How We Kept Austin Weird

A few weeks ago (2 to be exact) a few little bloggy friends got together and did everything in their power to Keep Austin Weird.  We never expected that we'd click so easily.  We never thought it'd feel so comfortable.  We never thought we'd walk away even closer, wanting to spend even more time together.  After all, none of us had ever met.....

 I have been blogging with Jen for almost 2 years now.  This "Harried Woman of Four" (not harry....) is so completely real and we connected right away.  She is a momma of 4 gorgeous children and makes no pretenses about how hard it is to raise all four.  She blogs about her adorable kids and the messes they create, her need for wine every night (hee hee), her fear of motorcycles, and her amazing home improvement projects (her hubby is very handy).  We connected as if we'd been close friends for years.  She is funny and easy going and like the sister I never had.

 Shawn from Seriously Shawn and I have actually met before.  When we took a trip to Disney we spent a few hours over a margarita (or 2), connected immediately, and definitely knew we must meet again.  Shawn is so much fun!!  She is sarcastic, and witty, and optimistic, and you will all want to be her best friend the minute you meet her.  Shawn had a knack for seeing the quirky things Austin had to offer (like the gentleman in green) and could talk to anyone, getting us a free drink or 2.  She is a momma of 2 gorgeous girls that are amazing - I admire how well-rounded she has raised them - and has 4 German Shepard "babies" that tend to give her lots of blogging material.  Shawn is the best friend you always wanted - she is loyal and funny and tells you the truth at all times.  I adore her and can't wait to see her again!  Next week, your house?

I have admired Viv from the V-Spot for 3 years now.  Admittedly, I was the most nervous about meeting her.  She is SO put together - with her amazing crafting skills, organizational Goddess-like talents, and an amazing mom of 4 boys!   She has the sweetest little habit of slipping a little gift or note in the mail to brighten your day.  She is so California cool - look at her rockin' the adorable hat??  She exudes confidence in every situation - the kind that immediately attracts a crowd.  She is sincere, loyal, and so very kind-hearted.  I have been blessed to have Viv in my life as she provides guidance, encouragement and real-worldness to me.....even though she may not be trying.  I don't know why I was nervous to meet her - Viv is so real - and I adore her.

 Ah, my Jenny-Kate - one of the funniest people I ever met. Seriously - this girl kept me in stitches all weekend.  I knew she was funny based on her blogging, texting, & twittering material in the weeks leading up to the weekend.  Her amazing personality just makes you want to smile.  The coolest thing?  Getting to spend one-on-one time with her in conversations where I saw her heart.  She is one of the most generous ladies I have ever met - I loved that I had time to really get to see her heart this weekend.  She is an incredible momma and wife with a wacky addiction to all things Rob Pattinson (hey, I'm not judging).  She is still making me laugh over the twitter and text, but I really can't wait to see her again!

 And lastly, my newest friend, Impulsive Addict.  No, I didn't call her IA all weekend, this chicky has a very nice name.  I have gotten to know her through her blog from the past 6 months or so - she is so very creative and funny in her writing, that I knew her personality would be incredibly fun - she did not disappoint!  She is sarcastic and always with a witty comment.  But like Miss JK, I got to really talk to IA this weekend too and see her as the incredible woman she is.  She is an awesome momma and wife, fiercely loyal, and so very loving.  Again, another example of someone you want as your best friend.  She would do the most random thing that would just make me smile and I can't wait to spend more time with her.

As I typed all this, I saw a theme...all these ladies are incredible women who I am so very blessed to call my friends.  It was not weird at all to spend 3 days with them - there was absolutely no awkwardness, no stalled conversations, no judging.  Just 6 ladies so happy to meet and get to know one another.  It was surreal.

So I guess, we didn't really keep Austin weird, we just enjoyed the weirdness it had to offer us.....

we had a little lunch at the trailers on South Congress

 where we had the pleasure of seeing these two bananas....

"just because..."

the famous pocket edward made an appearance or two....

and I saw my very first drag queen.

and she was mean.

But most of all, the weekend was filled with smiles, laughter,  & funny moments you will never forget.

 I know that God brings people into your lives when you need them the most.  I have been refreshed by these friendships and it has allowed me to see that you can have incredible, strong relationships with women in any capacity.  We will all remember this weekend and it is my hope to continue our weekends each year.

In the meantime I have to get by with texting, facebooking, twittering, hey-telling, and of course blogging.

 Girls, I got your number.......

P.S. We will be announcing our winner for the Keeping Austin Weird Contest very soon......