Hot Sun, Warm Bloggers, Cool Cocktails
When I started this blog in 2004, the blogosphere was a much different place. Like many folks, I took a break here and there to get my bearings, re-evaluate my reasons for blogging, secretly wish karma attacks on the ridiculously mean anonymous commenters… but I always came back to it. Something about this place has always called to me. Here I can be all that I am without apology: the mass extrovert with the sometimes paralyzingly shy heart of an introvert, the crass creative tattooed mama AND the suited up geeky analytical exec, the crazy “stick-a-fork-in-me-I’m DONE“ FML frantic mom or the “Aww yeah, THIS is how working motherhood is done, ladies! BOOYA!” confident mom.
This weekend, the reasons I continue to blog were very clear: I do it for me, I do it for the community. Attending Bloggy Boot Camp in Phoenix re-energized my passion for writing in this space and reminded me of the community of women who exist in this space with me to make it all the more comforting, fun, inspiring.
I’ve gotta be honest: as excited as I was, I came in feeling a little nervous, because I don’t consider myself a “real blogger.” I’ve got a lot of blogs but let’s be honest: I don’t market them one iota (although I absolutely love my two followers – kisses & hugs to you both!). I don’t do advertising (yet?), I don’t do giveaways (yet?), I don’t participate in (a lot of) blogger fun. I’m the laziest blogger I know. But, when Tiffany of SITS asks me to be somewhere, my answer will always be yes. She’s like a hypnotic charm girl, that Tiffany.
Everyone I met at Bloggy Boot Camp was insanely amazing. Truly. The SITS Girls who put on the conference created such an incredibly warm, welcoming, inviting atmosphere. The conference was attended by women who were ready to learn from each other and make new connections. It was nice and hot in Phoenix compared to Portland. There were cool cocktails. I was lucky enough to room with and speak with the super talented, genuine & incredibly sweet Lisa Leonard and also speak with the super inspiring and high energy adorableness that is Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie. Those two rock it beyond words. I also got to meet so many incredible women, and I honestly can’t list them all because your eyes would explode from all the awesomeness. Go check out my Twitter list: Bloggy Boot Camp and follow those lovely ladies. Right now. Go. DO IT. You won’t be sorry.
I am in such awe of these women who are so dedicated to their blogs, who move forward each day with such purpose and passion with their blogging. They are the writers, educators and connectors of today’s online world. I learned so much from them this past weekend, and I walked away wanting MORE. I want more of this blogging world. I want to engage and develop richer connections and just DO and BE better with my own blogging. Thanks for the inspiration, ladies!!
Thanks to The SITS Girls for one helluva kick-ass conference. I am inspired and think Portland needs a Bloggy Boot Camp (ahem)!
PS – should I just give up on the Google connect followers thing? Y’all, if you’re reading this, can you please be a dear and just click over on that Google follow box to add yourself? I know I just added that thing recently but really: the emptiness makes me wanna drink (more) heavily.
Tags: bloggers, blogging, bloggy boot camp
Hi there!! Just wanted to stop in and check out your blog!! I’m a fellow Bloggy Bootcamper, and NOW a brand-new follower of YOU. I really enjoyed reading this post about your experience from Saturday because I was a little intimidated myself going to the seminar!! I’m fairly new to this Blogging world… never made $, never had a giveaway, and my follwer headcount is up to 14 (I’m one of them…lol) Despite these facts, I HAD A BLAST:) I learned so much, and was also very inspired!! I look forward to reading more from this blog in the future…CHEERS!! xo
Hi MarLynn,
Glad we got a chance to visit at dinner – and compare tattoos! Bloggy Boot Camp was SO fun, it was hard to get back to work today. I’ll pop by and visit from time to time.
Yay, my itty-bitty bloggy pal I had the pleasure of towering over at the poolside cocktail party and scorching our poor hands at lunch on our silverware with. I can’t wait to keep in touch and build a tribe of never-ending awesomeness.
xo,
me
Ditto!
YOU helped to add to that warm, welcoming atmosphere!
Cindy´s last blog ..Made By You Monday
Sounds like you had an amazing time! I am just a wee bit jealous.
Off to check out your twitter list…
Brenna´s last blog ..The oil spill…
Nicole, thanks so much for stopping by! I just visited your fun blog! Looking forward to connecting more.
Adrian, I LOVED chatting over dinner! I’m about to go check out your sites soon!
Jess, you crack me up way too much for it to be normal. I totally forgot about scorching our hands on the silverware! I am surprised the whole state does not eat with wooden utensils. Love connecting with you & hope to see you IRL at other conferences perhaps? (EVO! Go to EVO!!)
Cindy, I wish we could have chatted more! Looking forward to getting to know you better as I just love what you’re doing & you’re a doll!
Brenna, you should totally try to go to the next one that’s close to us! There’s a San Fran! Or come to EVO with me! Park City in June…
Seriously. Loved. You. I just noticed you were speaking at EVO! We can be BFFs all over again! I’m going as a Mom It Forward Volunteer. Hooray!
xo
Kelly
Kelly@Childhood´s last blog ..Wall Organizer
It was fabulous meeting you!!!
Julie {Angry Julie Monday}´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Bloggers Night Out
For such a small conference there were so many people I didn’t get to meet. I’m glad you did a recap post so I can learn about you and keep an eye out for all the cool stuff you do.
Sara @ Saving For Someday´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Birthday Wishes … and a Hint
@Kelly – can’t wait to see you at EVO!!!
@Julie – I so loved meeting you! Your photos are gorgeous, btw!
@Sara – I know – it’s amazing how fast time flies and now as I look on Twitter I see there are still so many incredible women I didn’t get to meet or spend nearly enough time time!
Thanks for stopping by everyone! I’ll be popping by your blogs over the next few days!
Such a great post! And I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to creating a warm and inviting conference atmosphere, Tiffany definitely has the market cornered.
Just sorry that I wasn’t able to meet you in person. Hope that I get the chance someday. Oh, and bringing BBC to Portland is an excellent idea!
-Francesca
Francesca´s last blog ..An Interview and Giveaway with Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A. Your son is adorable, as are you!
B. You’ve got so much on the go – where would there be time to ‘market your brand?’ Well done on all of your accomplishments.
C. I’ve become a google follower, I hear ya on how hard it is to get those followers. So many bloggers, so little time.
D. Although I’m a newbie blogger and mommy, I have noticed how fierce the whole mommy blogging thing is, but am continually relieved/inspired by women like you.
I shall continue to check out your action! Thanks for putting your beautiful spirit out there!
Happy SITS Saturday and Momma’s Day!
Selena´s last blog ..On My Way To Etsy!
[...] I spoke at my first blogging conference and made some amazing new friends. Then I spoke at another blog conference and made some more. I [...]