The Mudflats

With all the issues swirling around health care and Afghanistan and a host of other issues that frustrate us, let’s take a moment to think back on the first 10 months of the Obama administration, and recall the major legislation that has been passed.

And let us not forget the nomination and approval of Judge Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and the fact that he does not say nookular.

AND let’s not forget that the administration before this one was busy doing things like vetoing stem cell research, authorizing The Patriot Act, and No Child Left Behind, torpedoing our economy, lying us in to a war, and a whole lot of other stuff we’d rather forget about. Perspective and reflection are good things.

This message just came in from Organizing for America:

Let’s welcome President Obama to Alaska and show him how much we appreciate all he’s done!

Please join us at a rally outside of the Boniface Gate to Elmendorf Air Force Base at 12:00 noon on Thursday, November 12th.

We encourage you to deck yourselves out in Obama-gear and bring your Obama signs, whether they are campaign yard-signs or homemade posters with positive messages. This is our opportunity to send a clear message that Alaskans are still fired up and ready to go!

Along with welcoming the President, we need to join him in recognizing the invaluable contributions of those serving in the military and those who have already served. Please encourage any veterans you know to join us as we will take time to recognize them on this historic day.

Thursday, November 12 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Boniface Gate to Elmendorf AFB (Anchorage, AK)
North Side of Boniface Drive
Just north of Glenn Highway
Anchorage, AK 99501

The event is not open to the public, but the welcome rally is. It will be a nice way to connect with friends, show support and be a nice big blue crowd waving to Air Force One as it touches down in Alaska for the first time in this administration.

Photos from October 2008

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.

The States List has now been updated. For those who don’t know what the states list is – it is an easy way to find Mudflatters near you. Not long after the forums opened, the moderators and admins thought it would be a great idea to compile a list of members by what state (or country) we live in. You can see the states list HERE.

It is easy to get put on the states list – all you have to do is post an introduction in the “Introduce Yourself” area. Not sure how to do that? Just click HERE for a tutorial.

Here are links to the discussions, and all the current potential areas for upcoming Mudstock meetups!

Alaska – Anchorage Mudstock
Alaska – Juneau Mudstock
California Mudstock
Florida Mudstock
Illinois Mudstock (and surrounding states maybe?)
North Carolina Mudstock
Oregon Mudstock?
Washington State Mudstock
Just Added!
Kentucky Mudstock
Vermont Mudstock
Another Addition!
Western New York area – Buffalo, Rochester and all parts in between

Don’t forget to bookmark the link and check back to see how planning develops.

There is already planning under way for a Texas Dallas/Fort Worth Mudstock.

If your state is not on the above list – you can start your own thread to begin planning a Mudstock near you. We have created a thread with all the information you may need and ways to get help with the planning if you need assistance – Want A Mudstock Near You?

Yeee-Haaaa! (sp?)

That’s me trying my best to be a Texan. I know it’s a stretch, but I’ll try. Why, you may ask, am I doing my best to be a Texan? Because in the works over on the forum are plans for a Texas Mudstock! If you are a Texan, or someone willing to travel there, and you want to get in on the planning conversation, just click HERE and jump in! As of now it looks like the date and location will be December in Dallas!

And while you’re thinking about how much fun a Mudstock would be, make sure to put your name and state in the forum’s states list. For those who don’t know what the states list is – it is an easy way to find Mudflatters near you. Not long after the forums opened, the moderators and admins thought it would be a great idea to compile a list of members by what state (or country) we live in. You can see the states list HERE.

It is easy to get put on the states list – all you have to do is post an introduction in the “Introduce Yourself” area. Not sure how to do that? Just click HERE for a tutorial.

Being on the States List means that you’re automatically in the loop for information about Mudstock meetups that happen in your area! So far there have been Mudstock Meetups in Chicago, Southern California, Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont, New York City, Anchorage, Juneau, Washington D.C., and 3 in Pittsburgh! (Steeler Nation knows how to party!) Hope I’m not forgetting any.

I finally got to attend one myself, and may I say that it was a real treat. If you ever go to one, expect food, drink, merriment, laughter, political talk, and getting to know some really awesome people!

And ya know….(kicking up a clod of dirt, and spitting)…. Round these parts we often think of dividin’ Alaska up into two equal parts an’ makin’ Texas the third biggest state… (I wink, and tip my hat, and wish I were with you in more than spirit!)