Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Blissdom Conference 09: Friends

You knew I was heading out to talk blogging with my favorite "imaginary friends" this weekend.

What you didn't know:

I thought I might quietly shutter this space upon return. No sense investing in 500 business cards then.

So what happened?

IMG_0716

Photo courtesy of SecretAgentMama.

I listened to the chatter of 250 creative women.
Hugged friends old and new.
Compared babies. Made mother-connections.
Heard speakers pour out ideas which enriched me personally and professionally.

At one point I found myself chatting at a cafe table with Shannon, Amy, Tsh, and Melanie.

And all I could think was WOW. They struggle, too.

Not only was my cup re-filled, it overflowed.

You can't put a price tag on that.

More: Photos. Recaps. Transcripts.

Special thanks to my Alli and One2One for organizing and to Walmart, Crocs, Lands End, and all the sponsors who made Blissdom the most affordable blog conference around.

41 comments:

Tubo Family said...

Oh my goodness Meredith, I am so glad you had a wonderful time and that you received some of the nourishment that your blog gives to so many. Thrilled that your plans to shutter(!?!!!) are on hold.

Tubo Family said...

Oh my goodness Meredith, I am so glad you had a wonderful time and that you received some of the nourishment that your blog gives to so many. Thrilled that your plans to shutter(!?!!!) are on hold.

TJ said...

Sounds like a wonderful time of renewal! So many of us wouldn't know what to do if you shuttered your site. Even if you are unable to post regularly, your posts inspire!

celina from canada said...

i knew you seemed to be struggling lately.....so i guess we ought to be thankful for them as well...

i have a feeling it can't be just the snarky anon commenters...you could post what you need FROM us...those who enjoy and are inspired by you....what do you feel you need in return....


i'm sure all these eloquant ladies will be happy to do their (me included) part...

Ellen said...

I know we don't know all the reasons why you've been thinking of shuttering, but let us encourage you that you're doing a great job with this blog. Thanks for being a blessing to us all.

Anonymous said...

Oh, blast. How did I not snag one of those business cards? LOVE them! We - our blogs - have a lot in common, I wish we'd have gotten to chat more, but am thankful you came over to the wallflowers to say hello near the registration table! It was very appreciated.

Meredith said...

Y'all don't need to encourage me! I'm not going anywhere soon.

Whenever I am struggling with balance or life in general, I always think about giving this blog up--at least a time or two before now.

I think someone like me needs a creative outlet but talking over the pressures/demands with other bloggers was so refreshing.

Meredith said...

Lori: I was sorry we didn't reconnect during the conference, too.

I know I missed MORE than a handful of people and only caught a few minutes with others. It was HARD to do this with a baby who needed to go home each night.

Next year, right?

Shell in your Pocket said...

How fun..when they announce the date for the next bissdom...I am putting it on my calendar!
-sandy toe

Kris said...

AUGH! Meredith, I love this blog. I'm so happy you're keeping it going, and hope everything works out on the homefront.

Julie said...

I'm so glad you found refreshment at the conference.
And I'm so selfishly glad you decided to keep blogging and inspiring here.

Tamara said...

Meredith, we all need encouragement, even when we don't think we do!

Your blog has consistently been my favorite, since I first dove into blogging. Beautiful, Simple, Cost-effective, Inspiring, Worthy. Thank you for doing what you do...whenever you are able to do it.

Renee said...

So glad it reenergized you. I would be so sad if you shuttered the blog. I find your posts so inspiring!

Laura said...

Oh, no, you can't leave! Yours was the first blog I started reading regularly and it's still my favorite. You have no idea how much your cheerful outlook and lovely photos inspire me. I'm so glad you decided to stick around!!

John and Lisa said...

Thank you for encouraging us, your readers, by sharing your blessings and the beauty you see. Even hearing how you have been refreshed and inspired lifts the rest of us up too!

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and feel a bit refreshed, as well.

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

I would miss you if you left!

Christina said...

So glad you are here. Sounds like a great time was had by all.

I appreciate and enjoy your blog. So glad that you were able to be refreshed by others that are dealing with many of the same life pressures.

Mirissa said...

I am so relieved to hear you're going to continue blogging. You have inspired me to live frugally and think creatively in so many ways. Although I'm struggling with my little ones and almost never comment, I check your blog every day and always enjoy your posts.

Please don't feel you have to post frequently, we'll be happy with whatever you can manage.

Cheers,
Mirissa

The Happy Housewife said...

It was so nice to finally meet you! You did such a great job during the panel discussion, I really enjoyed it! Sad that I didn't get one of your awesome handmade cards, although I already knew who you were... :)
Toni
http://thehappyhousewife.com

Roxie700 said...

I would miss you so much if you closed the blog down. It is one of the first things I read when I sign on in the morning. I hope to go to the Blissdom Conference next time. I would love to meet you in person. Thank you for the beautiful blog. Roxie

Rachel said...

I'm so glad you're not retiring this blog yet! It's such an encouragement and inspiration to me. Thanks for 'keeping it real'!

Emily said...

Meredith, in a not weird way, I love you and I love your blog. I was afraid to go to Blissdom because I was sure I'd leave discouraged about my blog. I see now, after viewing so many photos and so many words about it all, that I probably would've left feeling as you do. I am glad you found the filling up you needed and deserve.

Emily@remodelingthislife

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net said...

Meredith, it was nice meeting you! And, you're baby is a DOLL!!!!

I appreciated you sharing on the panel. Actually, I uploaded my Blissdom pics and re-named them in the html code for better search results...not that anyone will know to search for it, but at least I know now!!! Thanks again!

angie said...

I have read faithfully, but have rarely commented. I love your succinct writing style. It is so unlike my own, but I really enjoy reading something that is so clear and to the point. Thanks for giving practical inspiration for "living well on less."

Shannon said...

Meredith - It is hard when your "real life" gets so busy, but I'm so glad your going to keep blogging. And you know when you're just too busy, we'll wait!

Cindy Brick said...

Don't quit blogging! I enjoy your blog so much, and usually check it daily. Your ideas on decorating and thrift shop buys/making up baskets, gift, etc. are especially appreciated.

Please don't stop!

An Adventurer in the World said...

What she said...

deb meyers

An Adventurer in the World said...

What she said...

deb meyers

Renae said...

I have been blessed to connect with a few bloggers outside of our blogs via chat and telephone calls. It has been so refreshing to freely talk about all the ups and downs of sharing thoughts online.

I quickly realized that we all struggle. I don't know why that helps so much, but it does.

I hope I can make it to Blissdom next time!

Peace to you,
Renae
Life Nurturing Education

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Your transparency and willingness to be real is inspiring. Thanks for hanging in there.

Anonymous said...

So nice to meet you in person. We can sit around a table together and talk about blogs any time you would like.

Brigid

Miss G said...

Meredith, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that first photo! Greatness! So glad you had a great time. I don't think I commented on the business card post before but I absolutely think those are great! Have a good week. Off to clean up my house. :) Kelly

Jane said...

Another voice in the chorus of thanks for sticking with this blog! I have been so inspired by your words and pictures. I would truly miss reading here! Of course, blogging is not life, so if that time comes, I understand. Just glad it wasn't today! :)

The Frugal Countess said...

No shuttering this blog. Nope. Seriously, I talk to to my best friend in "real life" who lives 4 hours away at least once or twice a week - and we ALWAYS discuss "what Meredith did".

You are RIDICULOUSLY inspirational - and you were frugal before frugal was cool, right? ;-) We need you, girl! Glad Blissdom gave you your second wind!!!!!

martha said...

You have very nice handwriting!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Love your photos. You are such a lovely person. It was delightful getting to know you better!

Unknown said...

I rarely comment but wanted to let you know your blog is the first one I check everytime I get online. Your posts are a bright spot in my day, and I would be lost without them. So glad you've decided to stick around!

Michelle H.

SECRET AGENT MAMA said...

Do you want to know what one of my favorite moments was? It was sitting outside the conference rooms with you and talking softly.

Much Love!

dmvoccola said...

I loved your input on the panel as well. So glad I found your blog and plan to be a regular. I learned from others, but felt more a connection to you. I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom while I homeschooled my four children. I so *enjoy* being thrifty and finding the deal. I see you're pretty popular, but hope you can squeeze in one more new friend.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I thought I commented on this one, but I'll just say that I daily am unsure what I want to do with my blog, but this past weekend definitely was an encouragement to me, too. It was so nice finally meeting you!

Steph