On my March road trip, I had several missions in mind. On the NYC and DC stops, one of my main missions was to meet my peers in the blogosphere. It’s amazing how well you can get to “know” someone online without even ever laying eyes on them. There’s a tremendous concentration of amazing bloggers in NYC and DC, many of whom have supported Afrobella since inception. I had to holla at my girls! So I had tweet-ups and meet-ups with some of the folks I’ve gotten to know the best online.
In NYC from left to right, that’s my Twitter homegirl Bennsu, SeoulMusic singer Heather Park, Nichelle of 55 Secret Street, Anovelista and Revenge of the Curves (how does she do it all?) and young writer Amber J Adams, who once wrote in an Ask Afrobella question that I honestly struggled to answer. At the time I knew in my heart I was about to leave my job for uncertain territory, but I couldn’t declare that to the world just yet!
After the first batch of NYC peeps came through, I was lucky enough to briefly meet Tayari Jones – author extraordinare and habitual dropper of Twitter wisdom. Regrettably we didn’t get a photo together, and the venue I chose was waaaayyy too crowded and loud for conversation. My next tweet up will be much better, promise!
Photo #2 is of the fly, fly Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes, and the beautiful blogger formerly known as SoulSpin (PLEASE remind me of your name again?) who has been showing me love since 2006. I gotta admit, by this point I was well tipsy from endless lychee martinis.
In Harlem I was lucky enough to sip delicious cocktails at Perks bar with the awesomeness that is Huny Young and Ann Marie of SoulAfrodisiac, who is the sweetest chica ever! We’re gonna do dinner again next time I visit NYC for sure!
In DC I was hoping to meet the whole Soulbounce crew, but Butta and I couldn’t get our schedules together. Lucky me, I did get to hang with Novamatic, one of the whip-smartest music bloggers I know. SUCH a cool dude. Sitting right next to me is the lovely Vivrant_Thang, creator of the brilliant Songs in the Key of Life. SUCH a sweetheart! Over in the corner is the gorgeous Style Child, and the creator of On.UsTees, mad cool peeps. I know I’m forgetting someone’s name here… please set me straight if I forgot to mention you or link your blog!
Also in that photo are my DC homies who so kindly let us crash at their pad, Natalia — who is about to be the best lawyer in DC, watch! And my homeboy for life, Brian AKA DJ Busca. If you’re into roots reggae and you live in DC, look him up and find out when next he’s spinning. He’s regularly at the Reef and The Science Club. You will NOT be disappointed.
I capped off my East coast award tour with tapas with the glorious Julia of All About the Pretty. And I can honestly say we clicked, bonded and then some. I learned so much over cocktails and delicious eats with my fellow Glamour magazine VIP beauty blog buddy, it’s not even funny. SO happy I did this trip, and SO happy all of the folks I mentioned made time for little ol’ me!
And that’s it for my first ever Afrobella meet and greets along the East Coast. Next time around I plan to announce my events ahead of time, so I can meet even more friends I’ve made online — like you! Did someone say Chicago tweet up? Coming soon! Promise!
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am
I have to say that I LOVE your blog and I especially like this post because everyone looks like they have a really cool vibe about them.
I will defintiely be checking out their blogs-thanks for the links!!
June 1st, 2009 at 9:57 am
I am glad that you enjoyed yourself.. It looks like you all have a wonderful time..
June 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am
These are good pictures. I loved this post because for the naysayers that twitter is useless, you can see some serious networking going on.
June 1st, 2009 at 10:39 am
I said it before but I’ll say it again, it was truly MY pleasure to meet you. Trust me ya’ll, she is just as sweet in person as she comes across here. I am hopinh to make it up to Chicago before the year is out. You’re on my list! So know all the cool spots by then!
June 1st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Lovely, it was an honor! You emanate the same spirit and vibe on your blog that you do in person. Just fabu!
I had a great time with you and your peoples! They were wicked! We are ON for our second dinner sweets, anytime anywhere!!
Besides, you know what happens when you get West Indians in a room together – MADNESS!! LOL
Till next time my friend…keep us beautiful inside and out.
June 1st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
It was GREAT to finally meet you in person, lady! Next time I’m Chicago-bound, will definitely hit you up
June 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm
VERY IMPORTANT: black in America 2 will be talking about how Caribbean and Africans are changing the African American perspective…About time the documentary acknowledged black immigrants and their American-born children…LOL…please pass this on…
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 am
How nice that you got to meet so many people and that you had a fantastic time together!
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
You looked like you had so much fun! Did I hear Chicago meetup? I live a few hours away from Chicago and will not mind making the drive!
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Looks like fun! I love Tayari Jones. I reviewed her novel, The Untelling on my blog. I had received a copy from her PR folks. The book was life-changing for me and I emailed her to let her know and she was SO nice to reply. We’ve been e-friends ever since. I would love to meet her in person one day.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Hey Lovely Lady,
Awwww…it was a pleasure meeting you, too! Can’t wait to hang again…perhaps in Chicago since I go back at least 2-3 times a year. Hope the Chi is treating you well!
Thanks again & Take Much Care!
Renae
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Bella, it was so nice to finally meet you. I’m so glad that we were able to connect in DC. I look forward to hanging out in Chi, NY, or DC. You are truly beautiful inside and out. It was pleasure to know you as a blogger, but more rewarding to know you as a friend.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Hello, fellow beautiful Web friend since ‘06.
It was a pleasure to meet you. Such a doll you are. Come back to us soon! xo
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Gosh bellas, you make me wish I was there too.
Glad you’re adjusting so well to Chicago.