Cocktail Party

[Ashton Gray]

With hundreds of members here now, I feel like a stranger to most, and I'd very much like to get to know you.

It seems that the forum discussions, for whatever reason, tend to be dominated by a relative few members, and the various Groups have special interests, so I thought I'd start a thread where everybody can wander in and out without pressure or demands. Just drop in, have a drink, and say hello.

I'd like to hear about who you are and where you come from. I'd like to know what drew you to writing in general and to The Writer's Box in particular. I'd like to hear about your hopes and dreams and aspirations, or, really, anything you'd like to say.

Some say, "Show me a writer, and I'll show you somebody with two jobs." Well, if that describes you, tell us what your "other job" is. Or let's hear some local color, or about your family or pets, or about whatever is important to you or merely strikes your fancy.

Won't you please pop in and say hi? I'm really looking forward to meeting you.

Ashton

[James Waters AKA. NineSpeed]

The names James, James Raymond Waters, Colorado Bulldog for me please, I am married to "The Absolutely Perfect Woman", Her names is Sherie Lee Waters. we are both 41 years old and are the proud and sometimes head spinning parents of, count them 5 children. 1 child mine from a previous marriage, and 4 adopted children. They are as follows,

Mathew Chelf, 19
Alexandria Heppner, 17
Bridget Waters, 17
Stephen Waters, 13
Michael Waters, 3

I have been a truck driver for the last 19 years, 3 years over the road or long haul, and the remainder driving locally. I currently drive for Dean Word Co. which is a road construction company in New Braunfels Texas.

I'm ex military, Army, While I was honored to serve my country, I would say that going Army was probably the worst mistake of my life to this point. To say I hated it would be an understatement. Had I gone Air Force it is highly likely I would be in today.

I did get to spend nearly two years stationed in Bamberg W. Germany. I would have to say, that country was probably the most beautiful place I have ever been.

I have been writing poetry since around age 10. My favorite class in school was creative writing. I love writing, the freedom it gives me to say what I feel, without boundaries. It is my paper, my pen and my thoughts. Some of my earlier writings were very dark as memory serves, as I went through some really ruff times growing up. On a positive note, I think it had a lot to do with who I am and what I am passionate about today. If I had to categorize myself, I would say I am a devout anti political correctionist, A patriot, not in the military sence, but as someone who calls loudly for civil change, and an end for political corruption and political correctness. I have been most of my life a loner.

I wave been and continue to be a member of writing.com and tried Author Nation. I was not happy there at all and had planned on leaving that site. and that is when I received the message from Dana. She invited me to this site, And I have never been happier. This is a wonderful site, with truly remarkable people. I have been blessed to make some great friends here. Ones that I hope will continue to grow in to life long friendships. Thank you Dana, You truly do not realize the value of the gift you have given me.

[Ashton Gray]

Halloo, Steve! Awfully glad you stopped by. Yes, we did have a few encounters, and you took me to the woodshed with your masterful parody. I still stand in slack-jawed awe.

It sounds like you have a wonderful family, and for all my rants about the miserable state of our education systems, I'm encouraged to know you've got some budding writers in your charge. With Twain having hailed from your state, I hope you are teaching them some of his wisdom. One of my favorite bon mots of his is: "The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter—it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

Love to hear more about that house. They really knew how to build them back then. My every best wish to you in your screenplay endeavors. Lord knows we need some good ones.

[Blindogg]

Well Ashton,
We have already met in several discussions and just about everything you need to know about me is on "My Page".
Although my "other job" is not mentioned.
I work in the Engineering and Stormwater Dept. for The City of Palm Coast Florida. My job involves designing and monitoring the work on the stormwater system in this fine mini-metropolis.
I am proud to say that even after Fay dumped close to a foot of rain on us we weathered the storm quite well.
I also feel the need to brag a little about my son, Jeremy.
He will be 28 in December and is a child psychologist in Warwick RI.
I feel that I can state unequivocally that there is no father on the planet more proud of a son than I. And this is based solely on the fact that he is a fine human being. If he weren't my son I would want him as my friend.
Other than that I don't have a whole lot to say, about myself anyway.
I would like to say that I do enjoy this group. So far I haven't met a person here that I wouldn't like to meet in person.
Maybe someday we can all have a big get-together and shake hands or exchange hugs (whichever you prefer).
That's all for me...
And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

[Ashton Gray]

Very nice to see you, James. Thanks for that poignant insight into your life and your family. Five, huh? You're braver than the army ever knew.

Man, I'd like to see you hold forth with some writings about your life on the road! That's got to be an endless source of material, and with your eye for detail I bet you could capture quite an audience. Do you keep any kind of journal or notes while you're traveling?

I think you probably have a considerable crowd of kindred spirits around this nation when it comes to having had it with political corruption and the plague of "political correctness." Maybe we'll hear more from others on this as this party goes on.

Thanks very much for coming by.

Ashton

[Ashton Gray]

Hey Blindogg!

That is quite some "other job" you have! Having dealt with Fay, I guess y'all are keeping a squinty eye on old Gustav as he bumbles and stumble in the southern waters, eh?

I like your idea of a real in-person get-together for Writer's Boxers at some point. Let's talk it up and pester Dana—whaddaya say?

Ashton

[Blindogg]

I'm all for the get together but sadly it will probably have to take place in Hawaii since our dear friend Mary Deal lives there and it just wouldn't be fair to ask her to come to the mainland...
PS - Thankfully Gustav is looking like he will bother somebody else.

[James Waters AKA. NineSpeed]

Ya and I'm still waiting on that foo foo drink with the umbrella on top on that fancy beach she wrote about.

[Blindogg]

Hi Aamy,
As a former Rhode Islander we were practically neighbors. (Ever been to Toads in New Haven?)
Anyway - nice to meet you and I hope you enjoy this site - it's a lot of fun.
Just watch out for Tony Walker - he's English ya know!

[Ashton Gray]

Hiya, Amy! Welcome to the 'hood.

Aamy said:

My second job is smiling, shake my tail, slight flirts, wear all black and take orders

I believe that's one of the finest résumés I've seen. All right: you're hired. You get the position by the door so the guests see you when they arrive and not me.

Okay, okay, I'll try to be serious, although it grates against my nature: When did you drop out of college? I ask because I think a college education is the greatest handicap any writer ever has to overcome.

And good on you that you write and write and write. It's the finest lesson any aspiring writer can learn, and many never learn it. It is the only way to write. There is no other way to become a writer.

A big shout out to Brenda and 'em. I'm really glad that you've graced this little party with your radiant presence—but I hope you realize that you've left all the partygoers agape with the mystery of the tragedy your father's death. I also hope you'll tell us all more when and if you feel like it.

It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Ashton

[Ashton Gray]

Blindogg said:

Just watch out for Tony Walker - he's English ya know!

There are no disparaging words about any members at the cocktail party. (And I hope you realize that you've now laid on foreshadowing with a spatula, practically rolling out a red carpet to allow Mr. Walker to make a grand entrance at the beginning of the Second Act, fashionably late, with all eyes and paparazzi on him. Tcht!)

Just kidding, Tony! Hope you get a chance to drop by!

[Blindogg]

Ashton you saw through me like a brand new contact lens...I was intentionally setting the table for Tony to make his entrance...I don't know if you were aware of it or not but I have been described as Tony's "boot licking sidekick".
Just trying to live up to my rep...

[Rianna]

Mr. Gray (and everyone else) - most of you have probably read one of my nonsensical responses to the forums, but allow me to informally introduce myself.

My name (on here) is Rianna, which is much prettier then my "real" name. I live in North Dakota with my husband of 14 years, 11 months, and 30 days (15 year anniversary is tomorrow for those trying to do the math), my 6 children (yes James, I have you beat by 1), and my border collie/black lab puppy - who really isn't a puppy anymore and instead has moved into the age of pain in the rear.

I have a "day job" - I'm a marketing specialist. In the evenings, I help with homework, often stealing my children's algebra books and refreshing my own skills. I also write whenever I can find the time. I enjoy reading when I have time, playing video games (RPG's), and making robots - which aren't really robots, but more little electronic toys created from taken apart toys.

Oh yeah, I'm also psychotic. I always add that to ensure people realize that I really am more sane then I let on.

Nice to meet you all!