Well, it's here. My blog. Y'all can quit laughing now. No, really. It's not April first, dammit!
A bit of a story on how I found the blogosphere. I'm a latecomer to it, I admit. For a couple of years now, I've been reading Drudge, NewsMax, etc. One day on NewsMax, I saw this really great "branded donkey" icon for a tee-shirt offer. So, clicking thereon, I found ThoseShirts. Neat. Really Friggin Neat. But, who was this "Rachel Lucas" in their authorized merchandise?
Totally. Blown. Away. And. Stunned. (see, I really DID read her.) Her site led me to many links. No, I'm not going to link-whore this post, but link led to link which led to link, link, link, etc, ad infinitum. In some cases, ad nauseum, too.
From her site, I came to truly value Kim DuToit's superb works. A kindred spirit, a true and fellow American, too. In the best of all possible ways.
Here now, is where the trouble really begins. You guessed it. I tripped across this damned Acidman site. Never knew one could become addicted to 98% Sulfuric Acid, but what the hell, it works for me. Mr. Smith's quiet, but insistent suggestions that I ought to write a blog truly affected me. I was honored and taken aback, that a writer of his caliber saw merit in my efforts.
And recently.... a few kicks in the ass and well-chosen words from this fine lady whom I met in Rob's comment threads; Ms. Key Monroe. She really convinced me that I could say something more blogworthy than mere blather. This remains to be seen!!!
Finally, big thanks to Paul, who connected me with TypePad , blogware and hosting; both at a deeeeep discount. Paul also provided valuable expertise and assistance in getting this off the ground. He's a beta-tester for 'em, too. If any of you need help starting a blog, click on him. Really.
I was born and (mostly) raised in SOUTHERN California. Been in SOUTH TEXAS since '76. Got a blogfaddah who's barely older than me, and a blogmama who's considerably younger than me! ONLY IN THE SOUTH!
To everyone who pushed, shoved, pulled, pleaded and even shamed me to do this, I can only say; THANK YOU.
So, welcome aboard the Sloop New Dawn. I'll do my best to keep the voyages interesting, fun and off of the rocks. Conversely I won't hesitate to explore uncharted waters on these pages. Hopefully, y'all will enjoy the journey, and want to come back for more.
Sincerely,
Jim
Congratulations on getting started! You would have a difficult time doing better than having Rob (aka Acidman) giving you a send-off, even if it is earlier than you preferred. I look forward to reading what you have to say; I've liked the comments you've left at Gut Rumbles.
By the way, you should post a cat picture to annoy Rob for jumping the gun.
Posted by: Jack | November 30, 2003 at 02:06 PM
Jim, I feel that I should wait for Acidman or Key Monroe to comment first, but what the heck, I'm hear now.
Congratulations, Jim. I've enjoyed your comments on Gut Rumbles, you'll be on my must read every day list. What are we raising in our glasses to salute the launch?
Posted by: Ms Anna | November 30, 2003 at 02:08 PM
Yeah, I'm proud of my boy! Maybe you can teach your blogmama a thing or two about getting a decent set-up.
Sorry your blogfaddah let the cat out of the bag; I would just like to point out that I HELD my end of the bargain.
Seriously, Jim---It looks great. I'm excited. I was waiting for the final OK, but I trust it's now safe to go ahead and add that link for you. ; )
Posted by: Key | November 30, 2003 at 02:20 PM
And I'm with Jack.
Throw the pic of you and the adorable feline up there for all to enjoy. Your kitty looks almost identical to mine, right down to the little pink toes.
Posted by: Key | November 30, 2003 at 02:34 PM
Just wondering, but since Acidman and I have a blogson (Donnie) does that make you my step-blogson? I'm so looking forward to following your blog. A ride on the Sloop would be nice too if you ever get up the Eastern Seaboard. (NC coast)
Posted by: Indigo | November 30, 2003 at 03:37 PM
welcome to the wonderful world of blogging...knew it wouldn't be to long before you fell under the spell!
Posted by: Chaos | November 30, 2003 at 04:00 PM
Congrats! I know it took a lot of hard work!
Great Job, you're on my "fav" list ;)
Posted by: Linda | November 30, 2003 at 04:33 PM
Congratulations! I'll look forward to reading you every morning!
Posted by: Alaska Kim | November 30, 2003 at 05:24 PM
Interesting family tree, Indigo. Maybe we should draw it all out. That'd make an interesting read.
I'm going to run off to my forum and see if I can make sense of it.
Posted by: Key | November 30, 2003 at 05:41 PM
Congrats on your new blog, Jim! I have
enjoyed reading your comments on Acidman's
blog. I will be adding your blog to my
bookmarked favorites.
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!
Cindi
Posted by: Cindi | November 30, 2003 at 06:42 PM
Welcome aboard.
Always room for another Gulf coast Blogger.
Posted by: Starhawk | November 30, 2003 at 09:31 PM