Do You Live in Southern California? Let’s Hang Out!

Posted June 14, 2010 by Holly in Miscellaneous | 11 Comments

A couple of years ago a few of us So Cal Bloggers decided, since we lived close enough, we should meet.  It started with Rosie, Wendy and me. And then at the very last minute I got a migraine and couldn’t make it. So it was just Rosie and Wendy.

The next time we planned a meeting more of us showed up:

Me
Rowena
Daphne
Wendy
Rosie
Lori
Nikki

Then we added:

Tracy
Renee
Blanche
Alys
and
Lisabea as an honorary member when she came to visit from somewhere that is decidedly NOT So.Cal.

We usually meet at a book store, then have lunch together. Then comes the much lauded Parking Lot Swap. All of us bring books we’re willing to part with – extra copies, books we loved we want to share, books we hated we want to get rid of, etc – and at the end of the day we pop our trunks open in the parking lot/garage where ever we happen to be, and swap books. Right there in the parking lot. This is the best time of our get together if you ask me. You don’t really know someone until you’ve seen how they act when there’s a book they want – especially if someone else happens to want it too. heh

Two times ago when we got together, Nath was visiting from Canada. During that visit I was tweeting about being there and HelenKay Dimon said she lived in So Cal. I suggested she come hang out with us, she said she would love to and that started off a huge explosion for our next meeting.

We met and had lunch at the Yard House, then went book shopping, then did the Parking Lot Swap. Only this time it wasn’t just bloggers and readers, it was authors, too (who, incidentally, are still Readers, but you know what I mean). Lisabea was back visiting (she was the reason for our meeting in the first place) and it was a much larger group this time:

Renee
Wendy
Me
Tracy
Rosie
Rowena
Tessa Dare
Danielle Yockman
HelenKay Dimon
KC (Smokin Hot Books)
Kristin (Smokin Hot Books)
Rachel Jameson
KB Alan
Vivienne Westlake
Eden Bradley
Sabrina Darby
Nikki (@nikireads)
Lori
Lisabea/LB Gregg

Such a fabulous group! I had such a blast with them (well, other than getting a flat tire at the end of the night..but still).

On Saturday (June 19), we’re getting together again.  I don’t think everyone from our meet can make it, but most of us will be there. If you live in Southern California and are up for a day of fun, laughter and GIRL TIME, you should think about joining. We’re meeting in the LA area, but there are people coming from all over So. Cal, so if you want to carpool we can probably work something out.

Don’t be scared! I promise we don’t bite..much.  If you’re interested, email me at holly @ thebookbinge . com (no spaces) and I’ll give you the details. Even if you can’t make it this time, let me know you’d like to come and we’ll include you for the next meet.

Also, if you’re from somewhere other than So Cal and you think you’re going to be in town, let us know. We’ll plan a special get together just for you. (no really, ask Nath and Lisabea!)

ETA: I’m such a goose, I forgot to tell you the reason for our visit this time. Pearl from Pearl’s World of Romance is visiting! Since she isn’t from around here, who knows when you’ll get the opportunity to meet her next. Now’s your chance…. 😀

If you want to read more about our adventures, you can do so here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.


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11 responses to “Do You Live in Southern California? Let’s Hang Out!

  1. Lorraine

    What fun! I live in Thousand Oaks and would love to go, but unfortunately, I have to work Saturday.

    I remember reading about your meeting last year and thinking how wonderful it would be to spend an afternoon with such a fun group of women.

    Have a great time!

  2. *heavy sigh* Every time I hear about one of your meet-ups I so wish I lived closer so I could make it too. But I’d have to park the family jet in the parking lot to bring to and bring back my books. But one of these days for sure we are going to have to have that beer!

  3. Can’t wait for Saturday! My bag ‘o’ books is by the door ready for the swap, and my list of books to buy is ready!

    Now, I’ve just got to rest my voice for all the gabbing on Saturday! lol

  4. Lori

    Wow, Lorraine, you’re right down the road from me! Send Holls your email address, and we can be sure to include you next time!

    Can’t wait to see everyone 🙂

  5. @PatL – if you ever decide to come visit we’d love to meet you.

    @Lorraine – email me! You can come next time. 🙂

    @KristieJ – RT is in LA next year…*hinthint*

    @lbgregg – Would you just move here already? You know you want to…

    I can’t wait to see the rest of you this weekend!

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