Okay, let's have this out now. Boston: The real friggin deal.

[TayTay]

Geez Louise this is a tough crowd. Let's see if we can clear some stuff up. This thing of people getting their feelings hurt and statements being taking the exact opposite of what was meant needs to come to an end. So, let's talk. Straight up, here's the actual deal. Then get friggin mad at me over something I really said, not something I didn't do or say. Deal? (Hey, I warned you I was quite blunt at times. This is one of those times.)

1. We are not professional word-smiths or politicians. We are ordinary people who had an extraordinary experience due to the kindness of others. The fact that we are ordinary people is the whole friggin point. It informs every post that was made at this forum. It is why we were blown away. If this happened to us before, we wouldn't be suffering with how to put it into print, cuz we would have the experience and knowledge of how to post about it. We are newbies in this and have made mistakes. Now ask yourself, if you had been there, would you have made perfect posts about it right away or been overwhelmed? Cut us some friggin slack already.

2. The whole big secret thing that is the real nub of this is a huge mislead and people are taking it the wrong way. I tried to tell people that this is really paperwork and that we would like the freedom to start asking for names and numbers of people so that we can get better organized. Maybe so organized that we can make a bit of difference in the future here and there. That is the friggin mission. Please tell me that an epidemic of brain disease didn't hit this forum while we were away partying in Boston and people can't guess this part. C'mon people. What the hell do you think happened? (We made plans for storming Texas? We can't do that without telling Babylonsister first. She would be pissed at us. She would have to have time to prepare. Make cookies and stuff.)

3. We feel protective of John and Teresa and would never do anything to hurt them. However, we are also just plain people and it is possible that we took this too far. (Swearing everlasting fealty is, ahm, probably an excessive reaction. Hmmm, maybe that needs a rethink here.) Trying to figure out what is safe to talk about and what generates Crispin moments is also a concern. Never having done this before and trying to do no harm is also nice. Pardon us while we try to figure out what is what here. And if you already know all this, then WTF - share already. How do people who have no experience in this explain an experience, make it inclusive and still share what were kind of interesting and unique moments? May I please have the manual for how this is done, now. Cuz I'm starting to get freaked out here. I am having one of those bad nightmares where I have to show up for an exam where I never attended the class. And I'm buck naked and I forgot my glasses. Geez Louise, that's a scary visual right there.

4. This part is a bit harder to explain and a wee bit softer. Bear with me. We had a 'Cinderella' moment. We honestly did. We did our level best to keep our heads and talk about this group as a group. We did. We were also ridiculously human, sleep deprived people who may have made some mistakes when the coach turned back into the pumpkin and the horses became mice and set up shop in the food pantry. We are having trouble remembering what it was like to be Cinderella and remembering floating back down to earth. Again, cut us some friggin slack here. We are working it out. Can we do that and tell you that it meant the world to represent this group and take everyone with us? And tell you that was true and really did put tears in our eyes? I don't think I've died and been elected Queen of Sheba just because of what happened in Boston. I honestly don't think anyone else does either. But this is a written medium and it is easy to give off the wrong impression in print. (Excuse me: have you ever read the other forums on DU? Sometimes things in print are misinterpreted. We didn't mean to do so.)

So: Ask me anything. The Doctor is in. This is a chance to ream me a new one over this and take me (and by extension anyone else) to task for what we said. But let's friggin talk, get through it, straighten it out, get some good stuff out of it and move on. Please?

[rox63]

1. Thank you, TayTay

You have a great way of putting things. Gets right to the point. And it's appreciated. I'm still bumbling around the house looking for that other glass slipper.

[rosesaylavee]

2. I guess I missed the post where

you guys were snarked. Not sure what you are referring to - am just glad you represented us and made enough of an impact that Kerry et al think that we can help them win the 2008 election. That is the point,yes?

Secondly, I have signed up on the other forum. Posted and see nothing but lurkers over there. What happened to make us all shy? Post already or its going to die on the vine.

Tay, Tay. You write very well. I think you are very funny. Take your time to 'splain to us what is needed and know that we are all just anxious to do something meaningful to help.

[TayTay]

4. Thank you sweetie.

Right now, I am not doing much. It is not an effort to slam or ignore anyone. I was just very busy the last two weeks and have to catch up with some home business. (Oh, you know, put up the Christmas tree, shop for presents, cuz I got one lousy paperback in Santa's toysack right now and my kids are going to friggin kill me unless I get my sorry ass to the store soon.) I missed my son's semi-formal preparations on Saturday and forgot to even get his 'date' (but we're just friends) a corsage. (My son was pissed. Apparently the Moms are always responsible for remembering corsages. Honestly, what is up with that? I don't remember that in the childcare handbook when I brought the kids home all those years ago.)

Thank you for your kind comments. I took a nap tonight and it did wonders for my bleary brain cells. I hope that I do not over-react to something that I thought was an over-react. Because that can become an infinite loop and you can get trapped in it forever. That would just plain suck.

I just want to be friends again and bask. And bask. And bask. Wanna bask with me for a little while and have some high fives?

[rosesaylavee]

9. Bask, bask, keep warm, and get plenty of sleep

but someone at sometime will let us know about the actual work to be done?

[TayTay]

13. We don't know yet.

That was the really badly handled part of this. It sounded like we were playing keep away with the info here. We are not. In order to fully answer your question of what happens next, some people have to kick it into gear and get a structure up that allows your question to be answered. That is the whole of the info being 'kept away.' Honest to God.

Hey, we will talk a lot more. (OMG a way lot more) about this. First we have to answwer the question: Your server or mine? and paperwork like that. Then we get down to business. Honest. Right now, to be perfectly honest, real life is kicking my rear end and I will not be taking on any major projects through New Years. (Hey, just being honest. I have too many irons in the fire for the Holidays. But after that, we are good to go.)

[kerrygoddess]

16. Tay Tay - the structure is up

The structure is up and the majority of the regulars here have already registered and are vetted into the private forum. I also PM'd about your intial post here and to fill you in on what I have been doing by similar request.

Again I will reiterate I feel we can all do more working together.

[TayTay]

17. We all feel that way KG.

Again, I am also mindful of the season. I will register and such, but do not be upset if not much happens till after the holidays. That is perfectly normal. Things slack off around DU in general at this time of year. It doesn't mean anything besides, it's the holidays and people get sidetracked by their 'other lives.'

See you there soon.

[kerrygoddess]

27. Tis the season -

Absolutely. I'm looking forward to a few days of R&R myself and relishing the thought that the blogosphere quiets down as does the internet. I'm sure everyone who has already registered is looking forward to you joining in.

Enjoy the holidays!

[k j]

18. Don't know about anyone else...

but I'll keep my ideas re: stragegy on the ungoogeable forum. Some of us (well, me!) live in an unforgiving area of rural red. My family has already paid dearly for the stands we've taken in the last two years. (We're not alone however, others all over the country have paid dearly as well.) Bottom line, I'm not going to put my identity or ideas on a public forum.

I'm very, very happy you all had a wonderful time in Boston. As has everyone who has helped the Kerrys' in the last few years knows, seeing them is an awesome experience.

[sandnsea]

11. It was your son's winter formal??

And you missed it? Ooh, :hug:

And didn't get the corsage? yikes. Yes, *sigh* it is the mother's responsibility to say, "did you get the corsage", but only the first time. After that, it's on him. I mean, how are you supposed to know what color the dress is and if he didn't tell you, then duh, how could he think you were getting a corsage. :shrug: Good thing is, they will all live, I'm sure of it. :)

But that was definitely above and beyond, arranging all of this, AND foregoing a bit of your child's winter formal too.

Bask, you definitely deserve to bask.

Or invade Texas, that sounds good too. Is there enough of us?

[politicasista]

3. Thanks for the perspective TayTay and everyone

:hi:

[Island Blue]

5. I just posted something similar but completly different.

(It can happen.) Very well said Tay Tay.

[TayTay]

6. Bask with me!

I'm still basking. I feel like I'm in a commercial here. (Cabana Boy, bring me a Corona with a lime twist. I'm over he-yah basking in the sun.) I'm still feeling the glow.

Hey IB, I'm thinking it again. High five?

[Island Blue]

8. Absofriggin'lutely on the high five!

How cool was that?

[ProSense]

7. All I know is

I missed it, but I'm coming to grips with it.

You offering medical services and all, here's my question: What is to become of me?




Rhetorical; seriously!


Very nice OP. Thanks.

[LittleClarkie]

10. Lies I tell you. ALL LIES!!

Skull and Bones!

Don't listen to them. They've been assimilated!

Ieeee... ack...

(Little Clarkie is dragged away by frat boys in ninja suits.)

[TayTay]

12. Hey LC, bask with me!

I spoke your name to Our John and discussed something really cool and sweet and wonderful that you did. He loved it. It was also about you kiddo.

Bask me with me for a little while longer, cuz that was really really cool!

High Five?

[LittleClarkie]

14. Rummages for a high five smilie... aha!

High five!!

To tell you the truth, I'm still having trouble getting my head wrapped 'round that. He knows who I am! Ieeek!

[seito]

15. Doctor TayTay

How do you keep your sanity? Really, you deserve a break. Let the kids sort it out in the sandbox. :D

My hat is off to you and everyone that puts so much heart and effort into making a difference. This has always been a tight group, and I am sure that once things settle, it will be back to normal. From my perspective, curiosity and emotions are running high. Everyone just needs to take a deep breath...and maybe get a few hours of sleep.

Kerry On!

[StoryTeller]

19. I think you all are doing great!

Being so new, I've been observing these discussions the past two days, and I've been thinking, "These poor people are exhausted!" Those of us hungry for details need to be patient and wait for our intrepid travelers to sleep, take their exams, and generally process their trip before we bug them too much.

It's very reminiscent of what happens in my writing groups when part of the group gets to go to a writer's conference and the other part can't swing it. Staying home is a very lonely feeling, especially with emails and blogs and forums that enable the home-bound to get real-time updates. And when the conferees return, there are lots of inside jokes and stories that make everyone else feel like real losers. Plus, the ones who couldn't go hear stories of all the incredible things that happened to those who went--like contacts made with editors or agents, late night bonding sessions with your favorite authors, etc. (I know--that probably doesn't get anyone's blood rushing here, but trust me, for writers, it's the equivalent of a beer with Kerry.)

And for the ones who got to go, it's a life-changing experience, and it's something precious and special. And it's hard to explain to those who weren't there. You can try to tell them about the workshops or the market info you learned about, but it's hard to put into words the things that touched you the deepest.

It seems like that's what happened here. And the reason it's a bit bumpy is because it sounds like it's a new experience for this group. If I'm reading right, you've never had a division like this that has resulted in some people having the dream experience everyone would love to have. Am I close?

What we've done in my writing groups is simply committed to put our consideration and support and friendship for each other above our devotion to -- in our case-- our writing career. It's hard to be unselfish and happy for the person who goes to a conference and comes home with a literary agent when you had to be the one who stayed behind. It's also hard to be the one who floats home on a euphoric cloud, exhausted, and try to be patient and understanding toward those who are disappointed at losing out on the opportunity you had. But you learn how to be gracious in both roles and put your friendships as top priority because cool opportunities and experiences will come and go, but your friends are what make life worthwhile.

You all are doing just fine handling this, especially since you don't have much experience with it. It will be easier the next time. I just wanted you to know it's not an uncommon problem, and no one should berate themselves for not handling it better. You're doing great, and I'm thinking I've found a pretty terrific bunch of people to hang out with.

:grouphug:

[ginnyinWI]

28. thanks for that insight, ST

You are right--this is a new experience for this group. Those of us who stayed home need to feel included, and those who went to Boston need to process everything and then find a way to incorporate it back into the group and make it better than ever.

And I do think we have a good group of people here, who generally try to conduct themselves with the same amount of integrity we see in our hero! And most of the time we do. I've been here a year now and can attest to that. ;)

[karynnj]

42. As one who stayed home, I do feel included

Like Beachmom, I'm happy I signed the card that he saw and liked. But beyond that, I have for the last year loved the stories that showed both of the Kerrys to be very kind, decent people. I would have voted for and strongly supported JK on the basis of his experience and his long career's positions. From the CSPAN speeches, I thought he had an unusual ability to inspire the country to live its values. DU and the MSM aside, I think Kerry is probably the most inspiring speaker of his generation. (Clinton was brilliant and seductive, but I heard none of the appeal to conscience or history in his speeches that is so key to most of Kerry's.) These were the things that were public and should have been better covered by the MSM.

Hearing from people like Saracat, who met him in NH, or KG who met him several times, or Whometense, who met him back when he was running for Lt Gov or Tay Tay's story of her husband meeting him as part of a MA group or several people who saw him at any of the events this year or last - all told pretty similar stories of a brilliant, funny, very quick witted, nice, soft spoken person. I felt lucky to see him in NJ - and saw the same thing.

What's really really great about last weekend is that 12 of you all met the Kerrys on a personal level. That all of you saw the same "person" and even seeing him this close-up became more impressed and that you have all tried to write your experiences is a gift to the rest of us. You are in effect witnesses to who he and Teresa are. It makes me feel that fighting for him on the boards and hopefully in real life in 2008 is important and worth doing. They deserve the support we give them.

[whometense]

51. I'm very glad to hear you say that.

What you wrote honestly brough tears to my eyes. They do deserve our loyalty and support.

And I wouldn't have you feeling excluded for all the world.

[benny05]

20. Tay Tay

I was not present for this; only going on your reading and another's experience there. I know what it is like to meet with a person in a position of power who shares some kindred spirits.

JK--happy beleated birthday..and to the rest of you, who really got to meet THK and JK as folks, good things. I'm pleased for you to meet the man. Wish I could have when he was running for Pres.

Benny

[rox63]

23. Benny05 is a good friend of mine

She's cool.

[TayTay]

24. Thank you.

Nice to hear from you. And thanks for the kind comments.

Rox and I are still basking. (Right Rox?)

[rox63]

25. Oh I'm basking all right

:high five:

[fedupinBushcountry]

21. From the other side of the coin

and this is where I think things got a bit splintered, for those of us that could not go, for some reason, my reason 5 years of Bush economics, did I ever tell you I cannot stomach him as a human being.

So we were here waiting for any news to come through, we were literally sitting at the edge of our seats, waiting for the wonderful tale to be told.

Well when the first story came through, we were all so excited for all of you. Then to be told that you got to sit down and have a beer and chat with JK, I think we all wanted every detail about the guy we all so admire, and is the reason we are here in the first place.

We also knew because we are in the world of the blogosphere, that everything could not be shouted out. That is when the idea came up of how we could chat about this freely and privately. We had discussed a way to better communicate without the whole world watching us before. So in no way shape or form was it intended to get dandruffs up.

Kerrygoddess came up with the idea, and to me it is a good idea and the safest way to talk without intruders lurking. I first got to know KG in August '03 on the Kerry blog, I myself was a lurker for a month, before I got the courage to post the first time, and these fingers have not quit since then. A whole other story is how overwhelmed I was to be asked to be a Mod, I was in shock, little ole me, and very proud to accept the job. But I can tell you from those early days of the campaign we were a very protective bunch.

In the end we are all here for one reason, John Kerry, he inspired us to stand up and be citizen soldiers. I am so glad he ran for President for I would have been missing out on a great American had he not.

Just my 2 cents :patriot: :grouphug:

[beachmom]

22. Honey, your stories in the last 2 days have led ME to bask, too!

A year ago I sent JK a letter. I had not met any of you here, and wasn't even posting anywhere, only lurking on dailykos (this was Dec. '04, and things hadn't gotten completely ugly yet). The letter was sentimental. I quoted the St. Francis prayer and said that he was acting like it -- to understand, not to be understood, to love not to be loved . . . After I sent it, I felt really stupid. Like gosh, what a sappy letter, and the staff people probably just threw it in the trash it was so dumb. I knew a lot less about JK back then, but saw something in that concession speech that led me to connect with him, and was literally compelled to write that letter. But then I think I read that Boston Globe biography, and they depict him badly in parts, so I figured he was too "good" for me, and wouldn't care what I had to say. So fast forward to now, and although only my sig is on this b-day card (my only regret that I didn't write a sentence), the way you describe his reaction just means so much to me. Who knows. Maybe he DID read my letter last year, or at the least, the staffers didn't throw it in the trash can. So I truly am moved by that whole part of your evening, and want to thank you for being there to witness his gratitude.

I love your Cinderella metaphor. That really puts it into perspective.

I think we will all work on our patience in regards to anything else you are working on. But the good news is that we have plenty of time. Okay, Tay Tay -- bask a little more. And high five -- JK read my signature!!!! And you guys had a beer with John Kerry!!!

[TayTay]

26. Yeah, now that's what it felt like.

Just coasting now. It was a very good time. You know, the very first thing would we all talk about whenever anything happened was, how are we going to post this in the forum. (I thought about that when we were climbing treacherous Beacon Ice, I mean Hill on Sat. How am I going to explain how I killed poor Fire on Beacon Hill in a horrible combination falling icicle, sheer ice tripping accident. That's going to be a toughy.)

Seriously, I think half the conversations we had began with: When we get back and start talking about this, how are we going to account for our actions to our other selves. We haven't had a chance to say how many times we talked about people who weren't in Boston (but in a nice way) and how excited we were to tell what was going on. It was a real source of the energy that got us through the sleep-deprived weekend. (And I was only seriously freaking out about the flights getting to Boston on Fri/Sat. Nothing else compares to that. That storm was no joke, it was a Nor'Easter and they rarely hit in December. Once we got by that, the rest was ordinary stress that I could handle. I had, after all, a lot of help and a somewhat natural tendency to not take myself too seriously.)

[ginnyinWI]

29. yeah it's nice to know

when you have an "instinct" about someone--to find out (from another source) that it is actually true. These 12 Kerrycrats are our witnesses to the fact that JK and Teresa are every bit as wonderful as they seem!
I mean, I've seen him in person twice at campaign stops, but didn't get to talk to him, much less sit around in a bar and have drinks and jaw-bone with him for an hour!

My own first-person experience of JK: very presidential, a very,very intelligent looking, with a charismatic sparkle in his eyes; more handsome than on TV, very gentlemanly, very classy, and very kind. Very approachable. And a firm but gentle handshake.

[whometense]

31. I agree.

I mean I have been in his presence enough over the years to have a sense of who he is, but never so close up and for such a long time. (The man is everywhere. An hour with him is a lot of time.)

Several people have commented on what a good hugger he is. He is, but it's more than that - it's the way he looks right into your eyes before and after. He connects. Funny, isn't it (in a bitter way)? How many times have we heard the talking heads blathering about how he "doesn't connect" with people? What utter bullshit.

What I can't get my head around yet is the way he trusted us. As TayTay said, I really think it was those birthday cards. At the party people were mobbing him, and we gave him the cards, but I remember thinking, I hope they don't get lost before he sees them. Clearly, he must have opened them up pretty soon after he got home, because that first call to the aide's Blackberry was made before we even assembled at the pub. In fact, right after the party ended the aide came up to me and said JK wanted to know about "the stamps" - I wasn't sure what he meant at first, but we later realized he was talking about the postmarks.

Isn't it funny how little things like that can lead somewhere so unexpected? TayTay was right. We hoped to shake his hand and exchange a few words. We never dreamed of any of the rest. But clearly Teresa understood that knowing about us would be important to him, and so she made it happen. Seeing how important was incredibly moving. It made me realize how painful this year has been for them, and left me with a renewed appreciation for his fearlessness, and the way he's jumped with both feet right back into it.

Oh, and here's a little catnippy bit - you know how they've been saying that Bush's aides are all afraid to give him bad news? Well, JK's aide was very sassy with the boss. Very.

[beachmom]

40. I think we have Teresa to thank for a lot of this.

She set it up, and that along with the cards and postage, is why JK trusted you. I really think that, and it makes you believe in this political world amidst all the scandal and intrigue and backstabbing, here is a guy who's willing to trust John Q. Public (yeah, you guys). I mean, in some other thread people were questioning things, like why would a senator trust strangers? Well, the answer is that he trusts his wife and he trusts his own instincts, and he knows when he's met an amazing group of people with more of us in the country behind them. When you look at the moments in his concession speech where his voice was cracking and he was so emotional, it was for the people who worked hard to support and help him. In that sense, we can identify with him -- he's thinking "you mean you want to help me? And for no personal or monetary gain whatsoever?". I think he is very humble in this way, and is truly in awe to everyone who believes in him and wants to help him.

[whometense]

41. You say it so well.

I think you're exactly right.

[Inuca]

47. What is the context...

... of the quote in your sig? Very striking.

[ginnyinWI]

52. That last bit made me laugh!

I was just reading the "Bush in a Bubble" article from Newsweek. And in the same issue, Zakaria has one about the "imperial presidency". They issue information to our allies, but it's one-way--they aren't listening.

Funny--the Kerrycrat who got the idea to cut out and include those postmarks is responsible for your meeting at the bar! It said, "We are SERIOUS about you"! His reaction of coming to meet you was not only a nice thing to do, but it was a smart thing to do--to expand "netroots" activities.

[Inuca]

46. This is pretty close...

... to how I felt in December 04 too. I had followed the elections almost exclusively through TV coverage, started liking JK more & more as time went by, was mad as hell the morning after, had tears in my eyes as I was driving to work and heard the concession speech. Started looking for stiff on the Internet, came across various blogs, and started lurking of a few of them. That's how I found out about his December birthday and simply sent a happy birthday note through his senate web site. Felt like a complete fool afterward, a silly useless act, but not meaningless to me.

[TayTay]

48. Welcome to the JK Forum.

This is a very interesting week to come on over and you are most welcome here. (We are having one of those 'working out our issues' moments that all thriving groups do from time to time. It is a chance to sweep out the cobwebs, redefine out feelings and also share some incredible stories.)

Again, come on in, have some fun and feel free to speak your piece.

:patriot:

[Inuca]

49. Thanks!

Love the way you write, Tay.

[saracat]

30. Alright Tay Tay. Lets have it. WHERE ARE THESE PIX?????

I demand pictures. Everyone keeps saying there are 'Tons" of pictires and yet few surface! WHERE ARE THEY???? I DEMAND PIX! NOW! OR ELSE....... you get the picture. I will begin to whine and that is not a pretty sound.You might have to cover your ears. WHINEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[JI7]

32. not sure where to ask this, but

what does he smell like ?

i know this may seem like a weird question to some.

[whometense]

33. Not like cologne.

He smells clean. Does that sound stupid?

[Blaukraut]

34. can't believe I'm still up

you're right. When he hugged me on stage, all I smelled was a faint scent of soap. No after shave at all. Actually rather pleasant :-)

[whometense]

35. I know. Me too.

I think I've given up sleep for the duration. I wonder when the high is going to wear off?

[JI7]

36. that's exactly how this other person described his scent

it's one of the reasons i asked. i don't remember how the conversation previously started, and i can't even remember who it was that said it, but they said that he smelled clean also.

[whometense]

37. Well, good.

Let's just say it was lovely to be close enough to him to get a chance to answer your question. ;-)

[Vektor]

38. Ok. No. This is a BEAUTIFUL question. And it's hard to answer. I'll try.

He smells like warmth, clean, sun, honey, 400 thread count sheets, summer days, fresh fruit, chamomile tea, your first kitten, and nighttime rain all at once.

Like everything you love, every comfort food you crave, and every memory you hold dear. If he sits close enough to you it's like a sedative, and long after you leave his side, you can still smell him on you and it rocks you to sleep.

Does that help any?

:-)

[babylonsister]

43. Dang, he should bottle that! nt

[ProSense]

45. You're right.

Suggestions:

Kerry Essence?

Kerry eau de toilette?

Parfum D'Kerry?

[Vektor]

50. Call it what you will...

I'm buying it! :-)

[BlueIris]

39. By the by, TayTay, swearing everlasting fealty

actually ISN'T an excessive reaction, if you ask me. Neither is wanting to be protective of the good Senator and Mrs. Kerry. Just sayin'.

[TayTay]

44. True. It just writes odd. (And my command of English, not so good.)

although I did get a good night's sleep last night and am now well on the road to recovery. (I am even contemplating a committee hearing this morning. Oooooh.)

I already liked and admired JK. I have done so for years. I have stood out in the cold and held signs for him and talked to people about voting for him for years. I think he is a wicked awesome Senator. (Okay, we all know this part by now.) And it was really, really nice to just talk to the him, off the clock. And it was beyond nice to talk about you guys. (Oh, I'm going to tear up again. This really, really means the world to me. I cannot convey this enough. That was everything, right there. I like helping people and kind of doing this bridge thing where you connect one person to another and then step back and watch what happens. That's just me. Well, I got that in huge, massive quantities this weekend. It just so filled my heart. I was and am so happy about this.)