Fireworks, friends, feasts

I am usually NOT at a loss for words, but some things are just so great it almost seems that words wont get it across to anyone else. That words are just a feeble attempt to communicate an emotion so strong that the would will just skim the surface of it all... ans so it goes with my 2nd and 3rd of July--

The 2nd was all about the taste-- trying new foods and eating our way through Chicago.

May I recommend
turkey leg
steak taco
pork stuffed banana dumpling
jerk chicken
chicken sandwich with pesto mayo
Italian ice
chocolate dipped strawberries



But it was also about tasting a bit of reality in our cyber realm. I had the great pleasure of meeting some very real people who until this holiday, I only knew in blog land.

Jon
Lorraine (along with spouse and child)
Miss Healthypants
Iwanski


Jon said something to me while we sat on his beautiful upper floor balcony. He said my blog was honest--- well I love to prove people right, so here is an honest observation.

I think if we all had met out in the street or at a party, it may have been very difficult for us. You see, these people would have totally intimidated me. First, for the most part, they are a bit more introverted than me -- well other than Lorraine. I admit I can be a bit judgemental and when I meet someone for the first time, if they are quiet, I assume they just don't like me. Yep, I'm the one at the party who fills the air with useless questions to create conversation. I tell stupid stories that go nowhere and hope to start conversation.

With this group of brilliant people, they would have taken one look/listen at me, felt I was trying way too hard, and walked away. Or maybe at first meeting they would have thought (as most of my introverted friends have told me)

"Is she for real?"

because most of my friends tell me I can be too open and people just think I'm full of shit.

That is what makes blogging so great. Getting to know people on a differnt level. No one interupts the story on a blog. There isnt a phone to answer or the wondering of what did that tone of voice really mean-- it's all right there. It is a great way, in my opinion, to get to know people.

But the icing on the cake is then to meet them in person!

OK-- now that I reflected on all that and got all the readers totally confused, let me tell you what I really think about these guys. These are the observations I made after a wonderful party on the 3rd of July --- with a white trash theme.

Let's start with the warmest smile I have ever seen. Miss Healthypants. This woman lights up a room when she walks in. Being in her presence is like being next to the glow of a firefly-- soft, warm, bright, and genuine.

Her husband Iwanski reminds me of John Belushi minus the intense drug usage. He is brilliant, witty, and comical all while being himself. An intense thinker-- this man can make a strong political statement with the raise of an eyebrow-- I wish I could do that! You take everything he says seriously even if you are spitting soda out through your nose in the process.

Jon. Wow. If I had to write about the 10 most interesting people I have ever met in my life, Jon would be on that list. He has lived such a rich life, and is ever so humble about it all. He is laid back, fun-loving and worldly. Jon has a generous heart that is hard to find today. Jon is also and old soul full of wisdom that shines through his eyes. Just a look and a nod and you can see the universe if you look hard enough.

Lorraine. I have been reading Lorain's blog for some time, and it really is her! She is just as glorious in person as she is on the screen. Lorraine reminds me of an ADHD child in a wonderfully young adult body with the the self confidence to just be all that! How can someone always be on? I don't know, but Lorraine does. Real, loving, friendly, sincere, fun, crazy, helpful, and so much more. She is also a great cook! Did i mention energizer bunny? And the spouse and child --- they are just as wonderful!

About this time, if my above mentioned friends are reading this, they are making comments like "boy those daquires must have been strong" or "was she at the same party" because they are all so modest.

The moral to this story-- read the bloggs, open your heart and take a chance! There really are good people in the world.