June: Community. Coworking. Caroline.

The first week of June, we feverishly prepared Caroline for her debut to the world. Gutting, cleaning, painting, gardening, desk assembling. We didn’t leave a brick unturned, as we spiffed her up for the 600 people who came through the doors on June 7, 2008, to witness the beginning of an amazing movement in Houston. A marriage of technology and art, a product of the passion of a select few, and the support of a an amazing community. It is one of the proudest things I’ve ever been apart of. And I am thankful to Matt and Ned for asking me to take part in it. Today I look back at this year, and I will always remember it most for Caroline, Sweet, Caroline. | View Caroline Opening Party Pics

Image: Ed Schipul

June also brought many events to Caroline.  This first Annual Lebowski Bash organized by our very own, Jason McElweenie, was the highest attended event at Caroline to date. With over 800 Nihilists, Acheivers, Dudes, Donny’s, and Maudes streaming in to share in Caucasians, Tasty Libations from Houston’s own Saint Arnold Brewery, and a special performance by Houston’s own, The Ton Tons. And of course….we screened the movie. We even got Sexy Attacked!—which had me beside myself with excitement. | View Lebowski Bash Flickr Pool

After the hustle and bustle of June calmed down, Miggy and I head for the border! We spend an awesome weekend in Riviera Maya, sunbathing, canyon repelling, and ruin climbing. It was the perfect mid-year break. Much needed for both of us, I’m sure.

July: July continued with more great events at Caroline.  Jeremy Jay and his band stopped by for a set, and later stopped by my place where I made them vegetarian pizzas (yes, me, cooked) and helped them set up a blog.  (Which looking at it now, looks like they haven’t touched it since!)

ArtStorm, Caroline’s resident art organization and gallery, opened their 2nd, and extremely sucessful show at Caroline,  Creature Comforts, featuring the art of some of my favorite Houston artists: Lisa Marie Godfrey and Ely Sebatian Brumbaugh.

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"

July was also more travel, as I headed to San Francisco for 2008 BlogHer Conference. I also had a chance to visit with my great friend, Laura Mott, and spend some time in the city with Fayza, as she prepared to move BACK to Houston!

Houston Chronicle Covers Green Networking at Beaver's Icehouse

We had some great times at Beaver’s this summer, thanks to New Living’s weekly Happy Hour, Green Drinks.  Some of our favorite charities and non-profits benefited each Wednesday as proceeds from eco-friendly drinks and munchies were donated.

If you enjoyed the Green Drinks Station at the CC opening party, come by Beaver’s each Wednesday as they support new entrepreneurial projects.

%25 of this Wedesday’s profits will support Caroline.

Hope to see all of you there!