Blog Out Loud is today! It’s at 2:00 p.m. sharp, at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, which is the very western end of Sparks where it bends around to meet Queen. You can enter the church from either the Queen side or the Sparks side. Remember, it’s free, so bring everyone you know!

There’s a very small parking lot to the east of the church that can only be entered from Sparks. A better bet is one of the paid lots along Queen (there’s an underground one just before Bay) or street parking in the area. Be sure to arrive early to make sure you are able to find parking and make it to the church on time.

There will be snacks and beverages for sale (it’s licensed). We’re in the big room this year, which means yay! lots of seating, but boo! we’ll have to clear out when the readings are done (around 3 p.m.). We should be able to gather in the cafe area if anyone wants to hang out longer.

And just a warning to those of you bringing kids – there will be some adult language.

See you there!

Blog Out Loud is tomorrow! I hope to see you all there. If you have any questions at all, you can leave them in the comments or shoot me a message over on the Facebook page or on Twitter (@bolottawa). Remember, it’s free, parking is annoying so leave yourself some extra time, and we’re in the big room so there should be room for you and all your friends.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank some of the people who worked hard to make this year’s event happen. First up, the members of our hard-working panel who read every post, put a lot of thought into each of them, and compromised tirelessly to pick the posts that will be read tomorrow. They are:

Krista Gray-Donald of the blog Life in the Hutch, fabulous photographer, involved and caring citizen, and warm and loving mom to two littles;

Nat Hanson, past blogger turned woman-about-town, now being all sassy and adorable on Twitter and Facebook;

Brenda Labelle of the blog Bjütie, a first class fashionista, pop culture queen, and expert on all the things that make you truly beautiful, inside and out; and

Sasha Rambles of the blog Rambling Notebook, passionate book lover, aspiring author, bemused parent, and kindred spirit of all who love to laugh.

Thanks so much ladies, you knocked it out of the park this year!

Also, a special thanks to our live-tweeter, Tanya Snook of the blog Spydergrrl On The Web. Tanya puts in a ton of work prepping for the event and making those who can’t be there feel like they are experiencing it first hand. I consider her my number one partner in this endeavor and she’s a fantastic blogger and a great lady, too. If you can’t make it out tomorrow, you can follow along with what’s happening on the Blog Out Loud Twitter Account, courtesy of Tanya. Thanks so much, Spydergrrl!

Lastly, as most of you know I’m planning for this to be my last Blog Out Loud. I just feel that its time has come and gone, and the world is ready for new things. I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has ever submitted a post, read a post, or attended one of these events. It’s meant so much to me to have your support and to see the blogging community come together once a year. You’re all so lovely, and I’ll see you around the internet!

We’re so happy to welcome back our emcee from last year, the effervescent Dani Donders from Postcards From The Mothership, one of Ottawa’s most delightful and enduring parenting blogs.

Dani’s writing is always full of joy, as she delights in trying new things and learning about this thing we call life. She’s grown so much as the parent of three boys, as she and her husband explore Ottawa, PEI, and places beyond as a family. She’s learned all about the beauty of the world, as she trains her photographer’s eye on lovely scenes in and around town, vivid shots of nature, and adorable pics of her boys and her pets. She’s also learned a ton about cooking and now is a bona fide disciple of chef Michael Smith and his easy, natural way of preparing food. Above all, her lovely personality shines as she discovers new ways to enjoy life here in the capital.

At last year’s event, Dani did a great job as both the wrangler of a busy, sprawling evening and as a keen listener full of enthusiastic praise for the readers. She’s the heart of Blog Out Loud, and we can’t wait to spend another event in her sunny presence. Hope to see you there, too!

Bob is one of those guys who just always seems to be around on the web. He’s active on Twitter, Facebook, and now is capturing his droll, shrewd, and above all, relevant thoughts on his personal platform over at Medium.com. Whether he’s dropping in with his opinion on politics, human rights, cycling, or his favourite subject, music, you can be sure that his thoughts will be witty, well-informed, and on point.

Bob’s just fun to be around, whether he’s being light-hearted, cheeky, or reflective. He adds something to every debate – even when he’s playing devil’s advocate – and will have you thinking about specific issues and life in general in whole new ways. With a sharp comment here or there, Bob can crack up the room and turn the conversation to a whole new way of thinking – no easy feat. He’s the kind of guy who will keep you on your toes, and with his big heart and firm belief in equality for all, he’s the kind of guy you want in your circle of friends, too.

So pull up a chair and listen to Bob’s thoughts on life, the universe, and everything – and how to make the world a better place, one person at a time – at Blog Out Loud.