July 31, 2006
back from bloggie camp for girls
the gorgeous Karen Walrond in her tropical necklace, Canon Digital Rebel
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!
Kristin Lemen, baby brewing tees, Canon Digital Rebel
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?
Maggie Mason, the best moderator in the world, Canon Digital Rebel
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!
Posted on July 31, 2006 07:46 AMAndrea -- 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
Posted by: Schmoopy at August 5, 2006 03:38 PMDO you know when it will be next year? I may well fly over for it, I think.
Sounds awesome.
Mia
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
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!
Posted by: Suebob at August 1, 2006 10:13 AMTell Jen Lemen we miss her !!!
Posted by: aola at August 1, 2006 10:04 AMSounds like you had a fabulous weekend - way to go!
Posted by: Jennifer at August 1, 2006 09:03 AMfrom everything I've read, it sounds like an inspiring and magical gathering.
Posted by: whitney at August 1, 2006 08:39 AMoh i so love jen lemen! she makes my heart sing.
Posted by: cheryl at August 1, 2006 04:29 AMGoodness -- 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.
Posted by: Chookooloonks at July 31, 2006 09:50 PMIt was great to meet you. You are doing great things and inspiring many more people than you know.
Posted by: Leah at July 31, 2006 09:40 PMIt was really wonderful meeting you and being on a panel with you. I think only you knew you were nervous until you said something :)
Posted by: Marnie at July 31, 2006 09:27 PMLucky 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? :-D
Posted by: tiffany at July 31, 2006 08:54 PMSounds like you had an amazing time! I loved how happy everyone looks in the photos. Glad you are back safe and sound. :)
Posted by: Julia at July 31, 2006 08:18 PMoh wow...that picture of Karen is delicious!
Posted by: Boho at July 31, 2006 07:36 PMI 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.
Posted by: Lori at July 31, 2006 07:09 PMGreat pictures! Infectious smiles.
Posted by: Brian at July 31, 2006 05:32 PMI'm sooo jealous! Your pictures are fabulous!!
Posted by: Sundries Sublime at July 31, 2006 01:29 PM