From the moment Nicole told me that she would pick me up at the airport, I knew Blissdom was going to be pretty awesome.
And despite the fact that my sweet roommate Kim got sick, it was quite wonderful.
We kicked it off with a wonderful photo walk on Thursday afternoon where I finally got to meet Meagan and sweet Sarah. And wouldn’t you know it, they BOTH taught me something about photography while we were on the walk! 🙂 I also got to talk to Jennifer (who I met at BlogHer last year) and one of my first bloggy buds, Holly toward the end of the walk. (separate post coming for photo walk alone!)
I enjoyed the photography sessions with David Molnar as well as the writing session with Lisa Leonard that I attended. Each of them inspired me to Capture MY Story, one with words and one with photographs. I believe I can do both…
The key notes from Scott Stratten and Jon Acuff were quite entertaining and I am excited to read both of their books.
It was also great to come “home” to a conference, back to my favorite state of Texas and be in my old “stompin’ grounds” (and partake of some of my favorite beverages. ahem.)
I may have overdosed just a tad on Tex Mex though (not possible, right?!)
Oh and did I mention the celebrities?
That’s right, some of the cast of All My Children were there as well as Chris Mann, Amber Riley of GLEE fame (who can totally sing like a maniac, by the way!!) and Anna Gasteyer and Jeremy Sisto of Suburgatory. And I rubbed shoulders with most of them. How fun is that?
(My mom might pass out when I show her my photo with “Lujack” from The Guiding Light, just FYI…)
Plus I had an awesome massage from Jesse (I think) in the Bissell booth and attended a super hard fitness session led by Rachel Canella on Saturday morning. She totally kicked our booties! And gave us some great swag from SoyBu!
But what usually makes a conference for me is the opportunity to hang out and hug my “peeps”. My internet peeps that is. I can honestly say that this was the FIRST time that I felt like every person at this conference was my friend. I am not even kidding. Blissdom is the right size and everyone that I experienced was nice, genuine and beautiful. Every time I walked the corridors people were smiling and happy. I didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. Everyone is included in every event and I never felt alone or left out.
In short, Blissdom = Friends.
from top, clockwise, me with Katy, Erin, Meagan, Nicole, Hillary and Jennifer
Not to mention, Y’all, I am truly blessed to have a found a really good friend through blogging, who I clicked with from the beginning and who is easy going and fun and makes me laugh pretty much the entire time I am there and many times gives me a new perspective. Thanks for being a wonderful roommate and friend, Jennifer!
p.s. check out her new weight loss blog at Mom and Mommer – she’s doing great things!
And I hope to be at Blissdom again next year, fingers crossed it’s in Dallas again. 🙂
Carolyn Y says
This makes me want to go next year, but I’m still a little scared. Would I know anyone?
Sisters from Another Mister says
me! 🙂
Sisters from Another Mister says
and i got to hug your neck once again … and i don’t think i took any pics at all this year … how can that be????
Leigh Ann says
Gah! I’m so bummed I couldn’t make it! Looks like you had a great time, and your photos are wonderful!
Alison says
Love that you had a great time! Gorgeous photos.
MeaganMusing says
Getting to hang out with you was one of my very favorite parts of Blissdom! It’s so awesome to translate friends from online to real life!
Arnebya says
I’m so glad to know you had a good time. The falling asleep picture made me burst out laughing because yeah, you’re all “What day is it?” You have me wanting to go next year.
Jodi says
I couldn’t have said it better myself! People were so friendly and I loved the laid back feel of the whole weekend. It was so nice to meet you!
Katie @ Loves of Life says
So interesting to me because I’ve read polar opposite experiences with blissdom! I guess you just can’t please everyone. But glad you had a fun time!
Kristin says
Sounds like a great time to me!
I will try and go next year! All of you look gorgeous in your photos.
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom says
Looks like so much fun! Meeting online friends and spending time in their actual presence must be great.
Julia Hunter says
So Blissdom looks amazing but seriously the cast of AMC, I’m jealous. Vincent Izziary (lujack or David on AMC) is one of my absolute favorites. Glad you had fun!
tracy@sellabitmum says
This totally makes me want to try Blissdom again!
(Also, I have no idea who any of those stars are…lol).
xoxo
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
Oh of these days, I’m so going to make it to BlissDom…not just for the fun, but to meet some of my “peeps” too!
Kimberly says
Love love.
One day when I’m famous and rich, I will attend one of these things and then hide in a corner because I am surprisingly super shy.
You’re gorgeous my dear.
Greta @gfunkified says
Your pictures are stunning. I’m SO happy to have met you and I’m glad you had such a great time!
Rachel says
GORGEOUS pics <3
Makes my heart so happy!
Still so sad that I had to miss it, but LOVE seeing it happen through all my peeps eyes and hearts <3
Jennifer says
Awww… Now I’m going to cry. And looking at these photos of all my beautiful friends makes me miss them even more.
Kat says
Well that sounds flippin awesome!!!! So glad you had such a great time!
Kimberly says
I have heard so many good things about the conference this year. I really wish I would have gone this time!
Patsy Paterno says
Wish there was something like this here in the Philippines!
Patsy from
HeARTworks
Nina says
I would LOVE to get to a conference . . . probably not happening this year but hopefully in 2014!