I want to have a little Brooklyn baby meetup! If you live in Brooklyn and have a baby under 1, drop your email in the below form and I’ll send out a note suggesting a time/place to hang out in a park. Will be keeping this very casual to start!!
Focusing on newer/local parents just because that’s what I’m personally looking for, but if someone wants to kick off a separate thread that includes a wider range please do!!
Maybe obvious but: Before you comment your location, take a scroll through and see if someone has already called it out! That way we can try to keep cities generally threaded together. Also, if you're down to collect emails for your city to plan a meet up, feel free to drop your email address or a form in your comment! (Also totally fine if you don't want to do that.)
Making friends is actually my key skill in life. I'm 35, moved to a different country once and city 3 times since I've been an adult. So I've done it a bunch and now I'm confident! My key tips:
1) "friends for a reason and friends for a season"- a saying we all know about our more fleeting friendships but around a specific incident. Don't make the mistake of thinking purpose inspired friendships aren't "real" during or after them- they're still a gift, to be treasured, valued and grateful for.
2) if you are somewhere new and you want to make friends, you have to humble yourself and also not become bitter. The people there probably feel they have enough friends and aren't actively seeking friendship. No worries! It doesn't mean they won't take it when it comes. It just means you have to be on the front foot, making the effort at the start.
3) make friends around shared activities (work or hobbies) or, most easily, I found, around having kids. When you meet someone you want to be friends with, be chatty and interested. If the conversation lulls, ask a question about themselves ("so did you go to school around here?/ What was it like growing up on a farm?/ How do you like your area of work?").
4) be forthcoming to ask would they like to get coffee sometime. It's not as weird or embarrassing as you think it is.
5) the first solo hang out will probably be a little awkward. It doesn't mean the friendship is doomed. It is just something new! Once you're past the initial meeting stages, things get easier. Don't give up now.
6) in saying that- don't give everything to brand new friendships. If it turns out you're not compatible, you want enough caution that you can drift apart naturally.
7) the first person who is very friendly in a new town, is a psycho. That's the rule. I stand by it.
I'm 62. I've done this over and over in childhood and in my adult life, most recently 14 yrs ago when we moved to a small town in New Hampshire, when I was 48. I also have a lousy memory but I distinctly recall the feeling, felt over months and months, of knowing no one and having no support when in the summer of the next year my husband had major cancer surgery in a city 2+ hours from us and I was on my own to do everything. By the summer of the next year, I had met a few people and then through one of them I attended a one-off book discussion group in a library in another small town and met a bunch of people, almost all of whom became friends and some of them close friends and the mainstays of more groups that proliferated and brought more friendships. Some of those people have died (in their 80s), some have moved far away but are still close friends, and some remain here. I was so helped by several women who are absolute powerhouses of friend matchmaking and of inclusion of new and unattached people to groups. Now I am the one introducing friends to other friends and new groups, though not with the energy, determination, and intention of those women, whom I truly bless.
This is in sharp contrast to when we moved to our first home in Maine, when I was 32, where I lived for 8 yrs, served on the library and town boards, and made exactly one friend (plus we liked our two neighbours). That was a lonely time and led to our moving to another town in Maine, where things went much better and I still have close friends from that time and place.
Sometimes it's luck. Sometimes it's the existence of other women (mostly) who are willing and able to saturate you with opportunities for meeting other people. If you have kids, work, go to church, etc., there are more opportunities, but if like me you don't, you have to be looking for them, and then if you're lucky there's a tipping point where you become the connection.
EDIT: if you are in NYC and want to be in the loop on the meet up Ariana and I are setting up, and are reading this AFTER may 15, please reach out to me directly for deets :) <3
“ you're actually more likely to be working your way into some kind of molten core of deeper compatibility with people you'll meet once you're more ingrained in your town.”
Been in nyc 2+ years! And would love to meet up <3
Hiya! Brooklyn-based (Crown Heights) and organizer of one of the big NY meetups that followed from the last thread (shoutout to Haley and Danny for swinging through!). I started a Google group/list serve after with all the emails from that but haven’t really done anything with it (and don’t think others have either). Maybe we can connect Audrey and join forces for a master email list? Or add all the ones you get from this form to the group and I can give you ownership so we can coordinate meetup logistics that way? Whatever’s easy! Very happy to help with any organizing again too. Had such a great time last year! X
I'm a few days late to this thread but hopefully this is seen! I'm in Greenpoint and would love to be added to any list / meetup around nyc! lillian.wojcik@gmail.com
yay love all these new ny folks! will add the emails above, but love the idea of using a google form for this, so lets add any new emails Audrey's form so we don't miss anyone!
I'm a life long New Yorker. In January, we had an informal Substack Writers meetup at our place--Manhattan, UES. We had about 25 writers and it was great. Thinking of doing another one next month. Any NYC writers interested, let me know at robertsdavidn@gmail.com
Hi! I’m so late to this thread but finally adding my comment and finding the Williamsburg peeps. If y’all are down to add one more, would love to meet and hang in the neighborhood! ♥️
this quote still has me a little dizzy; in college i made friends with a group of people who all lived down the hall from me, and I had a sneaking suspicion they didn’t really actually like me, and I ended up being right. once we had it out it was alright, they apologized but we weren’t that close after that…I made my best friends from college shortly after that.
I'm way down in Bay Ridge but I love meeting people all over the city!
One thing I've noticed about Substack: a lot of people wrestling with the role of religion in their lives. I'm currently undergoing a religious conversion of sorts. Do any religious seekers (atheists welcome) in the comment section want to meet up? (Maybe for Sunday brunch lol)
Los Angeles! (typing out fully for the command+F folks looking to find their city in what will certainly be a very long thread). some of us had a lovely meet-up last year and I know that a there have been smaller offshoots (who ?may or may not still get together) but absolutely due for a resurgence.
hello, hi, moved to los angeles from nyc last year and still looking for writer/reader friends! i write fiction/poetry and art/culture criticism and am a compulsive reader. ...and i guess a compulsive backslash user as well. anyone interested in starting a writers group or a book club? taraannedalbow@gmail.com *as ever thank you haley for creating such a brilliant good kind community
same! michelleyoconnor@gmail.com. I think I'm going to send out a big ol' group email from this thread and maybe we can organize book-club interest through this as well?
Hi! I am just seeing this thread - i was at the meet up last year too ! Adding my email if there is anywhere off substack LA talks are happening :) ntunnard@gmail.com
Ahh this is so exciting! I’ll send out a book club email early next week. Maybe we can decide on a book and meet at a wine bar (?) at the end of May? More soon. Looking forward truly.
late to the party but I’d love to join a writers group. I’m working on a project and would love to share drafts feedback etc, read others’ work. Writing is lonely! !
Same here! efiffer@gmail.com. I also write a book (and recipe) newsletter -- read, eat, repeat -- good book recs on there for anyone looking! i focus on older books featuring women.
Hi ! I'm based in Silver Lake and would love to meet up ! I was thinking a picnic at the Silver Lake Meadow if anyones interested ? I'm not sure if this link below works but you should be able to copy and paste the link and then click to vote on a meetup time ! If that link doesn't work, email me and I can invite you through the app !
IG is @spinsterrrrr / email is babbjoanna@gmail.com — looking for anyone interested in art nights, song shares, themed potlucks, writing groups etc etc etc! musicians and artists and generally community oriented folks of all kinds, let’s chat :~)
Hi! I moved back to LA recently & met some of my best friends in Brooklyn through this thread. If there is ever a resurgence in meet ups would love to be added!
If any new moms in Los Angeles are interested in a meetup, I have a 9.5 month-old daughter and live in Laurel Canyon! My email is brookestanley@gmail.com!
We're planning something on the Westside in the WhatsApp group if you haven't joined already! (Sorry, not sure how to link it, but the link is further up the LA thread) Also your email is amazing
Same! (Forever the most frustrating city to command+F, so here's a big ol' Los Angeles for anyone who might be mining through this thread.) My email is oncrandall@gmail.com and my IG is @oliviacrandall
hi! I'm also in Los Feliz and am just getting into bouldering, also into hiking/trail things in general. commenting here to make sure I don't lose you in the sea of addresses in case anything local/Los Feliz comes up!
yay where do y'all go? I had paused my membership to hollywood boulders because I was out of town for a bit, going to restart this week. unapologetic V0-V1 baby over here.
I paused my membership but I used to regularly climb at Verdigo (Burbank) and Hollywood Boulders! I’d sometimes climb at Cliffs of Id (Culver City) and The Post (Pasadena) to keep things interesting :-)
Hi ! I’m also in LA (Highland Park) moved here three years ago from Mexico City. I’m a writer and I love cooking. Would love to join book club or pic nic … My email is : algosuperocurrente@gmail.com
I live in mid-city; been in LA for 4 years from Atlanta! I host a weekly track workout club in santa monica, am about to kick off a little vegan restaurant supper club, and my roommate hosts a monthly writer's study hall time at our house! I'll post at some point in the whatsapp // feel free to leave your email if you want to know more about any of those!
Crown heights, Brooklyn gal here! Hi! All of this is so spot on and really resonates with my deeper reckoning of how tricky it can be to build community in general (or how it’s hard to build community without having to pay $ for it)
I just want to have dinner parties and dance parties—without needing to be one of the “cool” kids—and also art nights and picnics. I want friends nearby who I can call when I need a hard to find ingredient or someone to pop by to snuggle my kitty when I’m away.
So if any of you live in central Brooklyn close-ish to Prospect Park (I live closer to Brower) I’d love to organize a hang :)
Contemplating a move back to NYC (and most likely Brooklyn). Did anything come of this Brooklyn group?! We have a lovely thing going here in LA and would love to find that if I move back ❤️
hey! people have been chatting in the whatsapp, but I finally sent an email to everyone this morning! I made a google group - there are SO many people who signed up! Did you get it?
I’ll be moving full time to DC (Columbia Heights) at the end of summer! I’m back and forth now. And baby due in November, would especially love to meet other new parents
Super late since I was just catching up on newsletters that have been languishing in my inbox, but also in DC! Navy Yard (though I have family and work in NoVA.) Added myself to that spreadsheet below :)
Hi! Do you mind posting the link on my comment as well? Or I can copy paste it if easier. There were quite a few replied from ppl in London and it would be great to have us all in one place :)
Hey! Late reply but just checking through the comments after the latest newsletter to see if anyone else is in Brighton UK… are you still looking to hang out with other people? X
Update! Email has been sent to everyone who expressed interest for Chicago…and there are about 100 of us! If you didn’t get the email and want to/are late to this party feel free to message me and I can add you to the chain/second form I had to create to try to coordinate a hang out for 100 lovely people :)
We actually have a pretty big Chicago baby group from the last making new friends newsletter! Join or discord! (It’s a little dead currently but we’d be very happy to revive) https://discord.gg/4pamwM8w
Wow Chicago!! So many responses this is amazing. Going to give other folks a chance to put their emails down and will plan to send an email to everyone tomorrow :)
This is a long shot but I just saw this group mentioned in this week’s newsletter and would love to join (if a year late is not too late)… I’ve lived in Cambridge for a year and a half and am moving to Somerville in Jan!
As of today, I’ve lived in Oakland, California for one year and ten days. Would be happy to organize an East Bay (+SF?) Maybe Baby meetup! If anyone’s interested, drop your email or send it to me at emilyarmstead@gmail.com.
Oh amazing! I also made one lol https://forms.gle/dGUgyEpNTyDAFvhYA and I am in San Francisco. Maybe we can split one SF/Marin/South and one East Bay? I'll link to yours! :)
I can't believe I've found the Melbourne people. I'm inner west Melbourne but happy to travel. I also have a toddler for any other mums who want meet up.
I want to have a little Brooklyn baby meetup! If you live in Brooklyn and have a baby under 1, drop your email in the below form and I’ll send out a note suggesting a time/place to hang out in a park. Will be keeping this very casual to start!!
https://forms.gle/aqY8egBKWAiXettHA
Focusing on newer/local parents just because that’s what I’m personally looking for, but if someone wants to kick off a separate thread that includes a wider range please do!!
Would love to organize a toddler version! https://forms.gle/SiG5bcXt79wqUCm9A
Oh man… if only I could jump on a plane and join you from London!
Wooohoo that's me! Baby is almost six months and we live in Manhattan but are moving to Brooklyn and looking for some new friends.
Maybe obvious but: Before you comment your location, take a scroll through and see if someone has already called it out! That way we can try to keep cities generally threaded together. Also, if you're down to collect emails for your city to plan a meet up, feel free to drop your email address or a form in your comment! (Also totally fine if you don't want to do that.)
Making friends is actually my key skill in life. I'm 35, moved to a different country once and city 3 times since I've been an adult. So I've done it a bunch and now I'm confident! My key tips:
1) "friends for a reason and friends for a season"- a saying we all know about our more fleeting friendships but around a specific incident. Don't make the mistake of thinking purpose inspired friendships aren't "real" during or after them- they're still a gift, to be treasured, valued and grateful for.
2) if you are somewhere new and you want to make friends, you have to humble yourself and also not become bitter. The people there probably feel they have enough friends and aren't actively seeking friendship. No worries! It doesn't mean they won't take it when it comes. It just means you have to be on the front foot, making the effort at the start.
3) make friends around shared activities (work or hobbies) or, most easily, I found, around having kids. When you meet someone you want to be friends with, be chatty and interested. If the conversation lulls, ask a question about themselves ("so did you go to school around here?/ What was it like growing up on a farm?/ How do you like your area of work?").
4) be forthcoming to ask would they like to get coffee sometime. It's not as weird or embarrassing as you think it is.
5) the first solo hang out will probably be a little awkward. It doesn't mean the friendship is doomed. It is just something new! Once you're past the initial meeting stages, things get easier. Don't give up now.
6) in saying that- don't give everything to brand new friendships. If it turns out you're not compatible, you want enough caution that you can drift apart naturally.
7) the first person who is very friendly in a new town, is a psycho. That's the rule. I stand by it.
lol #7 😭
great tips thank you!
This is true!
I gotta add a "hell yeah" to #7
I'm 62. I've done this over and over in childhood and in my adult life, most recently 14 yrs ago when we moved to a small town in New Hampshire, when I was 48. I also have a lousy memory but I distinctly recall the feeling, felt over months and months, of knowing no one and having no support when in the summer of the next year my husband had major cancer surgery in a city 2+ hours from us and I was on my own to do everything. By the summer of the next year, I had met a few people and then through one of them I attended a one-off book discussion group in a library in another small town and met a bunch of people, almost all of whom became friends and some of them close friends and the mainstays of more groups that proliferated and brought more friendships. Some of those people have died (in their 80s), some have moved far away but are still close friends, and some remain here. I was so helped by several women who are absolute powerhouses of friend matchmaking and of inclusion of new and unattached people to groups. Now I am the one introducing friends to other friends and new groups, though not with the energy, determination, and intention of those women, whom I truly bless.
This is in sharp contrast to when we moved to our first home in Maine, when I was 32, where I lived for 8 yrs, served on the library and town boards, and made exactly one friend (plus we liked our two neighbours). That was a lonely time and led to our moving to another town in Maine, where things went much better and I still have close friends from that time and place.
Sometimes it's luck. Sometimes it's the existence of other women (mostly) who are willing and able to saturate you with opportunities for meeting other people. If you have kids, work, go to church, etc., there are more opportunities, but if like me you don't, you have to be looking for them, and then if you're lucky there's a tipping point where you become the connection.
So sweet to hear about this from someone with more years of friend-making under their belt thank you!!
EDIT: if you are in NYC and want to be in the loop on the meet up Ariana and I are setting up, and are reading this AFTER may 15, please reach out to me directly for deets :) <3
“ you're actually more likely to be working your way into some kind of molten core of deeper compatibility with people you'll meet once you're more ingrained in your town.”
Been in nyc 2+ years! And would love to meet up <3
happy to connect us via email! Submit your email here https://forms.gle/bqqHuZvmMVYon62m7
Hiya! Brooklyn-based (Crown Heights) and organizer of one of the big NY meetups that followed from the last thread (shoutout to Haley and Danny for swinging through!). I started a Google group/list serve after with all the emails from that but haven’t really done anything with it (and don’t think others have either). Maybe we can connect Audrey and join forces for a master email list? Or add all the ones you get from this form to the group and I can give you ownership so we can coordinate meetup logistics that way? Whatever’s easy! Very happy to help with any organizing again too. Had such a great time last year! X
Hey! Wondering if any groups ended up forming, a bit late to this ;)
hey! We will add you to the list !! Welcome back :)
Thanks! sdewidar@gmail.com
im late to this too but would love to join :) mfink727@gmail.com
i’m late to the party but would love to be added! klsommer21@gmail.com
Also very late but am Williamsburg-based and would love to be added to the Google group! :) daniellensorensen@gmail.com.
Also late, but would love to be added!! eschauffer@gmail.com
I'm VERY late but jessielaurenpierce@gmail.com (Red Hook) - would love to be added
A lil late but also in Brooklyn (Clinton Hill) and would love to be added to the listserv!! callielambert95@gmail.com
I'm a few days late to this thread but hopefully this is seen! I'm in Greenpoint and would love to be added to any list / meetup around nyc! lillian.wojcik@gmail.com
Same here! jjiorio@comcast.net
Hi! Count me in too, I’m in Park Slope. Alexa.arnold37@gmail.com
yay love all these new ny folks! will add the emails above, but love the idea of using a google form for this, so lets add any new emails Audrey's form so we don't miss anyone!
Hi would also love to be added! mollyreilly.ny@gmail.com
I’d love to be added, also in Brooklyn! novajenny707@gmail.com
I'd love to be added too! I'm in Brooklyn (Bed Stuy/Clinton Hill). lstoddard11@gmail.com
I'd love to be added please :) Simona.bank@gmail.com
Would love to be added to this too! maddychapmanallison@gmail.com
Also in Crown Heights! I’d love to be added :) hbiewen@gmail.com
Brooklyn — bushwick/bed stuy border! Been here 8 years & hoping to stick around 🫶
Here in Bushwick too! Basically East New York if we’re being honest…
I’m in Ridgewood! (Close to bushwick)
Wanna email me at aliciamcelhaney@gmail.com? I’ll coordinate this little Bushwick/Ridgewood crew for a hang at Pearls!
I’m also a Ridgewood gal! I’ll email!
also in bushwick :)
Wanna email me at aliciamcelhaney@gmail.com? I’ll coordinate this little Bushwick/Ridgewood crew for a hang at Pearls!
+bushwick!
Wanna email me at aliciamcelhaney@gmail.com? I’ll coordinate this little Bushwick/Ridgewood crew for a hang at Pearls!
Also right on the bushwick/bed stuy border! I can send you an email - I'd love to be added to the group you're organizing!
also bushwick/bed stuy border!
Wanna email me at aliciamcelhaney@gmail.com? I’ll coordinate this little Bushwick/Ridgewood crew for a hang at Pearls!
same :) but new here
Wanna email me at aliciamcelhaney@gmail.com? I’ll coordinate this little Bushwick/Ridgewood crew for a hang at Pearls!
my people! sending you an email Alicia <3
NYC, too!
Any UWS folk?
Also Harlem!
I'm up in Harlem but v close to UWS - would love to connect as well!
I am close to Harlem too! If anyone is feeling proactive about a group chat/hang or whatever, I am zimme688@gmail.com :)
+ UWS!
Me!
Ah, me! Would looove to connect 💗
Hi! Me! Would love to meet
Up!
Uws! salewis1015@gmail.com
UWS! 😊 marlokelly96@gmail.com xx
UES, emily.k.bonaparte@gmail.com
Happy to do some logistic-ing — feel free to drop emails (I see a few!) and I’ll start a little thread this week ❤️
lauren.aratani@gmail.com – thanks!!
Madison.joy.cruz@gmail.com 🧡
I’m in Harlem! Marykohl3@gmail.com
Also UWS!!
Also Harlem! Anyone have little kids? Park hang?
Also UWS!
UWS too!
I'm a life long New Yorker. In January, we had an informal Substack Writers meetup at our place--Manhattan, UES. We had about 25 writers and it was great. Thinking of doing another one next month. Any NYC writers interested, let me know at robertsdavidn@gmail.com
me too!
Williamsburg! Been here 2.5 years, would love to meet other maybe baby readers :)
I'm in williamsburg too! Would love to meet up!
I'm also in Williamsburg and would love to meet up!
Aw yay we all should! I could dm y'all my ig and we could start a group chat?
Hi! I’m so late to this thread but finally adding my comment and finding the Williamsburg peeps. If y’all are down to add one more, would love to meet and hang in the neighborhood! ♥️
Yes that sounds perfect!!
just messaged y'all!
East village! Would love to meet folks in the area. Currently just have a fur baby - dog meetup?
Yes, this!!!
Any Greenpoint folks?
i'm in lic but in greenpoint all the time!!
queens, nyc!
i'm in lic!!
Also Queens!
Hi! Wondering if there is an active NYC group or groups to connect to. Finding this thread a bit late ;)
this quote still has me a little dizzy; in college i made friends with a group of people who all lived down the hall from me, and I had a sneaking suspicion they didn’t really actually like me, and I ended up being right. once we had it out it was alright, they apologized but we weren’t that close after that…I made my best friends from college shortly after that.
NYC 3ish years (Chelsea)... would love to meet up with other maybe babys!
I’m in nyc too! Excited to hopefully meetup 🫶🏻
Brooklyn as well!
I'm way down in Bay Ridge but I love meeting people all over the city!
One thing I've noticed about Substack: a lot of people wrestling with the role of religion in their lives. I'm currently undergoing a religious conversion of sorts. Do any religious seekers (atheists welcome) in the comment section want to meet up? (Maybe for Sunday brunch lol)
also NYC :)
nyc as well :)
LA ☀️
Meet up of Mal R’s let’s gooooo
omg yes!
Los Angeles! (typing out fully for the command+F folks looking to find their city in what will certainly be a very long thread). some of us had a lovely meet-up last year and I know that a there have been smaller offshoots (who ?may or may not still get together) but absolutely due for a resurgence.
hello, hi, moved to los angeles from nyc last year and still looking for writer/reader friends! i write fiction/poetry and art/culture criticism and am a compulsive reader. ...and i guess a compulsive backslash user as well. anyone interested in starting a writers group or a book club? taraannedalbow@gmail.com *as ever thank you haley for creating such a brilliant good kind community
i live in la and WOULD LOVE A BOOKCLUB
my email is shelbyslack13@gmail.com if anyone ends up organizing this/anything :—)
hello hello! I am a couple of days late but also in the market for writer/reader friends in LA! my email is allie.primak@gmail.com <3
same! my email is isabellaeleanor@gmail.com
same! michelleyoconnor@gmail.com. I think I'm going to send out a big ol' group email from this thread and maybe we can organize book-club interest through this as well?
Hi! I am just seeing this thread - i was at the meet up last year too ! Adding my email if there is anywhere off substack LA talks are happening :) ntunnard@gmail.com
hi Natalie! I remember you from picnic day. someone made a WhatsApp, join if you haven’t already! https://chat.whatsapp.com/IEmPZftNNEb0MlihAsS59H
Late the party as usual but I’d love to join a writing group! staceyrobbins@gmail.com
Ahh this is so exciting! I’ll send out a book club email early next week. Maybe we can decide on a book and meet at a wine bar (?) at the end of May? More soon. Looking forward truly.
just noting here that I sent out an email this morning :) xx
I might be late but I’m brand new and would love a book club!! seylercaroline@gmail.com
i love this! srfleisher@gmail.com
Coming in late but would also love to join! schneider.caitlin@gmail.com
I'd love to join a book club! jessicaannerubin@gmail.com
oh would love to join this! my email is @allie.primak@gmail.com <3
Very late as well but I’d love to join! ashleyrcoskey@gmail.com
Hi! Suuuuper late, but interested in book club :)
grweinert1995@gmail.com
Also a compulsive reader and would love to join a book club!!!! I’m at natania.reed@gmail.com ❤️🔥
late to the party but I’d love to join a writers group. I’m working on a project and would love to share drafts feedback etc, read others’ work. Writing is lonely! !
Staceyrobbins@gmail.com
altadena and yessss plzz! hikiracook@gmail.com <3
Same here! efiffer@gmail.com. I also write a book (and recipe) newsletter -- read, eat, repeat -- good book recs on there for anyone looking! i focus on older books featuring women.
Would love love to join an LA book club! Email is graceemmel@gmail.com
I’d love to join a book club! My email is zoexl7@gmail.com
Moved from NYC to LA last year as well! Would love to join a writers group or book club, meredith.reigle@gmail.com
Book club heck yes!! In Atwater Village - la.colvin@gmail.com
Definitely down for an LA bookclub! I'm at katelizzyhughes@gmail.com
Definitely down for a book club! I’m in Tujunga email is lyssrowatt@gmail.com
Need this <3 will be a new resident of Los Angeles come June!
Hi ! I'm based in Silver Lake and would love to meet up ! I was thinking a picnic at the Silver Lake Meadow if anyones interested ? I'm not sure if this link below works but you should be able to copy and paste the link and then click to vote on a meetup time ! If that link doesn't work, email me and I can invite you through the app !
https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/id/dP5QL9ye
IG: Tessa Neustadt
Email: Tessneustadt@gmail.com
adding myself to the eastside LA chain in case this is still kicking! emmaabowman@gmail.com
same!
IG is @spinsterrrrr / email is babbjoanna@gmail.com — looking for anyone interested in art nights, song shares, themed potlucks, writing groups etc etc etc! musicians and artists and generally community oriented folks of all kinds, let’s chat :~)
Hello! Would love to be added to the meetup if it happens in the future :) anirakitect@gmail.com
Book club curious in east hollywood! emilyemohr@gmail.com
Hi future friends! I’m pretty new to LA (living in Brentwood for work) and would love to join a meetup ✨ zsvalyinagy@gmail.com and @zsvn on ig
a little late to this, but if there are meetups happening in LA i'd love to join! email is gracekiralla@gmail.com
Hi! I moved back to LA recently & met some of my best friends in Brooklyn through this thread. If there is ever a resurgence in meet ups would love to be added!
darianciarelli@gmail.com
ig - darianlopezciarelli
Hi, I’m near larchmont and would love to be added to any and all (writer, reader, general, etc) LA groups that have formed please! 😘
If any new moms in Los Angeles are interested in a meetup, I have a 9.5 month-old daughter and live in Laurel Canyon! My email is brookestanley@gmail.com!
I'm based in Arizona now, moving back to LA. My email in case someone wants to reach out hi.kimberlypaola@gmail.com <3
Good morning from east la👋
LA as well! In Venice, but very willing to (and accustomed to) venture east for a meetup.
I’m in SM! Maybe we can have a lil SM/Venice/ nearby areas meetup? anirakitect@gmail.com
We're planning something on the Westside in the WhatsApp group if you haven't joined already! (Sorry, not sure how to link it, but the link is further up the LA thread) Also your email is amazing
Yay :) saw it after I posted the comment. See you in irl hopefully soon!! And thank you 😊
Hi! I joined the Whatsapp thread super late. Do we have any meetups planned?
So late to this but I'm also in SM and would be interested in a future meet-up!
Just moved to Del Rey from Fairfax and getting used to that too!
Dsmenashe@gmail.com
I'm moving back to la, based in Arizona now. I'll be working in Venice!!
Venice too :)
Same! (Forever the most frustrating city to command+F, so here's a big ol' Los Angeles for anyone who might be mining through this thread.) My email is oncrandall@gmail.com and my IG is @oliviacrandall
LA here! Loved the picnic we did last year and would be down to meet, again. ericaguider@gmail.com if anyone starts a thread!
Will be a new LA baby in June and in major need of fledgling friends 🕊️
gonna revisit this when I inevitably move to LA, the best city I’ve ever visited
jo, i moved a year and a half ago and still feel like a fledgling! happy to share the newness w you
Sounds lovely! My IG is @spinsterrrrr and would love to host some community hangs once I’m out there!
also LA and strongly agree
South Pasadena - my email is ariellamorrison@gmail :)
also in south pas~
My girlfriend and I live in Silverlake/Los Feliz and are looking for new friends! We climb, hike, and love trying new restaurants around the city.
Hmu! maxwell.shukuya@gmail.com
hi! I'm also in Los Feliz and am just getting into bouldering, also into hiking/trail things in general. commenting here to make sure I don't lose you in the sea of addresses in case anything local/Los Feliz comes up!
big big big lover of bouldering !!
I’d love to get into bouldering! I’ve never done it but really would like to start!
I’m going to be an LA baby in September so inserting myself in this thread bc I wanna be part of this already hehe. Email is brianaaugustina@gmail.com
yay where do y'all go? I had paused my membership to hollywood boulders because I was out of town for a bit, going to restart this week. unapologetic V0-V1 baby over here.
I paused my membership but I used to regularly climb at Verdigo (Burbank) and Hollywood Boulders! I’d sometimes climb at Cliffs of Id (Culver City) and The Post (Pasadena) to keep things interesting :-)
Yess LA! In Silver Lake and would love to meet up!
hiiii i’m based in LA, in eagle rock actually. i host weekly art club in my backyard @nicluliweill
So cool! I’m nearby in Tujunga, would love to connect @lyssrowatt / lyssrowatt@gmail.com
weekly art club?!! incredible
i’m in highland park! would love to be in touch! my email is maalavikar@gmail.com
mid-city los angeles !! been here a year & would love to make some buds ♥️
elloragordon@gmail.com IG @elloranuit
Hollywood and yes please!
also in la and if we do a meet up i’d love to be a part of it! my email is isabelledavisemail@gmail.com
Hi!!! Would be so down for an LA meet-up ☺️ tiraoskoui@gmail.com
Hi ! I’m also in LA (Highland Park) moved here three years ago from Mexico City. I’m a writer and I love cooking. Would love to join book club or pic nic … My email is : algosuperocurrente@gmail.com
fun!! Would love to be a part of a book club email list - juge.rodriguez@gmail.com
I live in mid-city; been in LA for 4 years from Atlanta! I host a weekly track workout club in santa monica, am about to kick off a little vegan restaurant supper club, and my roommate hosts a monthly writer's study hall time at our house! I'll post at some point in the whatsapp // feel free to leave your email if you want to know more about any of those!
I’m newish to LA (5 months in!) and would love to join a meetup. I’m in Los Feliz. My email is bonapartem91@gmail.com // IG is @bonapartem
LA too, in Santa Monica! IG is samhartmann.jpg or email is samchartmann@gmail.com 😌
Just moved to LA from the bay! I’m in Los Feliz — maggieazary@gmail.com
Crown heights, Brooklyn gal here! Hi! All of this is so spot on and really resonates with my deeper reckoning of how tricky it can be to build community in general (or how it’s hard to build community without having to pay $ for it)
I just want to have dinner parties and dance parties—without needing to be one of the “cool” kids—and also art nights and picnics. I want friends nearby who I can call when I need a hard to find ingredient or someone to pop by to snuggle my kitty when I’m away.
So if any of you live in central Brooklyn close-ish to Prospect Park (I live closer to Brower) I’d love to organize a hang :)
I’m Park Slope, would also love to meet folks nearby 💛
I'm in Park Slope/south slope :)
also in south slope and same!
Same! Is there an email chain going yet?
Gowanus 👋🏼 Would love to
In PLG! Always down to hang in Prospect Park
I made a form for brooklyn! https://forms.gle/JoffYV7ED24XpkZR9
I’m in PLG too and would love some more friends in the neighborhood (:
i’m in park slope / also down for central brooklyn hangs!
me too!
This resonates so deeply! Down for all of these things 💕
Count me in! I'm in Flatbush and down for a park rendez vous or dinner party anytime
This sounds so lovely - I‘m in Frankfurt but wish I was in Brooklyn too. :) Hope you‘ll get to meet great people!
I’m in Frankfurt too!! Want to have a coffee?!
Contemplating a move back to NYC (and most likely Brooklyn). Did anything come of this Brooklyn group?! We have a lovely thing going here in LA and would love to find that if I move back ❤️
I’m also in crown heights! Would love to hang :)
I’m in Park Slope as well!
Park Slope and would love to meet up :)
I live in Greenwich village but this all sounds so wonderful and I would love to join
Heya! Yes to all of this. Right by Brower too! Let’s take a walk?
In prospect heights, just filled out the form!
I made a little form for us central brooklyn people! Fill it out with your emails and I can connect us!
https://forms.gle/JoffYV7ED24XpkZR9
Yay! Thanks for doing this! Maybe we organize a prospect picnic hang?? :)
Hi! Just checking if this email ever went out? I wanna make sure I didn’t miss it :)
hey! people have been chatting in the whatsapp, but I finally sent an email to everyone this morning! I made a google group - there are SO many people who signed up! Did you get it?
Same! My email is hannahLnieves@gmail.com
North park slope / prospect heights - and would love to meet some new folks :)
North park slope here! Would love to hang
Washington, DC! Adams Morgan 🌞
Yay me too! U st area. I met up with a bunch of commenters last year and it was a huge success - would love to organize another!!! I put together this sheet so that people can add emails: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i05phWhp2s9TkvwyCenZ83OPR_B7KwH_qDmOx2fgGFE/edit?usp=sharing
I'm moving to DC in september so I just added my email!
In Columbia Heights!
i am not DC but i have to say Lost City Books completely owns, my fav tote bag is from there
I’ll be moving full time to DC (Columbia Heights) at the end of summer! I’m back and forth now. And baby due in November, would especially love to meet other new parents
I’m in DC, too!! We should do a Malcom x park meet up sometime!!
I moved to rosslyn in September and would love to meet up!
I live in Rosslyn too!
Just moved back to DC (well, Clarendon womp womp) after being abroad for a year, but I was in Adam Morgan before moving, such a great neighborhood
I’m in Fairfax! a DC meetup would be so fun if anyone is interested!
Currently planning a move to DC/Arlington in September and would love to make some friends when I get there!
I’m on the border of Arlington/Falls Church and would be interested in meeting!
Dc adjacent! (Northern VA)
also in DC! Shaw area - would love to meet up 💘
I’m also in DC - Southwest!
Late to the party, but I live in 16th St Heights/Petworth. Added myself to the spreadsheet!
Super late since I was just catching up on newsletters that have been languishing in my inbox, but also in DC! Navy Yard (though I have family and work in NoVA.) Added myself to that spreadsheet below :)
I'm DC too - Capitol Hill. Would love to meet up!
columbia heights! 😇
Old Town Alexandria! Added my email to the sheet!
I’m in DC too. Capitol Hill. I’d love to meet up!
Also DC, Mt. Pleasant ❤️
Awesomeee! I moved from Burlington, VT and moved to Lanier Heights (between Admo and Mt Pleasant)in February. I would love to meet up!!
London! 🇬🇧
Hi everyone ! I’m in London too and made a form to have a WhatsApp group! Here it is: https://forms.gle/k2q4eMAFx1uJztdJ6
There’s already a London MB group :) Try this link to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqAox62vNETCw8SUII1PoC
Hi! Do you mind posting the link on my comment as well? Or I can copy paste it if easier. There were quite a few replied from ppl in London and it would be great to have us all in one place :)
Brand new to London and would LOVE to meet up /generally meet people and this seems like a great group of folks :)
About to reach a year in London, Hackney (Haggerston) area. Always seeking readers, writers, pals of all kinds!
Moved to London a few months ago! @winternow
In London too!! Moved here a year ago.. still settling in @salwedo
london bby :) feel free to mssg!
Is anyone tech/socials savvy and able to set up a group for us? Would love to meet you all 🥰
Have joined the WhatsApp group! We should do a park picnic hang when the weather warms up 🥳
WhatsApp group for the London babies here https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqAox62vNETCw8SUII1PoC :)
amazing :) I am South east london - Lewisham way!
Hey! Very late comment but me too, same - Lewisham Way :)
London as well! living near clapham :)
I too am a London baby! So excited to see so many of us!
Anyone in Brighton UK? Or coming down to the beach this Summer?
Hey! Late reply but just checking through the comments after the latest newsletter to see if anyone else is in Brighton UK… are you still looking to hang out with other people? X
Also London - moved here a few months ago! Have joined the WhatsApp group :)
London here as well :)
Also London 🌼 would love to meet new lovely people!
I'm in London, too!
I too am a London gal!!
And me!
Long shot, but could be so lovely meeting up with fellow readers in Bergen, Norway!
hi there! i live in the states but am traveling alone to oslo/bergen in august. would love to meet up if you're around!
I’m in Bergen! 👋
adding Chicago to this list!
Not well practiced at Substack commenting but here’s a form to leave your email: https://forms.gle/hwrZ58LMzcLN2G9Z7 !
Update! Email has been sent to everyone who expressed interest for Chicago…and there are about 100 of us! If you didn’t get the email and want to/are late to this party feel free to message me and I can add you to the chain/second form I had to create to try to coordinate a hang out for 100 lovely people :)
Late to the party, but added my email to the form! Thanks for rounding us all up, Lauren :)
oops, just seeing this. submitted my info to the form! Thanks for organizing
Also very late to the party, but I'm a fellow Chicagoan and just filled out the form : )
yess, Chicago! thanks for creating the form :)
Just submitted my email! Would love to connect :)
Just moved to Chicago and would love to meet all of you!
We actually have a pretty big Chicago baby group from the last making new friends newsletter! Join or discord! (It’s a little dead currently but we’d be very happy to revive) https://discord.gg/4pamwM8w
And feel free to connect on insta if that’s easier - we all follow each other there too. @michellemosk
Our*
Wow Chicago!! So many responses this is amazing. Going to give other folks a chance to put their emails down and will plan to send an email to everyone tomorrow :)
recent Chicago transplant here!
also a recent Chicago transplant! 👋
Moved here eleven months ago and still feel like a newbie in so many ways. Would love to meet you all!
New to town as well!
I’m in Chicago too!!
I’m happy to organize a Chicago gathering for anyone interested!
made a little form for emails here: https://forms.gle/hwrZ58LMzcLN2G9Z7 !
Submitted! I'm moving there in June!
Thanks, Lauren!
Definitely interested, ty for organizing!
Sign me up!
I’m interested!
Chicago - calling in. Just added my email to the form.
Woo! Thank you for the form.
I’m in Chicago too!
Chicago too!
Chicago!!!!
Okay, cute! Moved from Brooklyn to Chicago last summer, and need some new pals. Find me @sallyvoyles
Also in Chicago! Will fill out the form now 🙂
I’m just north of Chicago in the near suburbs. Can join a Chicago meetup or organize something for the Evanston area!
Any new moms out there?! I have a 7 week old
Hi! Also in Evanston! My daughter just turned 4 months.
Omg so cool new moms in Evanston! Do you have IG? @slynnalco and I’ll start a group msg
Yes! Yay, will follow
Hey, I’m also in Evanston and also a new mom! Feels meant to be (: would love to hang out with our babes!
Amazing!! If you have IG can connect @slynnalco or if not, email?
Just followed you :D
Moving to Evanston this summer and will have a little one in September—would love to meet up with people!
I have an almost four-month old! Hope you’re hanging in there…
Hello to all my Chicagoans :)
Late to the party and filled out the form! Thanks Lauren for putting this together
Late to this but also in Chicago and just filled out the form!
I just filled out the form!
Anyone living in Austin TX??
Also, hey, somebody's gotta get us organized.... so here's a form!
https://forms.gle/HNKDbE695YspDN2a7
Enter your info and I'll think about what to do about it next weekend. :)
Thank you!! Excited to meet everyone!
British gal living in Austin! I’d love to meet up 🤠 filling in the form!
Yay Austin! Just filled out form Shelby made :)
I’m not yet, but I’m moving there this summer! Would love to meet up with people once I’m there.
Hi! Anyone in Austin 2025 looking for a reboot?
Hey yall. Also in Austin. I just filled out Shelby’s form!
Hi I just put my info into the form but wanted to also comment since I am a late comer!
another hi from an Austinite who’s reading this a few days late!
I’m in Austin too <3 hi yall
I’m in Georgetown :) city north of Austin
Also in Austin! 👋
I'm also in Austin and would be happy to meet new people!
I’m an Austinite too! 🤠
also in Austin!!
Hi! You responded before I posted the form and I'm checking to make sure you don't slip through the cracks. :)
Hi from Austin!
Hi! You responded before I posted the form and I'm checking to make sure you don't slip through the cracks. :)
I'm in Austin!!
Hi! You responded before I posted the form and I'm checking to make sure you don't slip through the cracks. :)
Hi! Would love to, but there are so many comments I can't find it lol. Would you tag me in that thread? Thx!
LOL, here's the link!
https://forms.gle/HNKDbE695YspDN2a7
Boston (JP), MA! 33 and iso folks who wanna lay down in the arboretum and eat cheese.
Also Boston but Brighton / Camberville! 30, looking for board game and dinner party friends
I'm gonna start a server if anyone uses Discord! https://discord.gg/u7sUJZfU
This is a long shot but I just saw this group mentioned in this week’s newsletter and would love to join (if a year late is not too late)… I’ve lived in Cambridge for a year and a half and am moving to Somerville in Jan!
I thought the same thing!
Hi! Any chance you could resend this link? I am just seeing it and am in Boston too and interested in cheese, dinner, Arbo, games, etc. Thank you!!
Here you go! https://discord.gg/fgJ38vMN
I live in west Roxbury!! Would love an arbo meet up <3
I’m in Southern NH and work in Boston area! Started a southern NH thread below if anyone else somewhat local is reading the Boston comments!
Moving back to southern NH next week, also working in Boston, and would absolutely love to hang!
Good luck with the move! Would love to meet up -- my email is mrogers5200@gmail.com. Definitely reach out once you're settled!
Boston (Brookline)! 34- just moved back after a few years away. Also love cheese haha. Would love to meet up!
Oooh near the arb too! And love both of things!
I'm in Boston (Brookline!) been here for 10 years but always welcome a new friend to share cheese & wine with!
Outside Boston on the Cape, but visit often. We did have a meetup last year, would be fun to do another one :)
cambridge! 30, moved here a year and a half ago, still trying to grow roots
Somerville! There’s an email chain of Boston-area folks from last year. If anyone would like to dm me their email address, I can add you in
Another Camberville here! Can we all get coffee?
Boston / Camberville here! I also like cheese, board games, and dinner parties
The sweet relief of finding the Camberville thread!! Joining the discord now :)
Another Cambridge (anyone MIT?) via Lincoln, MA reader! Would be so delighted to join any events or local lists <3
North shore Boston! 30 and would love some non-work friends :)
21 and about to move to boston in the fall! no clue where exactly yet (apartment search is ongoing 😪)
Also Boston but Brookline and soon moving to brighton,, 23 non binary i love being outside and i also love cheese
25 and been in boston for 3 years now! living in brighton and working in east cambridge area!
Somerville! 29, love board games, dinner parties, and the outdoors. Did someone start an email chain yet?
There’s a discord server that over a dozen people are already on:)
As of today, I’ve lived in Oakland, California for one year and ten days. Would be happy to organize an East Bay (+SF?) Maybe Baby meetup! If anyone’s interested, drop your email or send it to me at emilyarmstead@gmail.com.
Anyone down the peninsula, Palo Alto, Redwood City or San Jose?? 🫶🏼
I'm in RWC!
I live in Redwood City! Would love a peninsula meetup 😊 dubram@gmail.com is my email if anyone wants to meetup
I'm in Redwood City! Just moved here from Brooklyn
I'm in San Jose!
I'm in San Jose too!
Update: I created a San Francisco Bay Area/Oakland/East Bay meetup Google Form :) https://forms.gle/4kGZZMeMXfnorGW48.
Oh amazing! I also made one lol https://forms.gle/dGUgyEpNTyDAFvhYA and I am in San Francisco. Maybe we can split one SF/Marin/South and one East Bay? I'll link to yours! :)
SF SF!!
I’m in SF too!
Yay I linked yours in mine too :) thanks!
Hoorah! I'm in SF too - just added my info to sheet. Thanks for organizing!
Thanks for making a S.F. one! I grew up in the east bay but live in SF and just really would rather stay closer to home :)
tysm Emily! Excited for a potential Oakland meetup
also in oakland :)
I’m in Marin :)
I’m in Berkeley and would love a meet up! Will email you Emily
Hey! I'm in Berkeley :) My email is aleithialow@gmail.com/ IG @aleithial
👋 I’m in SF & would love to join!
I’m in SF too!
I’m also in Oakland! Will email :)
Yay! I'm in Napa but would be open to East Bay shenanigans
Cool, I grew up in St. Helena! Yay Napa Valley. Here's a link for meetup preferences: https://forms.gle/4kGZZMeMXfnorGW48
Currently in SF but have moved around in the bay are. I’ll send an email!
I’m in SF too!
Also Oakland!! Would love a meet up!
Also in Oakland, will email you!
most likely moving in June and would love to meet fellow Maybe Babies!
east bay fam, sharing the geneva link for our group chat, started last year: https://links.geneva.com/invite/b193c2ea-1308-470c-8e4c-50696153797a we also have a monthly book club if anyone is interested!
Hi! Fellow East Bay-er (Albany, CA). Would love to meet up. I have a little one due on June 29 and am also looking for some new parent friends! 🐥
I’m in SF, but down for an east bay meet up! rkbennett824@gmail.com is my email
Also an SF baby and would love to meet!!
Just moved to Pacifica. Would love to meet up! Emailing you :)
In Melbourne, Australia! Moved here from South Africa a few months ago. Would love to make more friends here.
I’m in Melbourne!
I just moved to Melbourne and would love to meet up with other MB readers!
I’m in Melbourne!
I'm in Melbourne too! Feel free to DM me :)
I can't believe I've found the Melbourne people. I'm inner west Melbourne but happy to travel. I also have a toddler for any other mums who want meet up.
Another inner west toddler mum here! (Plus a fresh newborn 😅)
Great! Let me know if you want to meet up for a playground date. We're in Kingsville. My email is georgia@littlewren.com.au.
I’m also an inner west mum (7mo baby) and would be keen to do something :)
I'm in Melbourne too! Based in Brunswick, would love to meet people in the Inner North but equally also very happy to travel :)
Hey Gillian, I'm in Brunswick too!
Also in Melb :) :)
I’m in Melbourne! South eastern suburbs. Would definitely be keen to meet some fellow Maybe Baby’s
Melbourne represent!
Hello! I'm in Melbourne too, would also love to meet up. - Bella x
i’m in melbourne too! feel free to email me and i can try organise a meet up for us all <3 oliviacjoyce@gmail.com
hi guys, meet up is happening!! flick me an email if you’re keen x ^
I'm in Melbourne too :)
Yay, had to scroll through so far to find Melb but glad y'all are here. I'm in the Inner North, keen to meet up!
we’re organising a meet up <3 email me if you’re keen oliviacjoyce@gmail.com
Amazing! I’m in thornbury and want in on this :) this was worth the long scroll!
Also in Melbourne!
Outer Eastern Suburbs here - let’s do this
Melbourne too - inner north if anyone wants to meet up 😊
Melbourne too!!! 💗
Montreal, Canada ! Would love to meet other subscribers ❤️❤️
dm me your emails and we can organize a meet up 🫶🏿!!
Also in Mtl and would love a little meetup! 🌞
Same!!
Hi! / Salut!
Same!
same here! 🥰
Me too! 💕
yay! this is so nice. Will DM my email :)
For anyone else who is still interested in a montreal meetup, I ended up creating a whatsapp group chat. Please feel free to join! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lnj2DZziPtq5LlIuRpeNUt
me please <3
Me too, please 💖
Yay mtl!
Me too! 🤚