Last night, I met a few like-minded souls in The Springs.

No, it wasn't the annual gathering of "Nudist Vegetarians Who Blog."

Not 'round here.

Not in forty degree weather.

This particular meeting also had nothing to do with parenting or politics. It had to do with writing.

But I found a way to work politics in somehow. Part of my charm and all.

We met at the Cucuru Gallery Café, a trendy eatery in Old Colorado City, filled with beautiful works of art, yummy sandwiches, and even yummier raspberry iced tea.

They didn't have a single beer on tap, though.

UPSIDE: Kept my clothes on and used only kind words.
DOWNSIDE: Kept my clothes on and used only kind words.

Danny Summers, sports writer from The Gazette, talked about YourHub, described as a hyper-local, online newsletter. YourHub is a convenient way for writers to get published while contributing to local news.

Steve Saint, a freelancer in the group, wondered out loud if YourHub was also a way for The Gazette to score free content.

Steve worries that newspapers won't pay for a writer if they get the piece for free.

I'm normally against giving away a free piece of sass. But I've also contributed to neighborhood news in other forums and doing so is an effective way to feel connected to the community.

Danny said all age groups and writing styles are needed.

"But, please keep in mind," he added. "No cursing or pornography."

Looked right at me when he said that. I swear.

Must know my mom.

I asked if a liberal Jewish voice can even find a place in The Gazette - in print or on-line. Danny said he thought most papers were liberal and The Gazette publishes all political points of view.

You gotta be to the right of Atilla the Hun to think The Gazette is liberal. But okay. They did print Ellen Goodman once.

Once.

Overall, the gathering was a success. And so I can pinpoint the exact time, 7:35pm on Thursday, November 8th, 2007, that The Springs went from scary to satisfactory.

To this transplant from Tampa anyway.