If you are a blogger and have never attended Blissdom, I highly recommend that you read these posts and consider attending this amazing conference next year. It is truly an amazing opportunity to connect with other bloggers and to grow as a blogger.
I came to Blissdom not knowing exactly why I was coming, but expecting to leave learning a thing or two about this thing called blogging. What I left with was far more than I expected, and I’m not talking about the swag bags. It was amazing to connect on a deeper and more personal level with women whose hearts I’ve seen bare on the pages of their blogs; Women whose stories I’ve come to know, cherish, follow and care about. Oh, and can you believe it? They care about mine. I’m still trying to take that in. I don’t think I was ready for the panel discussions, but boy was I ready for the community & fellowship.
In one of our sessions we were encouraged to set up a Fan Page to encourage community on our blogs. The belief is that if you enjoy reading a particular blog, chances are that you’ll have more in common with others who also enjoy reading it. I set up a Mommy Matters Blog Fan Page so you can not only connect with me on Facebook, but also other readers of my blog whom you may also have things in common with. Out of respect for Big Daddy I keep my personal Facebook account private but I use Twitter and Mommy Matters Blog Facebook Fan page to connect with readers and fellow bloggers, so please understand if I cannot accept your friend request on my private Facebook account. I kinda like being married to the father of my 4 children.
Your posts should be long. Your posts should be short. It doesn’t matter if your posts are long or short as long as they are well written, well edited, have resolution and are entertaining…or something like that. Which do you believe? Apparently there are no wrong answers to this question. Which may be a good thing since this is the l-o-n-g-e-s-t post I’ve ever written!
At the opening session we played two ice breaker games. One had us going to corners of the room based on our birth month and the other had us grouping together by the region we live in. I live in Florida so I went to the South East corner. Did you know Southern women don’t consider Florida the South? Are we the Caribbean? I always wanted to live in the Caribbean!
Did you know that Melissa doesn’t eat fruits or vegetables and she doesn’t make her children eat them either? The only thing she does make them eat is things that they should like. Things like pizza. Is she great or what?
Domestic Debacle is the sweetest woman, even if she did tweet that I should be forced to wear an orange vest at the next Blissdom. After enjoying her facial and massage (she won it!) at the spa she met me in the Godiva chocolate store on the last evening of conference. I wore an orange sweater because I’m a people pleaser…and I may or may not be afraid of her. Just kidding…maybe.
It used to be my dream was to homeschool throughout the country in an RV. Now my dream may just be to attend Blog Conferences throughout the country in a private plane. Blog conferences are wildly addicting and what’s not to love about a private plan? Well, a girl can dream anyway.
I had the most amazing lunch conversation with Pearls and Grace, Vita Familiae, and Flip Flops and Applesauce (not their real names). As a homeschool mom I don’t get to “lunch with the girls” very often and this was one of those lunches that made up for a whole year’s worth of lunches I might have had. If you are a Christian, its one of those things we simply call A God Moment. These ladies and our conversation is now etched in my heart. Thank-you! You have no idea how much I wish we lived in the same town!
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Getting ready for Blissdom #1
Blissdom #2: Conference Schedule & choosing a breakout session
The Mommy Make-over photos continue…
Jack and Coke without the Jack please…
Getting ready for Blissdom #3: My Packing List
Why women blog
I'm still jealous that you got to go! Maybe someday I'll get to go!
I'll have to look into the facebook thing. I wasn't sure how that worked since I don't want it connected to my personal page.
I was so glad I got to meet you! Wasn't the whole thing FABULOUS?!
I am a newer follower and enjoyed reading this post.. I wish I had been able to go ( a close friend who lives near me and blogs went and I am super jealous) but I plan on going next year… oh and I live in Mass so BlogHer might be an option!
So glad we had that conversation. It was lovely to meet you. Totally humbling to be part of that God moment. Hugs!
Hi! I'm visiting from MBC. Great blog!
Sounds like it was an amazing event! Any discussion about nasty commenters who seems to only want to put down what you write about??? Would love some tips on that!
I can't believe how much was packed in! What an incredible opportunity and I am glad you are sharing so those of us who didn't go can still benefit from your learning. Thanks!
looks like a wonderful time!
Karen,
I was so blessed by our time together. You have such a sweet spirit. Your love for your family and your passion for what you do comes through loud and clear!
You are a joy to be around. Thanks for the fellowship.
I think your poll is a brilliant idea…my number one reason is winning 🙂
I just fanned your Facebook page! I think the poll is a great idea. I need to do the same.
That sounds like and amazing time!! I would have loved getting to meet YOU face to face!
Dang! I need to go to the next one (in real life)! I would even wear an orange vest too if it meant I would get a new friend! (I am so desperate)
That fan page is such a fun idea!
So please tell me you're not going to be one of those people who stop blogging after they go to a blog conference! (Did you ever figure out what the reasoning is behind that?)
your words about me cracked me up! hilarious. but true.
you are so beautiful. i can't believe i only got one pictures of you.
you are so good at putting your thoughts together. what a fun wrap-up post! i still haven't been able to form my thoughts yet. sometimes i get befuddled when i have so many thoughts and impressions in my head at the same time.
i am so thankful for your friendship, karin. thank you for sharing your heart, for your advice and for being such a good friend. i completely heart you, girl!
love your take on Blissdom!
Karin-
Thanks for sharing all of this valuable info, and it looks like a fabulous time was had by all. I'm jealous!!
😉
Thanks for stopping by my place!
First of all…you're drop dead gorgeous. Second of all…I'm so glad you had fun without me. I was beginning to worry. We DEFINITELY need to meet at another convention. We can be fellow blog conference jet setters. 😉
Wow, it sounds like you had an amazing time. You have sold me. I think that I am going to looking into this conference for next year.
I am so glad we got to meet!! You are one HAWT momma, and could totally rock the orange vest! Just be prepared when I bring one for you next year! I can't wait to spend more time with you next year- we must get lunch/dinner. You're such a sweetie! (and don't be afraid- I get that all the time 😉 )
Oh to hang with Darcy…it must have felt like you were hangin with celebrities :)! So glad you went and had fun!
Fabulous recap. Loved the pictures. Wasn't that centerpiece fabulous?!
I'm pretty sure I didn't get to meet you there, but I plan on being there next year, so we will have to meet for sure!
Thanks for linking up on my Blissdom Recap link up. Sorry it has taken me so long to get over to read your Blissdom posts!
Tamara
http://www.theunexperiencedmom.com