After the week that I had I was not much in the mood for a party, but my friends were fairly insistent.
When I arrived I found AKM busily updating the comments on Mudflats and Shannyn playing the gracious hostess. They were both very dressed up and absolutely gorgeous.
There was great food, drinks, and fascinating people to talk to, and soon I found myself having a very lovely time. And then things took a rather surreal turn.
After sitting engaged in conversation for an hour or so I headed outside and found AKM in deep conversation with filmmaker/author Geoffrey Dunn and "best Alaskan Governor ever" Tony Knowles.
I had met both men earlier using my real first name, but as I walked up this time AKM introduced me as Gryphen of the Immoral Minority. Immediately both of their faces lit up and they each told me how much they enjoyed both The Immoral Minority and Mudflats, and how thrilled they were to finally meet us. You literally could have knocked me over with a feather.
(Geoffrey Dunn, Susan Knowles and Tony Knowles. Photo courtesy of AKM.)
I learned later that Tony Knowles had come to the party for the sole purpose of meeting the Alaskan bloggers. Apparently he has been following our work and wanted the opportunity to meet us face to face. (Can you believe that?)
I have to tell you that when your political idol tells you that he has your blog bookmarked on his computer, and reads you every day, it is a feeling that you will never forget.
As he was leaving Tony took my hand in both of his and thanked me for my courage and important work. Wow!
But there was yet more magic in store for us that night.
As I sat inside talking to a friend, I noticed a young lady sit down at the piano in the living room. She was slight, very pretty, and as it turned out quite full of surprises.
Moments later I heard piano music. I turned around in my chair to get a better look just as this amazing voice burst forth from this tiny wisp of a girl. Her voice was so clear, and so powerful, that she literally filled the house with her incredible talent.
I only learned later that she was in fact Geoffrey Dunn's fourteen year old daughter, Tess Dunn. Tess is an aspiring singer, who has already released an album, and has written over a HUNDRED songs!
I sat and talked to Mr. Dunn, his beautiful wife, and amazing daughter into the wee hours of the morning. The topics changed often but the laughter and merriment lasted until it was finally time to say goodnight.
It has taken me right up until just a few hours ago to completely process everything I learned last night, but the one very important thing I came away with is that what the Alaskan bloggers do is appreciated by people far and wide.
A humbling realization if ever there were one.
