I just returned from a long weekend at Blogher, which I’ve been affectionately calling blogger camp for girls. It was so much fun! and I miss it already. Where’s the pool? Where are the cool women? Why am I alone in my office?
The highlight for me was meeting some of the women I have been in contact with via email but had never had a chance to meet. Karen Walrond of Chookoloonks, pictured above, is a perfect example. She flew all the way from Trinidad to be at the conference and she is even more amazing in real life. It was also a gift to spend time with Jen Lemen currently on hiatus from blogging, Tracey Clark who makes gorgeous photos and Kristin Lemen who makes sassy maternity tees with lines like “Mommy wants a cocktail” and “Definitely not having a silent birth”. The list could go on of the talented women I met!
There is so much to say… Should I tell you about the closing keynote when Arianna Huffington inspired us with her fierce courage? or all of the other strong, inspiring voices like Caterina Fake, Mena Trott, Caroline Little and Grace Davis?
My panel was also a highlight of my weekend. My friend and roomie at the hotel, Maggie Mason, was the moderator of our panel entitled, Is the next Martha Stewart a Blogger? I learned so much from my fellow panelists and also learned that I am very nervous in front of crowds and that the only cure for the trembly-get-me-the-hell-out-of-here shakey shakes was to out myself and say okay, “I am very nervous!” It was like my personal pressure release valve.
It was also a treat to see all of my superhero clients/friends with their jewels! Having an online business, I don’t always get the pleasure of seeing my work in action. Here are some links to Meg Hourihan and Pim.
Mostly, I want to say thank you to everyone I met this weekend. I hope to meet more of you at next year’s Blogher!
I’m sooo jealous! Your pictures are fabulous!!
Great pictures! Infectious smiles.
I totally agree that Maggie Mason is the world’s best moderator. Your session rocked! I’m so glad a cell phone call forced me to give up my seat at the Mommy Blogger session and to come over to the Martha Stewart one all the sooner. I learned a ton from all of you.
And p.s., it was so nice meeting you! Best of luck with the baby.
oh wow…that picture of Karen is delicious!
Sounds like you had an amazing time! I loved how happy everyone looks in the photos. Glad you are back safe and sound. 🙂
Lucky duck! I hope I can go someday… it sounds so fun and energizing. So for those of us who couldn’t make it… IS the next Martha Stewart a blogger? 😀
It was really wonderful meeting you and being on a panel with you. I think only you knew you were nervous until you said something 🙂
It was great to meet you. You are doing great things and inspiring many more people than you know.
Goodness — now there’s something I didn’t expect to see on your site today! I’m honoured…
…but even more honoured to have met you in person. You’re a beautiful soul, Andrea, and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re going to make an AMAZINGLY wonderful mother. Amazing.
Very best of luck to you, and, please, keep in touch!
K.
oh i so love jen lemen! she makes my heart sing.
from everything I’ve read, it sounds like an inspiring and magical gathering.
Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend – way to go!
Tell Jen Lemen we miss her !!!
It was wonderful to meet the genius-woman behind Superhero Designs. I will be a client as soon as I get my taxes paid!
Could you ASK for a better model than Karen Walrond? Did you see the Red Stapler photos (link on my blog). You are there with Pim and Karen is there looking awesome.
I miss everyone!
andrea – i loved meeting you. you are even cuter in person. i hope sometime in the future we get to sit down and talk, on or off camera, it doesn’t matter. i just would have loved to found out more of your story.
xo
DO you know when it will be next year? I may well fly over for it, I think.
Sounds awesome.
Mia
Andrea — I really enjoyed meeting you. Thank you SO much for choosing and blessing my superhero necklace. Believe me when I say to you that it is working it’s magic already. It’s beautiful and so are you.
Your panel was my fave, I learned so much from everyone there. Maggie was awesome.
Best of luck with your little one in December and thanks for sharing your story.
Stacie