You know, I was suspicious that there was no way that anyone could live up to the Nilly hype.

I was wrong.

That's the thing, she's very strong at the core. She's Nilly through and through. She knows who she is and it informs her ethics, and thoughts and spirit. So in person you get to experience her Nillyfullity incarnate and it's a very warm, curious, thoughtful, laughing thing.

And it only takes a moment in her presence to feel as though she has been a part of your life forever.

My pitifully few pictures are here. I have no excuse for my slacking except that I was having way too much fun to remember to take pictures most of the time.

Back from Nillyfest Part 1, having had a wonderful time meeting her, and spending rare time with Cindy and Matt. My face actually hurts from smiling. I'm so sorry that I couldn't arrange for a day off tomorrow for touring -- especially because vw bug is the closest thing they have to a 'native guide' among them....

But they're smart people, and they have maps.

Nilly is very huggable. Who wants to be my witness?

Yes! Yes, she is. And you and Tom threw a lovely party, and have a wonderful home, too. Thank you so much, Nora (and Tom).

Nilly is as Nilly as any Nilly could ever be. We need to expand the definition of Nilly in our Buffista lexicon. I can't think of a nicer way to describe anyone. She is huggable. Also kissable. So smart. So animated. So very real. I cried coming in, and cried leaving. It's not enough time.

At one point, we were talking and it struck me that this is not her native language, and yet she speaks so quickly--the words come tripping off her tongue. Also? She is so pretty, and has the most fabulous hair. I want more Nilly, darn it, long talks and Sabbath.

Nilly gave Nora and Tom the loveliest gift, but I'll let Nora tell you about it. Also? Matt gave Nilly what might be the most Buffista gift, ever.

Tal, I told Nilly that you miss her, and she said that she misses you (and 2 other lurking Friends of Nilly--Nilly misses you) too.

This was only the 2nd time I've been out with the local Buffistas, and quite a few I hadn't gotten to meet before (thessaly, victor, Emily, and Matt, who isn't local to us, sadly), aside from Nilly. I have to get the whole evening together in my head. Tonight, just as it's been when I've been out with Bronzers, and the other time I was out with Buffistas, I miss the ability to scroll, and know what everyone is saying. It's hard for me to translate it over to real life, somehow.

One quick question before I leave... Plenty of people have mentioned how good looking Matt is. How come nobody ever mentioned his voice? He has the most lovely voice.

Home from SF and all the overwhelming foaminess of Nilly and the Bay Area Buffistas (and we really should start a rock group with that name, don't you think?) It was so much fun, I think I'll have to be depressed and mopey for a week to make up for it.

editted because a link to pictures didn't work. I'll try to get them up tomorrow, I'm half blind with tiredness. And, because I'm half blind anyway. You do the math.

At one point, we were talking and it struck me that this is not her native language, and yet she speaks so quickly--the words come tripping off her tongue.

I actually taught Nilly a new word tonight, "mellifluous," which (tying two of Cindy's thoughts together) I had used to describe Matt's voice.

The party was great fun, with discussion wandering all over the map. Now to bed, because I have to get up bright and early to pick up Matt and Nilly for tomorrow's sightseeing.

Jealous, and miss Nilly.

Lee, you people out there bogarted her for far too long. There may have been a minute bit of grumbling about those west coastistas keeping our Nilly too long.

DX, what time are you all heading out, tomorrow (or if you really went to bed, today)?

I actually taught Nilly a new word tonight, "mellifluous," which (tying two of Cindy's thoughts together) I had used to describe Matt's voice.

It is. It truly is. Matt's voice is silky.

Yep - Matt has a Voice, yo.