December 99 December 98 December 97 _________________ Monday 13 December 99   8 07 pm pst   [ gathering ]     ^ Karen ^   ^ Heather ^   ^ Jen ^       ^ Beth ^   ^ Catherine ^   ^ Eleanor ^       ^ Jane ^   ^ Bella ^   ^ Jay ^       ^ Jolene ^   ^ Lucy ^   ^ Wendy ^       ^ Kathy ^   ^ Mimi ^   ^ Stasi ^       ^ Sunshyn ^   ^ Rachel ^   ^ Miles ^ Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting a gathering of 18 online journallers at my beau's house in the Berkeley hills.   I ran around a bit frazzled beforehand and the first guests arrived early while my hair was still wet, but as more people (and food!) arrived I could see that everything was going to go smoothly. I asked everyone to print out an excerpt from their diary and I watercolored twenty-one covers for people to take home (at some point I got nervous there wouldn't be enough so I ran dowstairs and painted two more in less than five minutes).   Of course I wound up with extras. I certainly didn't get a chance to chat with everyone, but after the first two cars headed home the rest of us settled into a heavy-duty female bonding session.   Jay remained very quiet in the corner. I, as usual, got nervous about all sorts of things which didn't turn out to be an issue.   My beau was a total peach and helped me clean before people arrived (he scrubbed the bathroom spotless!).   We lit a fire and arranged chairs in the living room.   I had told people that the house was "spectacular" and just before people started arriving I worried that they were going to find it unimpressive and wonder why I had suggested the place.   What nonsense.   It perfectly held us all, and the sky smiled on us with a spectacular sunset.   Also, the food worked out just perfectly, with lots of leftovers being passed around for various people to take home.   I had a delightful time stuffing myself. It was great to finally meet Jolene, since she had been my co-conspirator in staging this gathering, and I delighted in metting so many other people who share my passion.   None of my friends and family are supportive of this venture (except my man -- perfect as always) so I am pleased to have found a community which is supportive. I had to stay out of the gossip, because I didn't know who most of the people were, but everyone else seemed to delight in swapping stories.   The conversation drifted between journalling-related topics and whatever else came to mind.   I am so glad I had this opportunity to meet so many new wonderful people.   I loved playing the hostess, and several people were darling enough to stick around till the end to help clean up.   Everything was a sinch -- nothing stained or broken -- and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.   I know I did! Continued tomorrow... Of course, you can read more.   The Gathering has links to everyone's journals and their entires on the experience.