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.
This makes me want to go next year, but I’m still a little scared. Would I know anyone?
me!
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????
Gah! I’m so bummed I couldn’t make it! Looks like you had a great time, and your photos are wonderful!
Love that you had a great time! Gorgeous photos.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Sounds like a great time to me!
I will try and go next year! All of you look gorgeous in your photos.
Looks like so much fun! Meeting online friends and spending time in their actual presence must be great.
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!
This totally makes me want to try Blissdom again!
(Also, I have no idea who any of those stars are…lol).
xoxo
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!
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.
Your pictures are stunning. I’m SO happy to have met you and I’m glad you had such a great time!
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
Awww… Now I’m going to cry. And looking at these photos of all my beautiful friends makes me miss them even more.
Well that sounds flippin awesome!!!! So glad you had such a great time!
I have heard so many good things about the conference this year. I really wish I would have gone this time!
Wish there was something like this here in the Philippines!
Patsy from
HeARTworks
I would LOVE to get to a conference . . . probably not happening this year but hopefully in 2014!