People often place Austin in a category of its own. We claim that it is organically (pun both intended and unintended) more unique, more delicious, more artsy, more hipster, more musical (i.e. Live Music Capital of the World), and more…weird than other cities. And it would be un-Austin of us to believe otherwise. In fact, if we try to fit Austin into a pretty little mold, it won’t work. Why? Because it is ever-changing due to its people who define it just by being. It is a city of character, made up of humor and literature and culture and cuisine.

What I find most intriguing about our fine habitat is the authenticity of our city. People don’t have to try to be something that they are not to be here and to become a part of the environment, but it can help us if we aspire to be something more. We just are. We make up the environment which is shaped by us. Austinites, by nature, express themselves through creative and original avenues and collectively, we help the city evolve. These people- us, you, me- have a voice, whether silently or rockingly radiating from our live music venues, whether visually or subtly, and I feel lucky to live in and contribute to a progressive landscape where people want to and are encouraged to make their “voices” heard.

This is why I think bloggers have become such an influential and significant contribution to our society. Austinites have a lot to say and want to share, and blogs have given us an outlet through which to do so. These days, there are local blogs written about almost any topic- animals, gardening,entertaining, food carts (trailers and mobile trucks), and even jello molds! Suddenly, personalities are being transferred to a digital format and people are sharing more with each other and learning more from each other about specialty topics and interests. I am inspired by this thirst for information and curiosity and the openness our culture has created.

So, now it’s time these conversational contributors (I am proud to be one of them!) to our beloved Capital City of the Lone Star State are honored! Hosted by local blog Republic of Austin at the Austin Bleet-Up (blogger + meet up) coordinated by local blogs Austin Eavesdropper and Ultra8201, the first ever Austin Blogger Awards will be held tonight! You still have time to vote (until 5 pm)! So, let’s click this link, vote for our favorite local blogs, and raise our glasses to the written voices that help make Austin just a little more unique, more delicious, more artsy, more musical, and more…bloggerific!