Meeting Fellow Bloggers
Profunksticated met with fellow bloggers Hostess and Honest at a spot in D.C.’s Capitol Hill late last week, and it was fun.
Hostess definitely could be a Gen-X talk show, well, hostess, with a great sense of humor. Honest is a bit more reserved, serious and world-wise.
As we talked, there was a young brother sitting to Hostess’ right at the bar, who kept sneaking glances over at us. Hostess mused that dude was wondering why these two young women are talking to this older, bald, slightly overweight guy (description mine, not Hostess’). He eventually worked his way into our convo, which I found kind of amusing.
We spoke about how we found each other’s blogs (I found Hostess though K, I recall). Hostess also told me some readers e-mailed her to criticize my comments on her blog about my not-so-great attitudes about having children early on in my marriage. More than a few didn’t like what I had to say about that topic.
Please, I ask you all: If you don’t like something I have to say, either on this blog or someone else’s, please tell me. My comments contain a link to this blog, where you can comment in turn. I can handle your criticism. I want the feedback.
Now, meeting these two 30-somethings makes me realize I occupy a unique space in this African American blog circle, one of a middle-aged married black man who’s made quite a few mistakes. I don’t know of many others in my situation that blog. If there are please tell me. I did a lot of stupid things, but my overarching transgression was failing to prepare for life’s inevitable speed bumps and head-on collisions.
I realize I do a fair amount of ranting on this blog, but it’s a form of therapy. And as I told Honest and Hostess, I’m hoping I’m providing help to my readers. I mean that in the sense that folks will look at my situation and avoid making similar errors, so that people will be in a much better position as they push 50.
Peace.
I miss hanging out with folks sometimes. . .And some folks always going to have something to say about something. And trust me, you ain’t the only 40ish something brother who blogs, you just ain’t in the right circle.
Hey Cat, what’s up? Like I said, I hold a unique place in this circle of relative youngsters. But you hit on something I hadn’t thought of as far as finding another circle. Any idea where/how I can find that older circle? And as far as folks having something to say, that’s OK, just please, pretty please, say it to me!!
Comment by aly — May 13, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
“Now, meeting these two 30-somethings makes me realize I occupy a unique space in this African American blog circle, one of a middle-aged married black man who’s made quite a few mistakes. I don’t know of many others in my situation that blog. If there are please tell me”
Hello from this 40 something un-marrried (but committed) black woman ((((waving))). Actually
I think you and I are about the same age. One of your post had your graduation year.
I’m in a unique position too because I am probably the oldest in the group of bloggers I hang
out with (The Ususal Suspect). But it’s really cool because I get a different perspective from
them. I was married with 2 step children and a baby by the time I was their age, so I really
like sharing their take on life. This is new to me, this is the first time in my life that I’ve had
younger friends. I’m enjoying it! And I have no idea where the “older” circle is.
Hey, Philly, welcome to Pro’s spot! I’m glad to know I’m not the only relative oldhead in this circle. LOL! I really enjoyed meeting those guys (Hostess and Honest). I had Hostess pegged as being older than she is, because of the wisdom she shares.
But I also wondered after our meeting (and after reading Cat’s comment above) if I was out of place and in the wrong circle. But perhaps not. I also grew up near your city, over in NJ! Please keep reading and thanks for visiting!
Comment by onefromphilly — May 14, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Well I typed a longish comment but I have no idea what happened to it????
Anyway I’m also in the 40+ group. So you’re not alone.
I have no idea where the “older” circle hangs out. I’m the oldest in the group of bloggers I
out with. But it’s cool, I really enjoy my younger friends, they are some really smart, funny
and progressive ladies. Hope this comment stays??
Yes, your first comment did make it. Again thanks for visiting.
Comment by onefromphilly — May 14, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Pro, you suck!!!! There I said it to your face!
Just kidding!
Yeah, I think that people aren’t always accustomed to such candor (i.e. your comments on Hostess’ blog) in Blogland. Oh well, keep doing what you do.
ROTFLMAO! Yes, I know I suck (well some of the time)!!!
When Hostess asked how I found her blog, I told her I believe I found The After Party through that young girl in Philly, K! I was reading your blog that inspired me to do my own honest blog. And the rest is history. I’ll keep on blogging if ya’ll will keep on reading.
Comment by K. — May 14, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Playa Playa from the Himalayas!!! LOL
I don’t know how, but I perceived Honest to be as you’ve described her here. Hostess’ writing makes it obvious that she’s an extrovert both in form and in content.
As for dude who wedged his way into your conversation, that’s pretty lousy if you ask me. And the thing is … you can’t really trip when that happens because if you do, now you’re the hater/lame/etc.
Whazzuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup, Playa??? LH, thanks for visiting.
Dang, a link from Hostess, blog and the traffic to Pro’s site looks like the Beltway at rush hour!!! Come to think of it, let’s include the Dulles Toll Road, the BW and GW parkways and I-66!!!
Yo, I wasn’t the least bit bothered by that dude. Like I said, I thought it was amusing. And Honest, well, she struck me as a very serious young lady, but also very nice. Hostess is just plain funny. I would quote her again, but I’m not taking the chance of relying on my memory. LOL. Don’t be a stranger, dawg!!! Thanks for visiting!!
Comment by LH — May 14, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Hello!
I’m a 38 year old married woman.
I completely AGREE with you. If people have ‘issues’ with whatever you’ve said, they should contact YOU. Forget the middle man. You know stories always get mucked up once the telephone line arrives back to your destination.
I’ve found that people often speak on things they have NO experience in. I’m always open to learning and hearing about new things but, you’ll never hear me judging or speaking so strongly on stuff that I have NO experience in.
I’m off to check out the rest of your blog. Since it’s my first time here, thought I would introduce myself
Tanyetta, welcome to Pro’s spot! On this blog you’ll find the rantings/whinings/observations/confessions of a married-with-kids, late 40s black American man who can be at turns pleasant, surly, moody and passive agressive. But it’s all honest, which is why I hide behind this weird-ass nickname derived from a cut from a 1976 Parliament-Funkadelic LP. Can you imagine me writing all this stuff under the name my parents gave me? I’d never work in this town again! And the grief I’d get from family would make it even that much more dramatic!!! LOL!
And yes, please send all comments to me, good, bad or indifferent. I want to know ya’ll are out there.
As long as you guys read, I’ll keep on blogging!! Don’t be a stranger!! Or is that stranga? Whatever. Take care!!
Peace.
Comment by tanyetta — May 14, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
Hey Pro! Just poppin in to say Hi! I love blog meetups! Glad you hd the chance to meet the Hostess and Honest.
Hello to you too, Babs! Welcome to Pro’s spot! Yes, it was fun to meet those guys and talk about our blogs. Anyway, don’t be a stranger! See ya!
Comment by Babs — May 16, 2008 @ 11:21 am