Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Tuesday night, bay area bloggers got together in South Tampa to eat, drink, and, in the case of one unidentified web writer, eavesdrop and make inappropriate comments.

Oh wait. That was me.

Decent turn-out for our first effort. Jim Johnson played the role of charming host, mingling amidst the crowd with well-timed words of encouragement. He’s as thoughtful as his site suggests, even-keeled with a warm smile that immediately put me at ease. I felt welcomed into the group even though I arrived late because, let’s face it, I can’t find my way around the corner without getting lost.

Lisa, always a doll, gave me a hug. She probably just wanted to feel the girls one last time before they’re gone for good.

Who doesn’t?

Joel, Jason, and other illustrious Sticks and non-Sticks writers (some with the best designed facial hair ever, and I don’t even like facial hair) all echoed the same question I ask myself every day: “Aren’t you supposed to be moving?”

Take it easy, boys. I’ll be gone soon enough.

But who will take my place? Come on, when you want to chat up a local Jewish liberal vegetarian teacher/mom who believes “Thou shall wax” should be the 11th commandment, I’m the only show in town.

Which brings me to another observation - our little corner of the Internet lacks some serious diversity. Lisa and I were the only girl bloggers. Joel says he’s Hispanic. Everyone else - white and male.

We can do better than that, right?

Speaking of male and white - how yummy is Dave in a tie, all business-like and sh*t - with Tim kicking his young professor vibe? Blogs are no longer just for Trekkie-types. Good news all the way around.

Tommy, our own Mack-Daddy, moved like a king through his kingdom while another Tim took pictures of everyone but me. I learned about site names, gay clubs in Kentucky, and the efforts of a Lakeland liberal to bring civility and charm to that part of the “bay area”.

Politics, censorship, Beastie Boys, and local legends were all up for discussion. Plus the Guinness was great.

We’re a friendly bunch. You should come join us next time.

***cross-posted at Out in Left Field***

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