No BlogHer for This Her
Tue, Aug 2, 2011
I remember packing for my first BlogHer. Finley and I were embarking on our first adventure, she was a little over two months old. It was a revelatory experience, as we surpassed everyone’s expectations (oh, how those people giving me the evil as they saw us boarding the plane changed their tune!)
My second BlogHer had me packing a smaller bag and not knowing who would site beside me on the plane as all three girls stayed at home with Sean. Leslie and I locked arms, treked all over beautiful Chicago as talked about every subject under the sun, and those hidden in the cover of night, before searching for a breast pump and spotting the president. Dude, it was, right? It had to be. Whatever, we got the pump.
BlogHer in NYC was in the company of friends from Trampoline. Sean sent me updates of his time with the girls. I had a different experience than years past, I tasted an independence I’d never known, understood the power of demonstrating to my girls the value in pursuing a dream. I returned home buoyed, stronger despite my still weak system.
And now here it is time for BlogHer again. I feel like I did in 2007 when I wanted to go but hadn’t shared that with anyone. I’d love to be in the thick of things, surrounded by so many women with different aspirations, hurdles and approaches. There is something so inspiring (or maddening if you choose to see it that way) about the cacophony of pursuit—income, friendship, fame, improvement.
I will not be flying to San Diego, but I’ll have those swarms of happy, passionate, fun-seeking people in my mind. I’ll travel their blogs and smile. Missing this won’t dampen my spirit, it will reignite the desire to spread my wings and achieve all that I know is possible.
I hope you find your flight.
I am grateful to Lisa, Jory and Elisa for what they’ve created. To Erin and Denise for their advocacy, and to Rita for her candor. Special nods and hugs to my BlogHer friends new and old. Dawn, Leslie, Molly, Colleen, Megan, Heather, Victoria, Sarah, Jessica, Maggie, another Maggie, my Martha Stewart soiree Maggie, Jennifer and Alli (who I only shared a limo with, but have admired for some time). There are more and I hope one day I’ll see them again. Until such a time, I’ll be stoking what makes me a strong her.
Thanks to Amy for helping us overcome the 1 ticket, 3 women predicament.
Thanks to Karen for her kindness and light as she wrote the word upon my arm.
Tags: BlogHer
I won’t be there either. But my memories will sustain me.
Love you.
I think I was sitting with Maggie and Neil ( http://www.citizenofthemonth.com/ ) at one of these and we were messaging you, no?
Love you too, sweet friend.
I’ll miss you. This year, I’m taking both of my people and we’re staying a few extra days. So that changes the dynamic.
That’s right! That was awesome.
That’s so nice. San Diego is an amazing place!
I’m not going this year either. Actually I also didn’t go last year, which makes me feel so out of the loop to miss two years.
I mean, it’s not really *that* fun! Oh alright, who am I kidding. It is *that* fun. Maybe next year? I’d love to actually meet!
I’m not going this year. Maybe next!
Hey wait…I was there last year, too! Twas my first year. Maybe we passed at a party. With cocktail in hand.
I’m not going this year, either. Maybe you and I and others should hold an east coast writer’s weekend somewhere…
(PS: Finally checked out your work website. SPEC-tacular. Truly. I used to work in adv/marketing–my old agency had much of the same flair and whimsy that it seems yours does.)
xo
Denise, lets! I love the big, twinkly conferences, but I think carving out something for ourselves when those aren’t happening is a great idea!
The great thing about conferences is that opportunity to finally meet all your friends face-to-face finally.
at least we have BHAH! (late hopping now)
it is lovely to make those connections in real life. the blogging community is incredible that way. thanks for joining us at blogherathome.
I even bought tickets to BlogHer11 because I PROMISED myself last year, sick from chemo, that I wouldn’t let anything get in the way of the next one.
Oh well. Life happens.
I had a wonderful time connecting with the women at HomeHer11 and BHAH. And I too am thankful for BlogHer, even if I wasn’t there to collect all that swag I paid for, because without BlogHer, HomeHer and BHAH wouldn’t have happened, and and I would have missed out on all this banter and all these connections I made the past couple of days.
Here’s to trying again next year.
Princess Jenn, I agree. The chances I’ve had over the last few years to meet the people who’ve been such consistent and dear friends online have been amazing. They always twinkle in person and draw the kind of smiles from me that are reserved for people I know very well.
Kimberly, you said it!
Nic, I was grateful to have BHAH.
Judy, maybe next year…
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I like this. I didn’t see it the first time around. I’m sorry, Amanda – I’ve been away far too long.