Whack-o
Well, if the Harlot is right and a group of knitters is a "whack," then the Rhinebeck blogger meet-up was completely wacko. Insane. Crazy. Overwhelming.
I thought there were a lot of bloggers last year? There were at least three times as many yesterday. The volume level alone was testimony to how huge this group was. I commented to Cara that it was quite a crowd, but she said that she thought it was due more to Blogger Bingo than anything she did. But there's no denying Cara's power--the sheer length of the line for Socks That Rock alone demonstrated that!
She's too modest, don't you think? Although there's no doubt that Stitchy's idea was truly inspired. Speaking of Bingo--and thanks to Liz's help--I did actually get Bingo. I was really surprised, too, since I really didn't think I had done it. (The row I completed was on the fold, and I didn't realize until I got home and remarked each square with an X.)
But back to the Whack. I met Stephanie and Juno. It was really quite flattering to see a flicker of recognition when I introduced myself, because I have to say, the swarm of bloggers toward Stephanie was like groupies around a rock star. She looked a little dazed at the sight of the crowd. (Or, maybe it was more the terrified, deer-in-the-headlights kind of look, knowing that was going to happen?) Anyway, silly though it was, I was a little chuffed that she knew my name (grin).
We saw Julie and Jessalu. (And Liz is there, unfortunately half cut out of the frame. Sorry Liz!)
Other bloggers I saw but didn't photograph? (And, there's no conceivable way I could remember all of you, so if I leave you out of the list, please believe it wasn't on purpose!) Liz from FidoKnits, who we kept bumping into All. Day. but who I never got a picture of. Alison. Laurie. Julia. Cate. Risa and the twins, of course, who were both SO good surrounded by hordes of loud, excited knitters. Claudia. Kate Gilbert was there, but apparently got up from her bench moments before I got to say hello (and gush slightly at how much I love her designs), but I did see her beautiful little Tadpole in her lovely new, red sweater, watched over by a man I'm pretty sure was her dad. Lanea (who really didn't seem that crazy at all, but who asked about how I ended up with a Boykin Spaniel--I'm always glad to talk about my dog!) Not to mention the folks on my Bingo Card: Adelle, Amy, Anne, Chris, Diane, Kelly, Mia, Michelle, Tamara.
And, really, so many more . . . please leave a comment if I left you out. I can think of at least four (more, really) other faces of people I had actual conversations with, but my brain went into overload and I'm drawing a blank. (Jennifer? Kahli?) It's nothing personal--I enjoyed meeting everyone! Just . . . well, you were there. You saw the crowd!
Later/Tomorrow, I'll show you my loot and give some more details of the day--the quick version? Liz and I were there from the very beginning to the very end, it was stunningly beautiful, weather-wise, we had a great time and never got bored or frustrated with each other (which, you know, can happen with the best of friends)--not even when we got home around 7:30, exhausted and hungry, but . . . not cranky. Really good time.
Sounds like it met and exceeded expectations! Glad you had fun.
Posted by: lorinda | October 22, 2006 at 11:51 AM
welcome back! did you buy yarn?! it's been so quiet with everyone away at rhinebeck.
Posted by: anna | October 22, 2006 at 11:53 AM
Sounds like a wonderful day. Maybe one day I'll get to make the cross continent journey and attend. Looking forward to seeing your purchases!
Posted by: Brenda | October 22, 2006 at 12:15 PM
Wah, I feel left out, actually it was overwhelming doesn't describe how overwhelming it was. At first, I started writing down names of people that weren't on my bingo card and then I just got lost in the sea of bloggers. But, some people had the brilliant idea to make personal business cards with their info.
Posted by: Monica | October 22, 2006 at 01:14 PM
I forgot to say it was so nice to finally meet you as we keep missing each other at different LYS sales and events.
Posted by: Monica | October 22, 2006 at 01:17 PM
This is the time of year that I really feel left out on this coast. One of these year's I'm just going to have to jump on a plane and join you;)
Thanks for giving me a vicarious good time:))
Posted by: deb | October 22, 2006 at 02:45 PM
Whacko is right! It was worse than Maryland! So glad I finally got to meet you, Deb! Seeing and meeting the bloggers was the best part of that madness. (It was nowhere near as crazy today...but no one had any stuff left, either!)
Posted by: Marcia | October 22, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Thanks for the photo memories of the day. I realized, too late, that I was having so much fun that I forgot to pull out my camera! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stick around very long at the meet up, since there were some non-bloggers in my group who didn't quite understand. I don't think you and I met, but your photos mirror what mine would have been. Oh and, I was in that line at the Fold!!
Posted by: Kirsten | October 22, 2006 at 07:23 PM
Craziness for sure! Great to see you!
Posted by: Cara | October 22, 2006 at 07:46 PM
It was great to meet you in person -- finally! Even if it was only for a moment and then I never saw you again all day.
Posted by: Carole | October 22, 2006 at 07:56 PM
It was great to see you!! :o)
Posted by: JessaLu | October 22, 2006 at 09:31 PM
You are as cute as the dickens, Deb! It was great to meet you, and "overwhelming" is a word that keeps on coming up -- for good reason!
Posted by: Norma | October 22, 2006 at 10:02 PM
You met me! But no hard feelings . . .the whole thing was a blur!
Posted by: Jenny | October 22, 2006 at 10:35 PM
It was great to meet you. Do I really look like that? Frightening!! It was overwhelming and exciting and lovely.
Posted by: beth | October 22, 2006 at 10:52 PM
Total craziness! Yes and a bit overwhelming. Although our meeting was brief it was very nice meeting you.
Posted by: michelle | October 22, 2006 at 10:57 PM
It was so great to meet you, Deb! My trip to Rhinebeck would not have been complete without a little Chappys Mom time! :)
xo
Posted by: sandy | October 23, 2006 at 09:50 AM
It was great to finally meet you in person. And thanks for supporting any claims to sanity I may make, but the antler in my bag, which was incessently jabbing me in the side, has probably damamged my reputation beyond repair.
Posted by: lanea | October 23, 2006 at 11:38 AM
Looks like a great time, I'm quite jealous. And seems like you made some beautiful purchases.
Posted by: Rebekah | October 23, 2006 at 12:00 PM
You should really mark me off...I am on your top left corner and walked by you a million times, each time admiring your gorgeous Celtic Dreams sweater which I eagerly anticipate attempting early next year!
Posted by: Erin | October 23, 2006 at 12:24 PM
I'm so glad I got to meet you and your beautiful sweater!
Posted by: The Purloined Letter | October 23, 2006 at 03:48 PM
i don't think we met. it was indeed madness.
Posted by: maryse | October 23, 2006 at 04:19 PM
OK. How sad is it that I just now pieced together that you are the "--Deb" who has been commenting on my blog for a while? And we spent all that time bumping into each other all. day. long. I really oughtta be more on top of things! Anyway, it was great finally to meet you in person -- and I'm having so much fun reading everyone's impressions of the event. There are so many things you go to, and then later hear descriptions and think 'really? that wasn't my experience.' But not this one. It seems we were all pretty blown away.
Posted by: Liz | October 23, 2006 at 11:14 PM
Shoot, I missed you! I can't believe we didn't get to see each other at the meet up!
Posted by: Cheryl | October 24, 2006 at 07:58 AM
It was stunningly crazy. I can't believe the explosion since last year. I really enjoyed your summary, thought you were spot on.
Posted by: Laurie | October 24, 2006 at 08:23 AM
Wow.
Posted by: Chris | October 25, 2006 at 10:57 PM