(I turned off the music--feel free to sing "Birthday" by the Beatles at the top of your lungs anyway.)
SQUEEE!!
Happy Birthday Writing Playground!!
One year ago today, I posted the very first blog and we waited with bated breath to see if anyone would come. You did, and now we are celebrating a whole year of fun and friendship.
So join the party and celebrate with us!
Darling Geek is over behind the bar mixing up large batches of Teeter-Totters for everyone. (Yep, he's wearing his kilt for the occasion.)
The big birthday cake made of entirely of petit fours is right over there; help yourself.
Hey! No swimming in the chocolate fountain--I don't care how many Teeter-Totters you've had.
(I've set out a bowl of strawberry jell-o, but Johnny Depp hasn't RSVP'd. Alex will just have to remain optimistic.)
Let's get this party started! Grab a drink and mingle. The Playfriends will be around all day; feel free to ask us questions--we love to talk about writing, reading, and the Playground. Or just introduce yourself and say Hi. Tell us how you found us or what you'd like to see more or less of on the Playground.
We have goodies galore to give away. Each Playfriend is putting together a bag of party favors--all you have to do is post a comment for your chance to win. Marilyn also has a bunch of book thongs looking for a book.
I'll be on the dance floor. Have a great day everyone!!!
Squeee!!!
PC--Today that stands for Party Chick
(A private note to the Playfriends--I love you guys! This has been an incredible journey and I'm so glad to have shared it with y'all. Here's to many more Playground milestones!!)
PS: Yesterday's Daily Book winner is jeanette j for being willing to wear an Elf costume at Christmas (even though her husband put a stop to it!). Email Angel at angel@writingplayground.com with your snail mail address so she can send you your prize.
128 comments:
Happy Birthday playfriends!!
I'm proud of all of you and the website you've created.
PC's Mom
Happy Birthday Playfriends!!!! Thanks for giving me a fun place to come and play! I am so glad that I found this site!
Happy Birthday playfriends!
Happy Birthday!
It's been a pleasure to visit with you over the last year.
Happy Birthday to The Writing Playground! Have fun!!
I can't believe it--one year already!!! Seems like just yesterday... :)
It's been really awesome to hang out, talk about my writing and reading, learn that I'm not alone, and that there are people out there who understand and are like me (besides just the Playfriends).
I can't tell you how nervewracking those first few posts were. What if no one gives a crap about what I think and feel? There are still times when I have hesitation over what I'm posting, but for the most part I'm excited to get whatever subject it is out there so we can "discuss".
Thanks to our readers--even if we don't know you, you've become great friends and encouragers!
Angel
Can I have a mimosa instead? And a virgin one at that? :grin:
This year has gone by so quickly. I suppose that's what happens when you're with great friends doing something you like.
I have to take my car to the shop and have them bring me back home, so I'll be absent for a bit. But to quote Ahnold, I'll be back!
PM
Wow, y'all are at the party early this morning.
Teeter-totters have Apple "juice" right? That counts as a breakfast food.
I have too many favorite things to list them all, but I can say that I love the confidence I've gained over the last year. That first blog post scared the beejesus out of me. Now, something will happen and I'll say "I can't wait to blog about that," only to remember it's not my day...
And let me just tease a little--Year 2 on the Playground is already shaping up to be Fabu. Big plans; lots of fun.
:: cha-chas into the room with a party hat and a horn ::
Woo hoo! Happy Birthday to US! This is very cool. (Thanks for setting out that jello, by the way. A girl's gotta be hopeful.) I am very psyched about this party. A whole year! A year full of people actually hanging out with us because...well, I don't know why! We must be cool (flips hair) or funny or something. I'm very excited to have you all here, though, whatever the reason.
Pour me a tall one, DG! It's my breakfast today. Champagne makes me giddy.
To my dear Playfriends, thank you for such a wonderful year. My life is so different (and for the better) with all of you here everyday. You've become very important to me. ::Fans teary eyes ...world peace...
Alright, enough of that. Let's conga!
SP
Happy 1st Birthday, Playmates! I'm also enjoying #1 daughter's birthday today.
I know you're all excited. And why not? You've achieved greatness! (Cue graduation theme.)You conceived an inclusive place where all can play. (Cue Sesame Street song.) You've cheered us on, played awesome games, embraced success, and nourished us with playground wisdom. (Cue Barney song.) What's not to be proud of? Pardon me for gushing...
It's recess! Let's party!
Kathy
Happy Birthday, Playfriends! Unfortunately I won't be able to eat or drink anything but I'll try to shake a tail feather..um..later.
HEY! WHAT'S UP THAT KILT!?
I don't know about alcohol this early, but I could go for some chocolate for breakfast!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PLAYFRIENDS!!
Woo Hoo!! One whole year. That is an amazing accomplishment. I'm so happy for you.
Now pass me a Teeter-Totter... :o)
Happy Birthday!!!!!
You guys are so cool! I am so proud of you guys!!!
DG may want to dash off and switch into some jeans before the ladies get a couple too many drinks into them and get fresh. :)
Somebody wake up Instigator. She's missing the party!
SP
I can't believe it's been a year already. Time absolutely flies when you're having fun with people you love!
Like everyone else, I was terrified when I posted that first time. I had no idea if anyone would care what I had to say. But the fact that I've found such great and supportive friends makes that leap of faith worth every second of turmoil :-)
Playfriends, I'm so lucky and blessed to have you in my life. I don't know what I'd do without y'all. world peace, world peace It's too early to cry :-)
Instigator
I'm awake and knee deep in Dora :-) Fifteen minutes and I can drop Baby Girl off to school. Ah, blessed hours of silence.
Instigator
Happy Birthday Playfriends! I love coming to your site everyday.
oxwrkfans teary eyes
Y'all are making me all weepy this morning...
A few more teeter-totters and the Playfriends will all be weeping in the corner with the "No, I love YOU" going on...
But I do...really.
Time for a party game!
We had the contest where y'all had to pick your Playfriend (not that I'm bitter about the results)
If you were going to join the Playground, what would your "name" be and what would your icon look like?
That's a tough one, PC. When I was younger, I used to be considered the Teacher's Pet though. I'm a pleaser not a teaser, so I guess that if I was on the playground back at school, I'd be the Teacher's Pet. LOL. I don't know what kind of icon goes with that. (A brown nose?) LOL.
Kathy
Happy Birthday playfriends. You've done a great job here and have a lot to be proud of. Happy celebrating!!
Kathy, I think a Teacher's Pet would have a shiny apple for the teacher. Suckup. :P
Stick with me, Rhonda. I'm sure he's coming. We'll grab LJ and just loiter with a can of whipped cream until he gets here.
I'm giddy! Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Such great authors and friends!
SP
Happy Birthday Playfriends!!!
I haven't been visiting for very long. I only discovered the Playground during the Treasure Hunt, but I have enjoyed visiting everyday since!!
I will have to think a little more about what my "name" would be, lots of possibilities to sort through first.
Oh yeah, what was I thinking? An apple. Oh has it been that long? Oh to be soooo jaded by time. LOL.
Maybe the best gift would be... Captain Jack Sparrow himself!
Kathy
Are you up for it?
Happy Birthday Playfriends!!! I'm proud of all of you! :)
I'm not getting squat done today. My obsessive checking of the blog is totally sidetracking any hopes I had of producing pages.
Sigh.
Oh well.
grabs another teeter-totter and heads back to the dance floor
Uh... did I hear someone call my name? What in the hell is a teeter-totter? And where are the dancing girls?
Your faithful servant,
J.Sparrow
Hey Jack, we wanna see a picture with that profile! Now jump in the jello if you know what's good for you ;-D
Instigator - who needs another drink I think
Happy Birthday to Ya'll!
Now that's what I call a great present. Welcome, Captain Jack! So glad you could make it.
Watch out, jello can be quite slippery.
Kathy
He's here! He's here! Rhonda! LJ! Grab the jello! And the rum!
SP
(I have to hop off the dancefloor for about an hour or so to go eat fried turkey with my coworkers. Yeah, that's what I'm doing, yeah...leads Jack off into a dark corner...
And where are the dancing girls?
Helllooo--I'm over on the dance floor.
(Okay, can whoever found Ctn. Jack please go find Sting for me? Look away, DG.)
Ahoy mateys! You wanted pictures? X marks the spot.
J. Sparrow
Sigh.
Gotta love a man who can command a ship like that and wear eyeliner while he's doing it.
Instigator
I don't know who Jack really is, but THANK YOU! Buried treasure indeed!
SP
Hey, LJ! You don't have pointy ears, do you? That would be illogical.
Rum, jello and Captain Jack! You sure know how to throw a party!
I'm in heaven.
Where's the food??? I finally got back home from the car dealership and I'm starving! And about lunchtime they'll come pick me up so I can get my car back. What a hassle.
I doubt I'll get much accomplished today either.
Great nicknames and icons. :giggle:
What's everyone's favorite piece of playground equipment? Mine's not that spin-around-thingy. I always puked when I got off that. I actually love the bench over under the big shade tree best -- I can sit and read.
I puked there, too. Oh, fond memories... I love the slide and swinging until I get soooo high, that I try to jump off and land on my feet.
Oh, Jack!! I'm breathless. Seeing you standing proudly on your poopdeck has filled me with longing. Oh, the facial bone structure...the woven locks...the weathered hat...that jacket and those boots!!!! What can I say except...I'll gladly go to your cabin where you do not keep a woman's clothes.
Oh yummy, Captain Jack and Jello! Captain Jack in the Jello ... even better lol! Oh man, Smarty Pants is taking Jack back to the corner again! Oh well, where is that rum?
Happy Birthday playmates! Or, playfriends?
How exciting to hit that one year mark!!! Teeter-totter, anyone? Or fig vodka? Anyone seen that little guy with the purple hat? Ahhhh...there he is:
http://www.drinksite.com/product.php?prod_id=3734
Happy Birthday!!!
Kelley
www.kelleystjohn.com
Oh, Jack! Jack! Where for art thou. Are you in the rum again or are you still with Smarty Pants?
I'm sitting here chowing down on a very healthy turkey wrap. Of course if I dip it in the chocolate fountain it loses all semblance of good health. Oh what the heck!
PM
Rum, you say? Ohhhh, I've plenty of rum.
Yo ho ho and a bottle of...
J. Sparrow
Ooh...Captain Jack did make an appearance!!!
I am here and ready to party...where is the line for the Jell-O pit? Will some of the locker room hotties be making an appearance?
Oh... and did someone ask about naked sparrow?
J. Sparrow
Jack, you tease!
I am back from my lunch and even if Johnny were really here, I am far too full to do anything about it. Ugh....I'm going to sit out a few dances.
SP
LOL Captain Jack!!
What's everyone's favorite piece of playground equipment?
The monkey bars...no the swings...no the monkey bars...hmmm...guess I better go with the swings since I broke my arm in kindergarten on the monkey bars. After that I usually sat on the side with a book when we went to the playground in school.
Happy 1st Birthday! Yahoo. I love the food you have for the party; can't wait to try it.
congrats Jeanette on your win yesterday.
Oh my book thongs and party favors; let the party begin. I love party favors and prizes froma birthday party(the little kid in me coming out). Thanks.
What's everyone's favorite piece of playground equipment?
I actually really like those spin around things. They'd always get shut down though cause some kid would get trampled or whatever. They don't even have them in playgrounds these days. All their stuff is covered in rubber and woodchips and padded and safe. My playground sets were bolted to concrete with rusty chains and metal slides that would take the skin off the back of your legs in July. Ahh...the good old days.
Tam--if you knew me, you'd know there's always ice and coke around. Sashy over to the bar and DG will fix you right up.
I'm so glad y'all are getting some use of the jell-o. All locker hotties are welcome...they don't *have* to wallow in the jell-o
One of my fave moments this year was meeting 3 of the Playfriends (Instigator, Smarty Pants, and Angel) in Atlanta...y'all probably don't remember me...I also saw a couple of them running back and forth at the big RWA signing.
I said this in an earlier comment on one of your posts, but I feel I should say it again since we are celebrating...Whenever we went to the playground in school, I always took a book with me and sat on the side reading. Pretty neat I found a playground as an adult dedicated to writing and books. LOL
If you were going to join the Playground, what would your "name" be and what would your icon look like?
Hmmm....maybe The Avid Reader...a face with a book covering most of it could be my icon. Or, since you already have Smarty Pants, I could be The Nerd. Maybe stereotypical glasses w/tape in the middle (LOL) could be my icon (but no pocket protector...never had that).
I'm a monkey bars girl myself. I think I spent the entire third grade hanging upside down.
Over concrete. Back then, mulch was for flower beds.
(says the person who bought that god-awful expensive recycled tire stuff to put under AC's swing set. And if I never see my child hang upside down by her knees 8 feet from the ground, that's really okay with me)
Seems there were several blog readers at RWA this year. Somehow I didn't get to meet any of them. Maybe we should plan a Playground party for RWA Dallas after the Wednesday night lit signing.
Party game:
I would be called'Bumblebee'because I used to get dizzy from the swings and from the spin around ride. My head would buzz. The icon would be a face with bees buzzing around.
I recall liking the monkey bars and hanging upside down.
Jennifer, didn't we meet you in the goody room? I'm honored to be one of your year's highlights. Honestly, we were giddy listening in on your conversation where you were telling your friend about us. :) As for us not remembering... we're not rock stars yet. We're not likely to forget a run in with a 'fan' at this point. :)
Tequila, rum, teeter-totters...add some Baileys and we've got the standard playground bar setup.
We'll pass around the aspirin in tomorrow's blog...
SP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PLAYFRIENDS! I've enjoyed visiting this fun site and I'm looking forward to another great year!
I love the chocolate fountain! You can never have too much chocolate! lol
Oh, Jack! As SP said, You are a tease! Love the sparrow!
(we're not rock stars yet) Oh, come on! You guys have your own groove going on and from today's blog, it seems you already have a ton of groopies just waiting to get a chance with Jack and a pint of rum in the jello.
You guys kick "Achoo".
Oh man... I'm full of lunch and chocolate and I've been dancing with the naked sparrow and I'm ready for a nap. But just as soon as I put my head down, the car dealership will call.
Sorry I missed meeting you Jennifer. It's always fun meeting new friends.
And I think a Playground Party is a great idea!
Yes...it was in the goody room...and my friend ended up winning your contest because I wrote "Squee!" on the back of her entry. I noticed y'all listening and was glad to meet y'all.
Who ate all the chocolate from the fountain?!?!?
refills the chocolate. sends DG on a booze run. Orders pizza so that booze will have something to sit on
I've got another batch melting in the microwave. Someone was finger painting with the other batch on Jack's bare chest...
I wanna break 100 posts today, ladies!
SP
What's everyone's favorite piece of playground equipment?
I actually loved the merry-go-round. Of course I would not advise any of the playfriends to try it after all the rum being consumed lol. :)
Thanks PC and Smarty Pants for replenishing the chocolate. I need something healthy to counteract the liquor. Chocolate comes from cocoa beans... that counts right?
Someone was finger painting with the other batch on Jack's bare chest...
Why oh why did I bring my DG to the party? Wait, he's on a booze run--outta my way, girls!
Will the woman painting with chocolate on my chest please cease and desist?
Actually, I much prefer warm honey.
J. Sparrow
P.S. Has anyone else noticed how blurry those nonsensical words have become? Rum usually improves my vision. ;-)
*Off to get the honey*
Found it!!!
Hmmm...inebriated playfriends on a merry-go-round...interesting.
shoves Jennifer out of the way Respect your elders, young lady.
Oh Jack,honey! I have a bottle in my pantry and can warm it up in just a jiffy.
Hehe. I don't have to send my DH to the store. He's several states away for the whole week. Now that I think about it, Jack can stay at my house tonight. I have room!
PM
At the rate we're drinking and dancing, we're all going to end up passed out on PM's floor, so don't brag too much about having extra space. :)
Did the Birthday Party turn into a Slumber Party? I haven't been to one of those in years! LOL
goes to corner to be a wallflower
I've loved the swings since I was a small child. But my second choice would be a bench in the shade with a book while my children played contentedly (I know, I'm dreaming....)
That park bench sound pretty good angel!
LOL Tam...I have never heard of that candy bar.
Oh fun! A slumber party. You remember what happened the last time we had a sleep over....
Instigator - who wants some of the chocolate to spread on Raoul. He's mine ladies :-)
We've got strawberries, marshmellows, pretzel sticks, ladyfingers, piroulines, nutter butters, pineapple and brownies. We've got it all.
::ding:: OOH! The pizza's here!
We broke 100!
SP
Okay I have debated all day what my "name" would be and the one that suits me the most is Sarcastic Diva. I'm not sure what pic I would use for it though.
Ohhh...marshmallows!
Raoul is here!!!! And I missed him!
Sounds good Tam.
OOOh dearest Jack, the words you're hearing are getting nonsensical because you're surrounded with wenches who've imbibed on Teeter Totters, rum and probably those drinks they made at Nationals (I don't dare mention the name). Add jello, honey, chocolate, and the many other goodies mentioned above and your lips will be sure to slur a thing or two. Possibly a kiss? Aren't you in heaven, Jack?
We sure are! SQUEE! This has been so much fun!
Just got in and wanted to say Happy Birthday to all playfriends.
Hiya! :) Happy Birthday. . . I'm a newbie here so I just caught the party. LOL :) But just pass the chocolate here please! :)
Lois
Slumber party?????
Who said I invited y'all???
I only invited Captain Jack and he's agreed.
Mwahahahahahaha.
PM
Trying to catch up on all the posts lol.
Do you need an animal mascot? I'll be the cat!
Well, I'm late to the party--but I was late to this site as well--I'm so glad I found it. You guys are great, now I sound like I've already had a couple of teeter-totters.
Speaking of which--the teeter-totter was my favorite, but they are hard to find now. Especially after having imbibed.
Well, that is just cruel PM!
LOL
Oh, and my word verification was iouqt...get it, "I Owe You, Cutie!" LOL...I think I may have drank some of the spiked punch...I know I didn't order a drink with alcohol.
Welcome, Lois. Don't let us intimidate you. Just jump right in.
I'll take the Bailey's, thank you very much!!!! Yummy with chocolate. If I start weaving and laughing too loud, someone make me lay down or eat some pizza. Ooohhh, I think I'm gonna have a hangover tomorrow.
How in the world will I manage Drama Queen's open house at school tonight?!?!
Happy Birthday, Playfriends! This is the best place to visit!
Okay, i had to come and see what all the fuss was about!!!
Woo hoo!!!
You all rock.
congrats on year one and a taost to year two and three and...
kathih
DG went on a liquor run, but I think PC sent him on a wild goose chase so she could run chocolate on Jack...
Okay that should be a toast! not a Tao-ist which would be all too philoshophicaL FOR today. :)
Hope they get some kalua and vodka - love those black russians.
The name Kathy refuses to say is "Buttery Nipple"--and we make gooood buttery nipples.
Hmm, might go make myself one of those!
Never had one of those.
I just had my first one last new year's eve - very tasty.
Buttery nipples are one of the few drinks I actually like. I know this is blasphemous around here, but I don't really care for the taste of alcohol. Instigator got me hooked on those. On our recent retreat, I learned not to mix them with Teeter Totters.
God, I was so sick!!!
Yum, Instigator licks her lips Buttery nipples. I think maybe I'll have one of those tonight while working on my revisions.
Instigator
I am not much for alcohol either...in fact, in real life I have never had a drink.
What is in a Buttery nipple?
Butterscotch schnaups, bailey's, milk and ice. Yum :-)
Instigator
Looks like everyone is having a great time! I'm not much of a drinker. I only have a little wine sometimes. Buttery nipple is a funny name! lol
Ahh, but that's the best thing about cyber-booze:
no calories, no vomiting, no hangovers, and no need to worry about "beer goggles"
The dealership FINALLY called and is sending the driver out to pick me up. So I'll be gone for a while. I think Jack and I might just stop off for a nice prime rib dinner on the way back.
What? You didn't think I'd leave him here alone, did you? You wenches would storm my house and have your way with him, poor boy.
Til later,
PM
Buttery nipple sounds yummy
Never thought I'd say that...LOL
What?? PM, will you trade Jack for a wet Matthew McConaghey?
I've learned to never ever mix champaigne with any other kind of drink. By itself it's fine.
Well, if Smarty Pants his going to abandon her locker room hunk, Hugh then I'll take him. Hugh and I are getting along great!
I don't drink alcohol either but have been having a good time. The chocolate fountain was something I've never tried before and what an experience. Thanks.
I think the chocolate fountain was a big hit! I think I gained ten pounds from it.
Sounds like everyone is winding down...I guess all good parties must end at some time. I guess I'll let AC start picking names for the goodie bags.
I had a blast today...thanks for throwing such a great party!
Well...I guess I can say it now...Buttery Nipples. Somehow it just didn't seem right, at first. Especially after I wanted to follow Captain Jack into his cabin. And after he'd already been lathered with chocolate.
Well lassies, I'm abut to hoist me main sail and dock at me port. Dancing with the Stars is on and it be the final jig off. Will it be jaunty Mario or gruf Emmett? Nary a scurvy dog should be caught missin' this jig off. Til the morrow! Aye, tis been a glorious day full of mischief and delight.
Me hat's off to ya for a party well done and thanks for the rum! And a special thanks to you Jack for showing up like ye did.
Sorry I missed the beginning but better late than sorry :) Thanks!
I made it through my daughter's school thing without appearing the least bit inebriated. Yay!
I'm so thrilled that everyone joined us to the silliness today. It's been fun, especially since I would have been sitting all by my lonesome on the couch with a sick child.
Love y'all!
I am watching Dancing with the Stars too.
Angel...I hope the little one starts feeling better!
Group Hug!!! Oooh...Johnny, Hugh, watch your hands boys...then again.... LOL
I'm off to my revision cave :-) Thanks to everyone for stopping by and sharing this important day with us!
And thanks to Raoul for making the afternoon interesting ;-D
Instigator
LOL I must be drunker than I thought - I meant to say better late than never (hic).
LOL...cats...I read it the way you meant it, so I am not sure what that says about me.
ROFLMAO I guess it kinda works both ways.
153 posts. I'm in awe, really. What a great party! Thank you everyone for sharing this special day with us! Prizes will be coming forthwith.
SP
Getting to meet you, CP Extraordinaire, and all the other Precious Playfriends was one of the highlights of my summer. Thanks for sharing your Playground. It's a delightful place to spend time:-)
Congrats on the birthday...I have my lampshade on and I'm ready to party
Never fear my darlings, Captain Jack is here with rum and buttery nipples and a fresh supply of chocolate for the fountain.
Let the party continue!
And many, many thanks to the Playground Monitor for the wonderful dinner and offer of her bed. Her GUESTROOM bed. Get your minds out of the gutters, you naughty girls.
J. Sparrow
Here Billie--
Kira and I ALWAYS have the fixins for buttery nipples. Always.
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