Blue Moon Atelier Journal

Got back from Hoggfest a couple of hours ago. Grahams and I went around 11-ish to help set up for the silent auction, which was still in progress when we left. There's been a nice steady stream of folks, and I met some of the locals I've know by blog, but not in person. David Hoggard's a really sweet guy (and a fantastic hugger). Jinni was there, looking really well, I was pleased to see. She's really an inspiration. Barbara Hall, who interrupted her holiday to help out at the fundraiser was a jewel - great at organizing the acquisition of needed tables and sorting through the last-minute donations for the auction. I also met a really neat lady, Anne Slaughter, who kept me company off and on whilst I manned the auction tables. Roch Smith, Jr. was another online acquaintance I was glad to meet in person. I also briefly met Billy Jones and promised to drag my sorry arse to a Meetup one of these months, and I got to meet Jay Ovittore as well! Ed Cone marked my hand in the feed-line - a brush with blogging greatness if ever there was one! I also met Patrick Eakes, and a nice gentleman named Rick who was acting as Assistant Cook (or, assistant to the cook - "The Office" reference there...). I think I recognized Stewart Pittman, and David Wharton, but didn't actually get to officially meet them. YES! Weekly's Brian Clarey was there with his lovely family.

I hope the silent auction is picking up...it was just starting to bubble along a bit when I left at four, but there were a lot of terrific items for bid, so there's no reason why folks shouldn't be bidding - it's for a good cause afterall! Last I looked, the Hoggard's son, Jesse, was winning the bidding on the Limited Edition (one of 200 made worldwide) Jaegermiester (which I've probably spelt wrong) Skateboard. Rumour is he won some sort of prize during the Kentucky Derby and now has some expendable income. :)

I should have bought a raffle ticket, really - there's a Stratocaster in the offing...although what I'd do with it is a mystery as I don't play. Still, what a nice piece of schwag that would be!

Update: I got a sunburn, too! (but, not too bad)