Holiday Thanks for Smaller Indiana

[Scott Semester]

A flurry of blog posts this afternoon blogbooted this off the front page, so I'm re-posting here...how have SI and individual Smoosiers been a gift to you this year?

As I sit here listening to Smoosier Richard Ramsey play beautiful Christmas music on his SI profile page, I'm reminded of all the wonderful gifts that the Smaller Indiana community has to share. I think the best thing about SI is the people I've gotten to know -- if only electronically -- and the awesome impact they make on the world and on me in so many ways.

I'm reminded of Cissi Sherlock's Operation Open UP, a community outreach cellphone ministry that provides an essential communication tool to folks going through the hardest time of their lives. Not only does Cissi's work touch the lives of those in need, but it inspires other, more fortunate, individuals to act -- in big ways and in small ways. A number of Smoosiers model commitment to community in so many ways -- Marty Posch's organization Giving Sum is just one other example.

And Robyn Miller's videoblog experiments are an awesomely out-there adventure in risk-taking. 'Byn, keep it up -- and keep rockin' the 80s songs!

Sarah Brown's always-thought-provoking discussion starters are guaranteed to raise my blood pressure, but they also make me smile -- I don't think I've met anyone quite like Sarah.

Elizabeth Friedland's yin to Sarah Brown's yang illustrates the beautiful balance that is SI -- everyone's welcome. And I think I heard "Ebony & Ivory" when Theresia Whitfield found common ground in Elizabeth's post on reproductive choice.

I'm thankful for the insightful humor of Andy Brynildson, whose language in one post seemed to cross the line from PG-13 to something a little less suitable for the SI community, even as we all figure out together what our "community" standards are. (Andy, the F-bomb does have a place in my vocabulary, and though the post in question did contain more than my recommended daily allowance of F, I was not offended.)

I got to meet Michelle Morris in person the other day, and was amazed at her positive attitude and energy. Keep an eye on her -- she's going places.

I'm thankful for all the SI insiders -- the folks who established this community and who seem to keep it going. Pat Coyle, Lorraine Ball, Doug Karr, Kyle Lacy, Nicki Laycoax, and so many others whom I'm sure I'm forgetting.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I joined Smaller Indiana earlier this year, but I'm glad I did. I've learned a ton, met some cool people, and become more engaged in the growing Central Indiana community -- online and in person. So as this time of parties and celebrations rolls around again, I celebrate y'all. Thank you for being a wonderful gift to me and to others this holiday season!

[Michelle Morris]

I am very thankful to Scott Semester for this post! What a wonderful guy, I had the pleasure of meeting him in person and he really has a way of making people feel like they matter.

I have also been very lucky to meet Patric Welch, his wonderful sense of humor had me laughing all through lunch, and I don't know anyone else who can make me understand technology like he can. I know if I ever have a question or need a friend to talk to, he is my guy. I definitely owe him a mojito, and I look forward to having lunch with him again soon!

Speaking of friends who are helpful, I am very thankful for my best internet gal pal, Eva Lyford. When I couldn't figure out how to get my flyer posted on my blog, she not only told me how, but actually took my flyer, changed it to what I needed and sent it back to me with instructions. She is fabulous! Eva, i would love to get together with you sometime for coffee!

[Eva Lyford]

Michelle, you are very sweet! It wasn't a problem to help you out at all. I look forward to coffee with you sometime!

[Nicki Laycoax]

Aww, Scott, I think it's great that you wrote this. I am thankful for the fun conversations that we've had via Twitter. I've gotten some good laughs out of our link sharing. By the way, where is that magnet blog post? Morgan County is waiting to hear about your results. :)

I am excited to go to the Hole in the Wall lunch tomorrow and meet even more Smoosiers! This has been a wonderful year for making connections, and I am happy to have met all who I have, and am also thankful for all the great conversations that I've had with others online that I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting.

Thank you, fellow Smoosiers, for being such a great, strong, and reliable network for me. I truly appreciate everyone here.

Happy holidays to everyone. {hugs}

[Scott Semester]

Morgan County's going to be waiting for that blog post for a while... :)

[Nicki Laycoax]

Had to throw that out there. ;)

[Robyn Miller]

Thanks for the shout out back, Scott ;)

[Nicki Laycoax]

In one of our many Twitter discussions last night, we were talking about or favorite Chrismas movies, which Michelle also contributed to..Hers is A Christmas Story, and mine is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. I also mentioned that I loved Mixed Nuts, and was wanting to watch it online last night, but couldn't find it. :) Scott surprised me with an awesome Christmas gift! He put together a playlist of Mixed Nuts on YouTube! I think it is probably the nicest thing that someone that I don't know has ever done for me. Thank you Scott!

For those that haven't seen it, and would like to check out the playlist: Here it is!