NH Gathering II, A Complete Experience
I was reminded recently in talking to a fellow attendee that the event is well past a month gone, and it suddenly struck me that my complete remarks were still left unfinished in a folder on my desktop as I’d succumbed to other distractions that were poorly prioritized... Oy, I’m so horrible at getting thank you notes out in a timely fashion, but better late than never, I hope...
To say the NH Gathering was just a party would be an understatement. It was an adventure and a unique experience...
I arrived at the airport, knowing nothing of who I’d be meeting there besides a first name. I’d sent pictures of myself, but apparently, I look like none of them now. After a few minutes of wandering about, I got paged and tentatively walked in the direction of two gentlemen who turned out to be Mr. Classy and ScottTickle888 -- thankfully, my cowboy hat and lost look helped them figure out who I was.
🙂
And to any interested ladies who might read this:
ScottTickle888 is a good-looking fellow, single, sweet, kind, and with a good sense of humor. Often a ‘lee, but who demonstrated definite talent as a ‘ler. Ladies, don’t be afraid to look him up!
Off we went on a scenic route, overlooking lakes, trees, and the various wonders that make New Hampshire great, all the while conversing with the inimitable Mr. Classy, razzing Scott and I both, and daring me to ask for “Classy” at her place of work (which I did, by the way, but
only because she was the only one there!).
Scott, Mr. Classy and I set up tents in the backyard, and I met the two earliest folks to arrive --
Pokey and The Boss. So kind and open, they immediately reminded me of the southern branch of my extended family (but with the uptightness pleasantly removed!). They both radiate a kind of innate warmth that I find rare, and it was delightful to find oneself in the presence of that. It was great meeting you both.
🙂
To see to it that Classy’s desire to show movies in the backyard was fulfilled, the always dutiful and incredibly resourceful Mr. Classy retrieved a "screen", and with the help of Scott and myself, tied it between a couple of trees... Scott and I puzzled a bit over this, because we’d thought we were retrieving an
actual movie screen, but we soon realized it was in fact an RV canopy of varying shades of blue... Little did we know that the movie screen had to be
made. After brief debate over the best way to accomplish this, including rolls of white paper, and the possible sacrifice of a pressure-washer as a one-time-use pressure-painter, Mr. Classy broke out paint, rollers, and after he hit it with two coats, voila! A Movie Screen emerged!!!
Folks began wandering in throughout the evening, and I, sleep-deprived from my own bizarre schedule, faded in and out of the movie, my slumber interrupted by an occasional playful “SSSSSSSTTT!!!” by Classy, just to keep me up! Grrrr.... *shoots you the skunk-eye*
😀
It was a wonderful group altogether...
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of meeting
Mr. Miguu and Saint. It would be difficult to find elsewhere the combination of intelligence, understanding and serenity to the degree these qualities are found in them. I do look forward to further conversation with you both, whenever providence allows, and on whatever topic suits.
🙂
Ticklingfeet4fun, you debate passionately, sir, and I like that. It’s good for a man to know where he stands on things. I enjoyed your participation and thought-out views on all we discussed. And the lady
Sadira -- a pleasure meeting you. You remind me much of myself in your reserved study and observation of things. I look forward to having the opportunity to converse with you both again sometime.
I got to room with the always pleasant and upbeat
BXTCKLR. You’re a fine gentleman and smart and enjoyable company, and I look forward to seeing you again. I do hope your friend enjoyed your gift. I’m curious to know how she does/did in her upcoming challenge -- I hope her success reaches the heights of her ambition. Please keep in touch, friend.
It was a great group, given to surprisingly interesting discussion as well... We hit upon our evolving culture, parenting and the socializing influences of the media, the similarities and differences among religion and science and faith and empiricism, and spoke in strangely disproportionate volume on squirrels.
Yes, you read that right. Squirrels.
And bunnies. lol!
Big G often began some of the more interesting discussions... ...or is that “instigated” them..?
😀 In any event, they were great to have -- working with kids all the time, I miss debate among adults. And I look forward to getting together with you and the lovely
Bratgirl for lunch or dinner and further discussion sometime!
And oh, yes -- there was some tickling that happened, too!
🙂
I appreciated having Mr. Miguu and others assist me with Saint -- esp. as Miguu was most knowledgeable of her best spots... Scott got to show off his considerable skills as a ‘ler, during which his ‘lee spouted such memorable phrases as “Somebody get this boy some ritalin!!!” and in an attempt at misdirection, “My feet want you!!”
Classy must wonder why she let so many “evil people” into her home (just as Mr. Classy must have wondered why he allowed in so many “weirdos”, LOL!), but there we all were, being “weird” and “evil” in the kindest of ways, just having fun, winning lotteries and some collecting what was due on old wagers.
🙂
And all too briefly, we had the company of a ‘ler whose reputation precedes her, Madame
Leeallure. But she made good use of her time, I think, and I, being the
supportive individual I am, held the hand of Mr. Miguu to help him through one such experience.
😀
Lastly, but of foremost importance were our fantastic hosts...
Classy and Mr. Classy, you guys are the best! From beginning to end, they saw that everyone was well taken care of, and never was a need unmet.
Because of a scheduling hiccup, I was the last one around, but they were attentive even to the last man... After we saw BXTCKLR off, always energetic hosts, they were kind enough to take me up to walk about a park and see some nearby waterfalls, and we discovered, according to a park ranger, that the area where we parked was ripe for theft!
What impressed me further, I suppose, was a little exchange the Classys and I had immediately afterward on the topic and their views of it that really echoed the extraordinary generosity they already demonstrated not only in holding an event at their home, but also with the care they offered each guest in attendance. I was immediately reminded of a much beloved
zen koan.
Bouncing back to the house, a friend of the Classy family apparently had stumbled on Classy’s profile on a site not unlike this one, and he let her know he’d found it, much to her chagrin... She handled it well despite a little embarrassment, but darn it if her reaction wasn’t at least a
little bit funny...
😱 
😀 In the end, it was all good, and I’m sure it wasn’t a big deal -- after all, he had to be on there to see the profile in the first place...
The Classys were wonderful company throughout... We hung out at a mall and killed time before my flight (whereupon I witnessed Mr. Classy’s hilarious system for paging his wife -- just basically wandering around a store, loudly calling out her name again and again... LOL!
😀 It’s much more fun than a conventional page.), we chatted, had dinner, and they waited with me at the airport ‘til the end.
What can you say about all that time, attention, and effort, but “Thank you!” You really made me feel welcome and virtually a part of your family. I think many felt the same way. What an awesome party.
On my flight out, over thunderstorms to the east, I saw the nigh full moon, barely waning, and was reminded again of the koan...
In your kindness and generosity, you gave us all a great time,
and the moon to boot! Thank you so much!
It was terrific meeting everyone, and I hope to see you all again soon!
Capnmad
P.S.: Classy -- I think you have a great theme planned for next year, and if you need any art to help set the mood, ideas, a helping hand, or anything at all, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll be happy to assist!
🙂
P.P.S: Please pardon the lateness of my remarks.
- so good to see you both again and hope to be able to see you before next summer....Sadira, I may have a little score to settle with you! 
🙂 
NH2 
A special thank you to Classy and Mr. Classy to being such terrific hosts, and putting up with me for virtually a full day after everyone left. I love you all!!!
Big Daddy G- I hope you stick around our great lady friend for a good long time. It was a pleasure meeting you and please take care of Brat.
