Some fun news to share: I finally met one of my/our Blogger Buddies.
...whispers: You're real. You're really real :)
In February, I posted about a free writer's conference (called W.R.I.T.E) that I planned to host during the first week of December.
Although the event was eventually cancelled, (it's hard to get over here - I understand!) I had the pleasure to meet Nancy LaRonda Johnson, and her sister who travelled to O'ahu for a vacation this past week.
I met the sisters at the airport and we hung out for a little bit before I drove them downtown to their hotel.
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| Nancy and some bald dude with a cool T-shirt |
The sisters apparently had a great time while on the island and the picture above is of Nancy and I throwing some shakas down near Waikiki Beach.
Thanks for the memories, Nancy, and for the signed copy of your latest book, SALTED WITH FIRE. I really appreciate it :)
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Speaking of memories, I did - BOSTON STRONG, baby - complete my tenth and (perhaps) final marathon last weekend, too.
Thank goodness it wasn't my first - as my race number (2571) and associated time chip - did *not* register, so there is no official record of me in the system !!!
There is, however, photographic evidence, but as I am way too cheap to spend $70 on a half-dozen pictures, the link is here.
(If the link doesn't send you direct, type "Koopmans"; "2571" and "Honolulu" as needed.)
(If you want a real laugh - and see my best impression of a Walking Dead extra - enlarge Photo 146561714 (first picture on the third row.)
That one still cracks me up :)
PS: My time is somewhere between 6:05:00 and 6:11:00, so I'm going with my "official" time of 6:08:00 :)
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Finally, I'm so looking forward to 50 States of Pray.
I can't believe Christmas Eve is only four days from now, so have a great weekend everyone - don't forget those last minute gifts and "see" you Tuesday :)
Here's a Bing Crosby version of a Christmas classic - and no, it's not that song!
Mele Kalikimaka, and aloha :)
23 comments:
Will go look for you! Bummer the chip didn't register.
That was very cool you got to hang with Nancy.
All set for next Tuesday!
You're right - great Walking Dead impersonation!
When I read the post title, I thought you'd finished in last place! 10 marathons is a great achievement, well done :-)
How awesome that you and Nancy got to meet up. Great picture.
Merry Christmas to you, Mark!
That's wonderful you got to meet Nancy and her sister.
Next Tuesday will be really special.
Awesome chance to meet up! Merry Christmas, and looking forward to '50 States.'
Blogmeets are amazing aren't they? And congratulations on the marathon. Big congratulations.
Jealous! Nancy got to vacation and meet you. But I'm you both got to meet each other. Happy Holidays and congrats on taking part in a marathon.
It's so cool to meet bloggie friends in real life. I am so happy for you!!!
I really enjoy meeting blogger buddies in person. It's wonderful to put an actual body to an online persona.
Congrats on the Marathon! I look forward to the 50 states of pray also.
Great post. :) Yes, many of us do exist! Congrats again on the marathon... a great accomplishments, well worth the blisters. :)
And if you ever make it this far east, be sure to give me a jingle.
Hi Mark - well done on completing the Marathon .. that's brilliant. I couldn't get the photo prog to load - they're playing difficult .. but may be because I'm over on that 2nd green island!
Love that you met up with Nancy .. and were able to spend some time with her and her sister .. always good blogging natters!
Enjoy these last few days - bet you're drier than we are here! Cheers til Tuesday .. Hilary
That's wonderful - getting together with another writer.
That bald headed dude is very handsome - who is he?
Ha!Ha!
Looking forward to Christmas Eve.
What a gift to meet a real LIVE blogging buddy. I would have LOVED to come to your writing event. It's on the bucket list to meet you on YOUR turf where it's warm and sandy.
Congrats on the marathon-- I'm impressed. I did a half...once. Crossed that off and can move on in life LOL.
Wow - a marathon finish! I'm impressed, I did a 7k once - does that count - for anything? LOL
Love that you met Nancy!
Tuesday will be wonderful!
I love meeting "online friends" - I've met many, but none yet from this writer blogger community. :)
Well done on your marathon success! I could never, ever run for that long. Let alone 5 mins. haha
We still have yet to meet a fellow blogger, which I find sad. Where are all the Colorado folks?
Congrats on the marathon and congrats on the great zombie look. I look awful when I run - please, just don't take any pictures, period.
Meeting you is on my bucket list, sir. (And that's not JUST because you live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Just PART of the reason. :D)
Congrats on finishing your last marathon strong. Kind of appropriate (in one of those cosmically serendipitous ways) that it didn't register. I suspect you're one of those who never ran much for the best times anyway.
Wanted to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!
See you in '14!
EJ
I read Nancy's post about your get together. How great to meet a writer you've connected with online.
Just stopped in to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Off to do my 50 Shades of Pray post!
Hahahaha, I cannot stop laughing at that Walking Dead impersonation. It's really worth an Oscar. Congratulations, Mark!!
Have a terrific holiday season!!
I'm real? And all this time I thought I was a figment of your imagination. :)
I'm so jealous they got to vacay in Hawaii...I mean meet you!!
:)
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