Blogher ’11
|9.Aug.2011I just returned from Blogher ’11 in beautiful, sunny, and drought-free (something we Texans can’t help but notice) San Diego, California. This year over 3600 participants (primarily women, as it is “BlogHER) converged at the San Diego Marriott and Convention Center for three days of blogging panels, sessions and networking–not to mention endless swag from convention exhibitors and multiple after hours parties.
It was, in a word, fun.
I roomed, wined and dined with my close friend and talented graphic illustrator, Brenda Ponnay, also known as “Secret Agent Josephine”, and we met up with a few other online friends we’ve known for years through this huge, yet small, online blogging world.
From left to right: Tori, Kim, Brenda, and Carrien at the “CheeseburgHer” party.
Naturally, there was business to attend to, but business quickly became pleasure when meeting up with previous and current design clients like Ree, Jill (above), Tori and her publicist, Beth (below).
I was even accosted on the first night by fellow freelancer, Mrs. Flinger, but I’m too much of a gentlewoman to give details. Let’s just say she was having a VERY GOOD TIME on that first night. HI MRS. FLINGER!!! Do you still love me? *wink*
I missed my flight home by 20 minutes and was shifted to standby status. To my delight, there was room on the next flight out and even better, I ended-up seated next to Kyran Pittman, fellow blogger and author of Planting Dandelions.
As is most often the case, I was happy to go, but even happier to return home.
My next conference? An Event Apart in San Francisco, CA in December. Thankfully, I have plenty of time to rest up before then!
25 Comments
Natalie V2 Scaredy Blogger
Thank you, Heather! Between you, and my husband, I managed to get my kitties to BlogHer… totally worth it! I was so tickled to actually find myself sitting across from you… it was a gift having the opportunity to thank you for your kind influence. Bonus: I met Jill. You designed her blog? Well done.
Jill
It was so much fun meeting you all. I feel like I have new friends and so glad to have you all in my corner….
OMSH
Natalie! It was fantastic to meet you as well! Actually I didn’t design Jill’s current blog, but am currently in the process of her new design (which matches her business card she likely gave you at Blogher).
Loved your kitty shoes by the way! :)
Natalie V2
Oh! So, in other words: it’s going to look even better than it already does?! I am looking at her card right now… love the retro-French-whimsy.
The Kitty’s do me a lot of favors- thank you!
Jill
And oh my yes, the new blog will be stupendous. Thanks to Heather and Brenda…..brilliant, I tell ya’, just brilliant!!!
Angella
It was so good to FINALLY meet you (and hug you!)(and dance with you!).
You are the sweetest thing. :)
Kyran
Sitting with you on the plane was the bow that tied off a perfect weekend! But now I’m sad to realize I missed Brenda! I demand a redo. :-)
Hope you enjoy my little clutch of backyard tales.
xo
SAJ
I did make a hat for you at the CheeseburgHer party, Kyran. :)
OMSH
Kyran, I started reading it last night. I’m post-delivery and learning about your possessiveness with the sweet smell of your baby’s head. :)
I can hear your voice in it – I think that is one of the things I love most about “knowing” an author, hearing the voice.
jan
You look beautiful!
Natalie V2
And in person, even more beautiful.
Heather, you are pretty as a picture, and face to face, your sweetness, and smile… well, your beauty takes on a vibrant energy!
Laura Scarborough
on my small list of BlogHer regrets is that I didn’t get to mee you and say hello. I saw you as you were going up the escalator and I was just getting to the end of going down the escalator. I wish I had yelled out to you “OMSH I LOVE YOU!!!” That doesn’t sound to weird or stalkerish, does it?
Heather you are lovely. Glad that BlgoHer was fun for you too.
OMSH
Oh! You should have Laura! I would have scaled the escalator and crawled back down…or maybe not. BUT I WOULD HAVE YELLED BACK!!
Katie
You are looking all kinds of skinny, especially in the last photo on Brenda’s post. Looks like you all had fun. I enjoy both your blogs so keep it up!
Tori @ The Shiksa in the Kitchen
Burger bag hats for the win!!
Kim
I loved hanging out with you Heather! It was worth the ten year wait :)
Anita
I just wanna let you know. You are looking GOOOOOOOOOOD WOMAN!!! You have lost bunches, haven’t you? I also love your gorgeous hair. I’m so jealous of that hair color of yours!!
tracey - justanothermommy
I was so excited to meet you, even though you don’t know me! You were incredibly sweet about my need for a better shot of us. Thanks. :)
carrien (she laughs at the days)
I loved meeting you! You are so much fun. :) And you made me feel right at home. Thanks Heather. :) I still think Tori’s hat was Brenda’s crowning design achievement of the evening.
Ruth Ann
Simply….I love your honesty. It shines thru.. You don’t always find that these days with some of the bloggers.
Carole
I have to tell you, you look fabulous! Please will you share your secret? ;)
OMSH
Carole, thank you so much – I’ve been working hard. Ummm…drop sugar, exercise, eat lots of fruits and veggies and keep all other food to about 10% of your diet. NO SECRET – though it certainly is a discipline! HA!
Carole
I can tell you have been working hard!! (Love that blouse too!) So, what are you doing about protein? the 10% being meat, pasta, bread? did you go vegan? I need help, and I plan on doing a total makeover of my lifestyle….starting tomorrow:) Wish me luck!
OMSH
Well, you know that I gave up sugar a while back. I’ve teetered on that here and there, but primarily I do good–and I can tell when I don’t. Then, I got my hands on Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman and it made sense to me. I wouldn’t call me vegan, but I’m certainly teetering close to it. Protein comes in many shapes and forms, but I do still eat animal meat…just smaller portions.
I wish you COMMITMENT because “luck,” I’ve learned, plays into the success equation very little.
Carole
Thank you love..you are always an inspiration.