2006 February

Happy Valentine's Day! Chris and I are headed for a romantic dinner tonight at Salty's on Alki. We've decided not to discuss house buying, dish washing, blogging in the bedroom, Gnomedex, Lockergnome, The Chris Pirillo Show or anything else that could start a rumble. Instead we are just going to stare at eachother and giggle and smooch. Hope you and your Honey are doing the same.

I'm headed off to chat with our accountant about taxes and all that wonderful stuff. I think there should be a law against spending Valentine's Day with your accountant. What do you think?

More on Northern Voice later… I so love Canada! I just want to fold up all my Canadian friends into little squares so I can stuff them in my pocket and take them with me where ever I go. You guys and gals ROCK! I can't wait for the next Canadian Blogger Conference.

Speaking of conferences, have I mentioned Chris and I will be on a panel at SXSW? Bloggers in love… check it out!

Wow, I'm in awe of Julie. She can create a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye with each word she shares. Her storytelling capabilities are beyond those of any writer I know in my age group. She's able to arouse a primal openness to share and love with other human beings, in a way no other can. She does this by sharing tiny details of her own life in that very way. She leads by example. The amazing thing is, she's available for us to know see and learn from NOW. It's always hard to see the true genius of your own “age.” I just witnessed it. IS it the technology used that brings her storytelling alive to me? Is it the video and photos so meticulously edited or the slight quiver in her voice and the true openness of her heart? For me personally, it's the ladder.  I must admit it's the photos and video that initially caught my interest in her writing and storytelling last year, at Northern Voice. She talked about style and flow, voice and sudden fame – from a standpoint I could hear her. She shared how it affected her world and those who share in her world. THAT was interesting and my ears perked up. I love how she uses technology to pull more good into her world – in a personal way. She uses all the latest technology available to her finger tips for love and it's evident. There's a lesson we could all take from, for all aspects of our lives. She is naturally encouraging and positive. I can't wait to see her on stage again, ”ENCORE” was yelled from the audience after her story ended today.  

“Here, here – ENCORE Julie!”

“MORE, I WANT MORE!”

Tune in and you too shall ask for the same.

Wow, it's been days since I've blogged and I still haven't had time to post my thoughts and pics from Thailand. More still to come on that trip in another post.

Tomorrow Chris and I are headed to Vancouver, BC. It's quickly become one of my favorite cities. Though I've only been there four times I have a fondness for it, the kind that usually takes years to cultivate. I think it's the people, nah – I know it's the people. It all started, this unusual attraction to the BC, around this time last year. Our first trip up was for Northern Voice. We were wowed to say the least.

 The city is a new age kind of place and I don't mean in the way crystals and chants. I see it more along the lines of cultural integration and a sort of mixing and mingling of the old with the new. The intriguing part is it seems to happen without the loss of integrity on either part. And, come to think of it, I didn't see any real disgruntled behavior from either of the opposing sides. Interesting, very interesting. There's an allure of Canadians I'm definitely privy to, they are kind – genuinely and inquisitive by nature. There is a warmth given by the people that makes up for the chill across your body from the weather. So on that note, we're off to another romp with the Canadians at Northern Voice: The Canadian blogging conference. We'll be hanging out and recording podcasts for The Chris Pirillo Show tomorrow evening at  Take 5 from 6pm-8pm. I'd love to chat and record with you if you're in the 'hood.  

On Saturday we'll be on a panel labeled “Blogs and the Bedroom” with some of our closest friends and some peeps I haven't met yet. This one is going to be good so stay tuned. If you didn't get your ticket you'll just have to wait for the blog reports because the conference is SOLD  OUT! Way to go organizers, ya'll rock!

Here are some cool cats I can't wait to say hi to and get a hug from at the conference Canadian and American.  

Boris Mann 

Derek Miller 

Kris Krug

Will Pate

Roland Tanglao

Julie Leung

Ted Leung

Maryam Scoble

Robert Scoble

Lisa Canter

Marc Canter

Nancy White

“At the worst, a house unkept cannot be so distressing as a life unlived.”  – Rose Macaulay

Well said Rose, might I tweek that bit of wisdom and apply it to myself and my world?

“At worst, a blog unkept cannot be so distressing as a life unlived.”  – Ponzarelli

I'm still digesting my trip, when I'm ready you'll hear all about it. :) Thank you for your interest and especially for your patience. (*hugs)