundless energy and creativity.  It was funny because it took me a minute to figure out who everyone was talking about because they were calling her “Snozz” and I have been calling her “Snowss”  And I seem to remember that the whole correct pronunciation is like Snoo-skreed, not Snow-skred which is how I pronounce it in my head…  But you know who you are and Thank You!

Spouse got lots of thanks, which he richly deserves, for putting up with me and all this blogging stuff.

There were about 24 of us there all together, and we had a fabulous time visiting, talking politics and acting like old friends.  Some of the Mudflatters I’d met before at various events, but many I met for the first time including the mastermind behind this particular Mudstock, Jaime from Wasilla who coordinated and planned this wonderful afternoon.  He also managed to rig up a webcam and a Skype hookup and we were able to connect with the Washington State Mudstock that was happening at the same time!  I got to say a quick hello to the Mudflatters there, but I’m afraid I may have been less than coherent because I was still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowd on my end!

Jaime brought along the card he got from his Forum Card Swap buddy Suchanut to share with the group.  It got passed around the table and generated lots of laughter.

The tables were littered with various incarnations of Brian the Moose, and “the Littlest Mudflatter” and future Forum Admin enjoyed making friends with two of them. 

There was a big poster and markers for everyone to sign their name.  And there was also a very nice Mudflats t-shirt, purchased in the Mudflats Shop that got a lot of extra embellishment!

Quite a few people described themselves as “lurkers and addicts.” and looked a little apologetic.  I explained that lurkers and addicts make up the bulk of our readers, so no worries.  Even you show up as those little dots on the map, and numbers in the stats at the end of the day.  So your presence is felt, even if you don’t comment.  And it was especially felt today!

The longest distance traveled award goes to Alex, one of our Forum Moderators who happened to be in Alaska this week, all the way from California!  This is his third and Northernmost Mudstock.  Timing is everything!  We stayed for several hours, and when he realized it was after 5:00, and Shannyn Moore was on the air, he called in to the show and all of us yelled in unison “HI SHANNYN!!!”  The poor cook, who was behind the counter on the other side of the room nearly jumped out of her skin when we all yelled, because we were quite loud and enthusiastic!

A final group picture, and a round of hugs, and we were all on our way. 

All in all it was a great afternoon, and a wonderful group that left each other smiling.