THE CITIZEN INDEX

Monday, January 13, 2014

Buzz it Up! Coffee, +40



This episode of Buzz it Up is brought to you by the number Deux, and the letter Vous

Last week I had the pleasure to meet with the beautiful and talented Joni James, Seattle based artist, +40 blogger. Mother, wife and the gifted hand behind CalligamOrama, Joni has a way with saying things, whether it be through her incredible word art, or in her expressive style of dress.  A quick recap on how I got to know this incredible woman: it was through the blog post of a Cincinnati +40 fashion blogger pal, Reva (Reva's Rags to Roses) I was introduced to this Seattle based +40 (fashion and art) blogger, and later got to meet last year. I instantly felt love drunk + giddy from the first hello- such an instant rapport we made, that we yakked FOR hours, before even making the move to order our first cup of coffee. 

Let's Meet for Coffee: Cultivating Friendship Over a Cuppa (image courtesy of Calligamorama)

That's pretty much what happened, part 2. Joni showed up to my house, looking lovely in a play of leopard on leopard,  leopard print umbrella (picked up that morning from Rite Aid), cute leopard print cardigan (what? this old thing? got it from a local consignment shop), and some fresh looking animal print kicks. I wish I would have thought to take a full length photo of Joni, but you know what- I plain forgot to; I was having such a great time just hanging with her, that all blogger to-dos just fell by the wayside. After the first hug, I pretty much just spilled the beans all over her, a hours long yak fest, (again) before even taking a breath, and suggesting we walk to a nearby coffee shop for some coffee talk.


We shared some good laughs and some coffee talk over at Caffe Vita in Phinney.  As we caught up and brainstormed about best practices towards world domination, a rainstorm swept through the 'hood. Let me tell you, nothing feels cozier than drinking a hot bevvy with a dear friend in a cute coffee shop, while watching a heavy down pour happen outside. And I was so glad we had brought our leopard and plaid umbrellas! 

We discussed how certain things have improved with age (like our self confidence, and improved fashion sense), I couldn't help but think about the many, lovely and inspiring people I've gotten to know over the years, through blogging. Many, like Joni, are vibrant, creative women, who have generous souls and colorful wardrobes.

Colorful, Confident, Comfy: +40 Fashion Bloggers Show a Diverse Range of Style and Expression.

Speaking of inspiring bloggers over 40, Catherine has got a FANTASTIC post up on why it's great to be a Fashion Blogger over 40. Do yourself a flavor and check it out here.


Don't forget: Shoe Shine is tomorrow! It's a shoe party, and it is OPEN TO EVERYBODY! Link up in our monthly community event. You don't need to be a blogger, just someone with a valid url link of you showing off your stellar kicks.


17 comments:

That's Not My Age said...

I've met some fabulous, inspirational women online and it's amazing when you meet up in real life and get on like a house on fire. Brilliant!

SeƱora Allnut said...

so nice to read you've met with Joni James, she's cool and talented and gorgeous!, love bloggers meetings and love coffee talk, so I would love to join the meeting with all my incoherent enthusiasm!!
hurrah for feeling fab at 40+!
besos & rock

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

it would be so much fun if we all could meet... but you ladies, Seattle way have a wonderful time...drink a cup of something really strong for me!

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Sounds like y'all had an awesome time--Joni is super cool!!

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Sounds like y'all had an awesome time--Joni is super cool!!

Anonymous said...

No, you are RAD!
Thank you so much Bella! I love your honesty and energy. It was a cozy and insightfully inspiring afternoon, made the rain a treat. Your neighborhood is fantastic too!

My turn to have you over next! Maybe we should focus on a fun photo shoot next time. We seem to only get pics with big cups in our faces.

Shybiker said...

What a nice write-up of a meetup. Glad to meet your friend.

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

Hello Citizen, I have missed coming here. I see you're still having a great time connecting other bloggers and writing fabulous posts. Joni looks like a cool girl - not to mention pretty too. I am checking out her blog as we speak. I hope you are doing well.

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Oh what a beautiful pic of Joni, I can just see her dressed in leopard-print with those long legs. What a special day :) xx

Anonymous said...

You got to hang with Joni again? Man, next time I'm in Seattle there will be no excuses - I want to have a coffee klatch with both of you! Or a chardonnay klatch, or even just saying Hi on the street!

Melanie said...

Good one! Joni is the coolest. And you are the coolest. So what is that? The coolest-est? It could have been sunny or snowing, I bet you guys would not have noticed. And you have featured some of my fave over-40 bloggers here, Bella. You always have your finger on the pulse. Joni's art is taking the world by storm too. Awesome.

Sheila said...

Aw, I miss Joni! I loved her blog. Her art is amazing. Will be there for shoe shine...rain or (shoe) shine!

Curtise said...

Ahh, lovely Joni. I am looking at the calligram she did of me right now, and feeling very proud that she transformed me into art! How great that you got to meet up again. xxx

Forest City Fashionista said...

How lovely that you and Joni got to hang out (and discuss plans for world domination). I'm glad she is doing well and her art is reaching a wider audience.

Anonymous said...

Fab post Bella...that coffee really makes me miss Seattle!

The Style Crone said...

How fun for you and Joni! Blogger meet-ups have been absolutely fabulous for me. See you at Shoe Shine!

No Fear of Fashion said...

You are so right. What can I add?
Greetje