What started out as a conversation about Doozers and Fraggles a couple of months ago on Facebook turned into a friendship, which turned into Anthony being the big brother I never had.

Just as the Doozers create magnificent structures that the Fraggles devour, Anthony encourages a creative side of me that I haven’t been able to pull out on my own.

In the few short months that I have known Anthony, he has proven to be a great friend and comrade. I salute him today, on his birthday.

Anthony and I have shared sandwiches and nachos in Claire’s living room, we’ve conversed over sweet potato fries and caprese salads, he’s driven around and gotten lost and threatened to leave my body on the side of the road, just as any big brother would do.

He was a tried and true emotional ally while my mom was sick, he’s a good sport with a decent singing voice, and together we shared in the amazement of a revolving Christmas tree at a yuppie chamber of commerce party.

Anthony is an old soul with a penchant for learning the ins and outs of one’s being without a single grain of judgment. He’s got wacky tastes and an eye for the simple things of beauty in everyday life.

I know he’s got friends who have known him for years, and I know they are just as thankful as I am to have someone so genuine in their lives.

Happy Birthday, Anthony.

Photo by: craighwk

BlogFest is a quarterly social happy hour type thing. People who read each others’ blogs talk, drink, eat, hang out. Always fun. – Cindy, co-founder of Pittsburgh Bloggers

Pghbloggers.org is a social organization dedicated to bringing localbloggers together, online and in person. The Pittsburgh blog community will next meet in person for Blogfest 16.

Blogfest 16 Details

WHAT: Pittsburgh Blogfest 16
WHEN: Friday, November 21st, 2008, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM and beyond!
WHERE: Finnegan’s Wake (near PNC Park, 20 General Robinson St., North Shore, 412-325-2601), in the Pub Room
WHO: All local bloggers/podcasters (and their friends… feel free to bring some even if they don’t blog!)AND: Ephemera Ephemerae , Inner Bitch, My Brilliant Mistakes, and Have a Good Sandwich.

The scene

Blogfests are always a friendly atmosphere open to anyone, blogger or not. I’ve been to a couple this year though I (Anthony) only started blogging weeks ago. Besides, let’s face it, everyone has a Facebook or Myspace page.

You don’t know about Facebook, Myspace, or any other social media brand? Blogfest is the perfect place to ask around. There are no silly questions, this community is geeked up about getting anyone informed and involved. God bless.

Witness the history

Blogfest 16 will be a big night for Bricks and Boxes. To my memory, I’ve never met Jennie. Thus far we’ve passed like ships in the night.

Jennie and I are going nuts about the collaborative potential of this newborn site. We know we’re clever as shit and we want to do amazing things for you. We’re also smart enough to recognize your input is critical. Be there Friday, keep us on point, and witness the secret historic bonus.

Note: Already have an opinion about B&B? Bring it. Don’t wait for Friday, drop us a note.