DutchBeingMe

Discovering Myself…

Written on March 9, 2012

It was in a therapist’s office, not really responding his questions, when I was first told to start a private journal to record my thoughts and maybe share some of my musings at a future session. Thoughts about what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go and how I really wanted to live my life. He asked me to start out writing about how I felt in this moment and to see where it would lead from there.

Read more about me “Discovering Myself“…

Thank you Erin, for allowing me to grow myself through this. Words cannot express enough how grateful I am for you, my friend. I am so blessed to know you.

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Guest posting

A #BloggyBootCamp Day…

Written on March 7, 2012

It was about 18 months ago that I walked into a room without knowing more than a half dozen people. I was scared and nervous. I was opening myself up. I was vulnerable. I was finally saying to the world that I was serious about this blogging thing.

Although I had been to a local conference a few months prior, Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco was the very first blog conference that I had actually signed up for. And before I left for this conference… knowing what others had said about the one in Baltimore earlier in the year, I also had a ticket in hand for Philadelphia a few weeks later as well.

Crazy, right?

But I was also excited to see what I would learn. I was thrilled that I would get to meet some of my blogging idols… and many of my bloggy friends.

Scary Mommy, Julie & Mama Kat

And the most important thing I learned was that there is no reason to be nervous. Everyone is walking into the same room, at the same time, for the same reason, with the same nerves. Some people just mask it better than others. And ultimately, we all just want to get to know one another.

That’s the fun thing about every Bloggy Boot Camp conference. Seeing people you know and knowing others are able to identify with you. To know where you are coming from and to understand why you write, share, advocate, speak or just listen.

It’s not just the people you see though – it’s the things you learn. Things that are tangible takeaways the moment you hear them. At each and every conference stop that I’ve been to – San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Chicago – I’ve learned more in one day than what many do during an entire “big” conference event.

The most important takeaway from any conference you attend is the connections that you make. Connections with other bloggers… with speakers… and most of all with sponsors. I can honestly say that when I get home I look for products by companies that sponsor blog conferences. I want to continue to support those that support the events that we go to. Without them, these events aren’t possible.

In case you missed it last August… here’s my highlight reel from Bloggy Boot Camp Chicago!

I am looking forward to this year… I’m already planning a trip to Bloggy Boot Camp Las Vegas!! I’m so excited to spend time with many of my friends, see the Vegas strip again (I was there 5 years ago for the first time), and –of course – walk away with some great content at the event itself.

Thank you so much to Tiffany & Fran who work so hard to put all of this together. You are truly a blessing and I don’t know what my life would be like without you – and these events – in it.

(PS… if I could get myself away to another BloggyBootCamp, I would totally go to the one coming up in St. Louis – there’s going to be a writing workshop as part of the event. So cool!)

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In writing this blog post about my experience at Bloggy Boot Camp, I’m entering to win a fully paid trip this year from the SITS Girls.

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Conferences

And finally a #BlissDom re-cap…

Written on March 6, 2012

I can’t believe how quickly it all went again this year. It seems like we prepare FOREVER (when in reality it’s only a few short months) and then the weekend flies by so quickly. But it’s all worth it for the hugs, laughter, tears, friendships reinforced, dancing, music and lessons learned along the way.

I was so blessed to see so many friends again this year – as well as meet new friends (and get pictures with many of them…)

Top Left: Cecily ; Top Right: Shannon ; Middle Left: Shell & Ashley ; Middle Right: Leah & baby Bookieboo ; Bottom Left: Erin & Alycia ; Bottom Right: Anissa

Top Left: Amanda ; Top Right: Nicole {who has *the* best accent!} ; Middle Left: Natalie ; Middle Right: Gigi ; Bottom Left: Sili ; Bottom Right: My favorite bartender… Joseph.

A few people I wish I had gotten pictures with, but didn’t for some reason (so much happening)… Jen, Natalie, Deborah, Jenna, Beth, Alicia… and I’m sure so many more.

On Friday night, in celebration of their 5th year of Bliss, the BlissChicks announced that we would be treated to a concert by Joe Jonas and Rascal Flatts!! (Rascal Flatts are top right, the Jonas kid on the middle right.) Well, because of Joe Jonas’ social media presence… and because BlissDom is ever so awesome, later that night (yes, around 12:45am), BlissDom & Joe Jonas were still a hot topic trending on twitter! How cool is that! (Left picture)

Then there was the moment that the song that last year’s FlashMob was performed to – and the 25 or so of those that were attending BlissDom again this year (and had been in the FlashMob the year before) – performed their routine again. And while they were doing that? Alli was on the floor taking video of it. So I decided to get this gem of a picture of her!

Chris Mann performed for BlissDom again this year – and it was lovely as ever. Seriously… go check out his music if you haven’t yet. This was my 2nd year meeting him and I couldn’t believe that he remembered me from last year. (And here I keep thinking of myself as forgettable.) Erin also got her picture taken with him… and was an instantaneous fan after.

There were evenings filled with fun times… like putting our fortunes on our heads…

Oh wait? You can’t read that? It says “You have found your Bliss” (and our personal addition… “with Chris Mann”)

Sometimes you need to put a little bacon on your boob…

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of doing the Cupid Shuffle…

And sometimes you have to have a little fun… Austin Powers style… as Kristi was sharing with me on Saturday night!

It wasn’t all fun and games… we went to sessions too. My favorites were the writing ones – even though at times it felt more like an intense therapy session… which I wasn’t quite prepared for.

Anna Lefler was one of the speakers…

…and she provided this gem to help us remember to always edit our work.

Three short days into the trip, most of us were already turning around to head home. The conference over.

But it was so much fun.

My roomies this year were amazing… I loved getting to know them a little bit more. Thanks to Fadra (pictured above with me as we were about to leave the hotel), Jen & Beth!!

Now as I sit here writing this… I miss my friends. I miss seeing the people who inspire me. I miss feeling like me and alive.

But I’m so lucky to have been able to go to BlissDom. While it wasn’t anything like last year (both in good and bad ways) – I totally loved it and can’t wait for next year. Thank you to Alli, Barbara, Paula, and all of the BlissChicks for making BlissDom what it is. You all are amazing and I can’t imagine my life without all of this Bliss in it.

I can’t wait until next year!

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Conferences

#PinterestChallenge: Week 27…

Written on March 4, 2012

So what are you all thinking of the Pinterest Challenge thus far? I’m finding that I fizzled out (just as I suspected I would) and am now trying to get some things back on track with it all and making the projects I had originally set out to do.

But I’m also trying to avoid (I know, *gasp*) Pinterest lately because I’m being tempted to make really fun treats… and then have tried a few too many of them.

Just a friendly reminder… be sure to get permission to use other’s photo’s on your blog. If you didn’t take the picture, be sure to ask before posting it. I’ve had to review a number of my posts to take down those pictures. Just because they are on Pinterest does NOT mean they are fair game/creative commons use approved!

Here’s the linky for all your Pinterest project posts this week!

Have you followed these people on Pinterest yet? They are pinning great items!

Do you have any questions? Check out my Pinterest FAQ page or email me (dutchbeingme@gmail.com) for anything!

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#PinterestChallenge