A chance to meet my “sistas and brothers”
It has been a half year since I started blogging. And what a year it was. When I first started, I honestly had no idea the depth blogging would take me. I started writing for me. Instead, what I found was a whole community out here that I barely knew existed. Women, men, writers, photographers, entrepreneurs, dear friends that inspire me daily to pick myself up and keep going. People that help me become a better writer, gain confidence, think, and debate. People who inspired me to take the plunge and to start my photography business this year. People with whom I argue. People from whom I receive support. People whom I support. People whom I am proud to call “friend”, even if we have never met.
There are several blogging conferences this year; conferences I would LOVE to go to. Blissdom is one of these conferences, with AMAZING speakers (if you have a chance to go, I would HIGHLY suggest it…. I am sad to miss it this year). But unfortunately, it is occurring too near some MAJOR expenses for our family (a falling chimney, heating oil for a 120 year old house where you can feel the wind blow, a car that needs some work……. Christmas), and I don’t think I can make it happen. The other is the BlogHer convention occurring in July. Finances are still going to be very tight to get to Chicago (especially with me starting my own business), but might be slightly easier than right now.
Fortunately, I may have some help. Erin at Queen of Spain is doing something very, very cool. She is giving away a BlogHer registration on her blog. I simply have to explain why I want to attend BlogHer in 2009 and how I plan on supporting women I know and love.
I want to attend the BlogHer conference in 2009, so I have a chance to meet all of my new found “sistas and brothers” that I have come to know in this wonderful community. I have formed a true connection with so many (and honestly some of them have changed my life), and I would love to finally meet them face to face where I might not otherwise have the chance.
I also want to learn. As a former teacher, I am a life-long learner. I absorb all that is around me, and apply it to my own situation. BlogHer offers the opportunity to learn about writing, learn about blogging, learn about business practices. I would love for the opportunity to learn, discuss, and participate in the forums….. and then share what I have learned on my blog. I will always be a teacher.
Finally, I want to share. Blogging has made me realize that we all share something….. the human condition. We all share knowledge, we all learn from each other. I am proud that I have been able to support many in their time of need with comments I have made on their blogs. I am also proud that I have had the courage, with support of these dear friends, to write pieces on post-pardom depression and grief, with the goal to try to help others through. I plan on supporting others with what I write, but with also ideas on how to be the best that we all can be. I plan on offering encouragement where needed and to collaborate to create something wonderful.
In all honesty, blogging has opened a world of possibilities and encouragement to me. I want to share that with as many as I can. I fully believe that a conference such as BlogHer can give me the tools to do just that.
7 Responses to “A chance to meet my “sistas and brothers””
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I hope we get a chance to meet in Chicago!
Brenda-SeriouslyMama’s last blog post..Just slap me.
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I’ve decided I’m not going to BlogHer. Again.
But this year it is because FireDad’s grandparents are celebrating their 50th Anniversary party that very weekend. With a surprise party thrown by my husband’s dad, wife and, oh, somehow we’ve been wrangled into it all!
And I can’t write why I’m not going on MY blog because FireDad’s grandparents read.
Enjoy if you make it!
FireMom’s last blog post..Helping Along One of My 2009 Goals
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Good luck! I too would love to hit these conferences, but I am such a new blogger, I can’t decide if its a hobby, passion or potential career.
Domestic Goddess (in training)’s last blog post..The Evil Stepmother Relents
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Good luck, hope you get there!
I wish I could go to one of them, but it’s impossible… firstly to get a visa, let alone the flights. LOL!
Jeanette’s last blog post..Fun at the Lion Park
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I’d love to attend those events as well. Maybe we’ll both get our wish one day soon!
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Hope you can go. I was heartbroken last year when the conference was right here in SF and I still couldn’t go because of money. I would love to meet you all great ladies! And Neil (heh!) if he goes. But this year isn’t looking promising either. Wish you the best luck!
Florencia’s last blog post..The holidays in pictures
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good luck! Blogher always sounds like one big sorority parties except that everyone is invited; however you might want to bring a bottle of vodka just in case
Spoiled Sometimes’s last blog post..My two cents …
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