For four days, I frolicked throughout New York City with over 2,000 strangers. I took classes, drank martinis, participated in my first ever 5K, & wore shoes that absolutely killed my feet:
good thing they are precious, right?
I roomed with three amazing women – Jill, Mae, & Mandy. & I DIDN’T GET MURDERED IN MY SLEEP. Which was a strong possibility considering a) I didn’t actually know them & b) I’m a bed-hog.
I listened to keynote speakers, tapped out notes in a creative writing class, asked questions regarding motivation in fitness blogging, & was reminded once more to MAKE WRITING A PRIORITY. It is my hobby, my passion, & my craft. & I can embrace that without feeling guilty.
Minibrief geeked out with me in sessions.
I also took a photography class. I was in waaaaaay over my head, but still learned some good basics about never putting a sleeping baby in a box. Because hello! chanelling morbid central. I also took a course in the run-downs of photo editing, which introduced me to several different programs & simultaneously inspired & intimidated me. I honestly don’t think I have one inch of talent in my body for photography & editing, but at least I know how to work a few tools in my favor.
I met other survivors of Postpartum Depression. The love & unspoken understanding that flowed between us filled my heart with peace. These women know me. & I know them. & it is my wish that we simply bring knowledge & hope to a disease that hurts too many. (also? I’m not naked in that picture….or am I?)
On Friday night, I partied with Hallmark on a rooftop overlooking Central Park, sipping on peppermint martinis, listening to Christmas music, & bonding with Kacia & Morgan. It was the perfect way to slip away from the hustle of Blogher & simply decompress for two hours. The weather was gorgeous, the conversation flowed, & we even met up with a slightly skanky hot Santa that told me he loved my “little Southern accent.”
I may have stopped here. ahem.
I may have eaten a cupcake. (thank God for the 5K exercise)
& I may have totally partied like a rock star at the Sparklecorn Party. Where I got on stage & shook what The Momma gave me under sparkling lights & pounding music from the DJ.
Throughout the entire weekend, I kept saying, “THIS IS NOT MY LIFE.”
Because y’all…this is not my life. It’s far better than I ever could have dreamed. I had the opportunity to fly to NYC, meet girls that I love, & become inspired to be a better version of myself. & I took away some incredibly valuable lessons.
That internet friends can be lifetime friends.
These women stole my heart. We laughed, hugged, cried, & shared the joy of writing. We came from different backgrounds & perspectives, with different goals for ourselves & our blogs. We have different viewpoints & expressions, but at the end of the day, we are the same in our passion.
What we do matters.
Our blogging. Our writing. Our sharing & communicating & social media. It may seem trivial to some, borderline attention-whorish, but IT MATTERS.
In our writing, our expression, our passion…we communicate the things that matter to us as women, as mothers, as citizens & consumers. We write to tell our stories, to inspire change & state our opinions. & y’all? PEOPLE ARE LISTENING. Companies & other mothers & causes – they are listening.
We simply have to keep talking. & remember that it matters.
Great post! And everyone looks so good. Especially you! So sad I missed out but maybe next year!
It sure does.
So nice to meet you, and sorry again for dumping coffee all over you!
Amen sister.
Thanks for this. It DOES matter. Even if it matters to no one else, it matters to me, you know? Thanks.
I love this post. All of it. And I’m gonna need those shoes. Kthxbai!
I’m a follower though I don’t get to sit down and read everything you write. Being a single, working (40-60 hrs/week) mom will do that. But, when I DO get to sit down, your blog makes the list everytime. I’m glad you can admit your faults and talk so candidly about them because it has given me the courage to do so about myself. I’m in the midst of learning how to not take myself so seriously. Reversing 30 years of such a habit is by no means easy. But as a self-proclaimed mean girl turned mushy-in-love-with-life-and-all-it’s-awesomeness, you’re speaking to my soul, girl. Thank you.
LOVE those red shoes!! Don’t worry about the blisters, they’re totally and completely worth it…they’re just beautiful.
yeah I realize I’m ooh and ahhing over a pair of shoes, but they’re worth it. ; )
Nice post. And I couldn’t even walk in those shoes for a few minutes let alone spend a whole weekend in them! I never learned the art of walking in high heels. If I put anything on over 2 inches I wobble around like I’m walking around in the middle of an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the rickter scale.
Love the shoes, the pearls, the view and this post. Oh…and you.
MUAH! and amen.
Aw you have me SO jealous of your trip – those martinis alone …gah!!!
LOVE your shoes and LOVE the nail polish with it, so cute!
I’m so glad you had an awesome time, what a great way to connect with women IRL that you already connected with over the interwebz!
This is the best post-blogher post I’ve read thus far. Has motivated me to make it a priority for next year. Thanks for sharing.
Well Nikki just about summed it all up for me too!
It is nice to hear that what we have to say does matter. I need that reminder sometimes
Thanks!
Of course it matters! (and people are listening to you, to all of us.) I love reading all the BlogHer recaps – so fun to live vicariously through all the big time bloggers
Don’t underestimate your photo skills! Like most things, they will develop with time and practice.
I’m glad to hear your sore feet were worth it (as cute shoes usually are) even though I’m totally jealous that you got to spend all that time in my old home town and I didn’t.
Learning so much and feeling so connected has to be amazing. I’m thrilled for you and keep on doing what you’re doing!
Love this post!! Totally jealous of your trip! It looks like it was so much fun and those red shoes are to die for!! Love them!
Ok, so I used to think that blogging was the most egocentric thing a person could do. Um, now I thank you in my head daily when I get to zone out and read up on all your adventures. Honestly, it DOES matter. All of your posts about your struggles with PPD have touched so many people and inspired people to get help if/when needed and that alone is so important. But even aside from that, clearly writing is important to you, so even if no one read your blog, it is still important for you to do. As a new (kind of…he’s 16 months old…I’m in denial that he’s not a baby anymore) mom who works part time and SAH part time, I feel so much less isolated reading your blog for some reason.
So, thanks!
looks like you had a blast!!! Again, so glad you stopped off at Magnolias but you just had to put a pic of their red velvet cupcakes didn’t you? I too have a very similar pic of my cupcake from there. To die for!
You are lovely. Also? Hot. You photograph so beautifully. Ok. And what you do matters. Everyday. It was great meeting you and rubbing my but with yours. Just saying.
Absolutely it matters! Writing is your talent and your outlet. I’m so jealous that you got to take a photography class and meet other amazing bloggers.
Firstly? Those red shoes are too die.
Secondly? I saw you post that peppermint martini on twitter and for one split second I wanted to toss out my anti-depression meds and quit breastfeeding simultaneously so I could down two (or ten) of those.
Thirdly? I wish I could make people understand WHY blogging is so important to me. I’m about to take a big step toward growing my blog. Self-hosted WP blog, say what? And I’m sure people will be asking why I spent the money to have a nice website designed. Maybe it’s so I can finally say I’m a WRITER. Take notice, people! I got a degree in journalism and I’m not a journalist. Turns out, I’m a blogger. But it’s important to me. It is the one thing that helps me learn about myself.
Fourthly? I’ll meet you in San Diego next year and I will SQUEE like a 4th grader meeting Justin Bieber. Because you’re like one of my fave bloggers eveh. Keep writing because you inspire me.
So happy to read about your trip! So happy you’re well! So happy you’re Blair! So happy you’re a blogger!
Such a lovely inspiring post. I love the survivors pic. As a warrior of PPD and anxiety attacks I can always gain insight from your blog. Your words certainly matter to me and many others.
Your blog is one of the 3 I read every day. I always look forward to what you’re going to write about next.
I love your sense of humor and your openness about PPD, weight loss journey.
LOVE LOVE LOVE those shoes… please tell me where you got them!! Looks like it was an amazing weekend- you are a lucky lady!
Ohhh I love this post! This makes me want to go to BlogHer!
Blair, YOU matter. And that’s all that matters.
I am sometimes jealous of others who get to make new friends and meet people they admire. Sometimes. Most of the time, I’m just a homebody who likes to interact with others through the virtual world while interacting with my little (or not-so-little) family IRL. But I really wish I had someplace to wear shoes like those! And pearls!
I realized while reading this post how well I feel we got to know each other this weekend. Your writing, your incredible ability communicate with and inspire people, and YOU are one in the same. That’s why I spent the entire night at Hallmark getting weepy with you and Kacia instead of chatting up the insanely hot caterers. You are intoxicating m’lady, and you sure as hell matter to me.
And thanks for for inspiring me…for letting me know that as a blogger what I do matters. I can’t wait to meet you in person at blogher 11!
Mark my words. I’ll be there next year! And omg– I want a peppermint martini! I’ve never had one, but what could possibly be better?
Is it wrong that these were the thoughts that ran through my head:
1) I would get blisters just TRYING ON those shoes. But yes, they are adorable.
2) Damn this pregnancy, b/c those peppermint martinis looked delicious.
and exactly this popped into my mind
3) ‘OOOOH! She went to Magnolia!!! GOOD choice, but the red velvet was not my fave.’
Glad you had a great time!!! And sorry my thoughts are that of a fashion-crazed, alcohol-starved, Magnolia-grubbing pregnant chick and not a commentary on how amazing your blog is!
ABSOLUTELY! I couldn’t agree more. The power of words is huge.
Keep up the good work!
Okay, I officially hate you for your amazing trip to NYC.
Kidding. I adore you and your beautiful red shoes.
Question. Next year? When I have a hubby at home instead of in the desert somewhere, and I have an automatic babysitter, wanna be roomies? K. Thanks.
those shoes are sex. i wish i could attempt to walk in them.
Blair,
I’ve been reading your blog awhile, started my own a few months ago. I too have a passion for writing, and just wanted to say that you totally deserved that trip!
you look SOO beautiful in these pictures! You were clearly having so much fun! While I am jealous, I am also very thankful that you got to go! What a fun and great opportunity! I hope someday to make it to a conference too…but for now? I shall live vicariously though you, my friend!
Gorgeous pics, my dear! Looks like it was a fabulous time!! And, like metta said, I can’t wait to meet you in San Diego!
Wow, you had such a great time, I can totally tell! It’s such an amazing experience all around.
Especially that cupcake part. Just YUM.
Oh and those shoes? Totally rock.
One of my favorite posts of yours, ever.
So I’ve been a regular reader for a while now, but never comment. I think that needs to change, because not communicating kind of makes me feel like a stalker!
But anways…looks like you had a ton of fun! Glad you got to get out and live it up in NY!
I could go on, and on, and on about how thankful I am for you. But darling: what you do DOES matter. When I saw the way people spoke to you about your voice making a difference in their life?
Inspiration.
yes. you inspire me to write my dreams, fears, downfalls, and achievements, without worrying about what “they” might think.
You, my sister, are incredible. + you inspire SO many!!
What you do, does matter! What you do, helps. What you do, inspires us!
So glad that you had such a wonderful time. Makes my heart happy to hear it.
This post tugs at my heart parts. SO GLAD I got to be part of your NYC adventure. Especially the cupcake stop.
I heart you!
Great post! plus you look gorgeous in all the pictures.
ps. those shoes are very pretty!
Looks like you had a great time! Now I want a cupcake.
Listen up: I do not, I repeat, do not say this lightly, I really mean it…
You look so skinny in all the pictures.
For real.
PS: The red shoes are fab.
You are SO inspiring! Thanks for this post!
I am happy that you had a great time at Blogher, I truly am. I have never heard (read) you so excited about an event in your life…not even the birth of your son. This post has so much emotion behind it, I wish you would feel this much excitement and love about motherhood instead of blogging.
You did go! Yay! How was the red velvet from Magnolia? I usually get the vanilla/vanilla when I want something sweet.
It looks amazing. Really. You look terrific – so does everyone else. You guys are so beautiful.
I can’t wait for next year – so bummed I didn’t take the plunge and go this year but it would have been too much. And now I have something to look forward to – with more knowledge of what is going to be happening. I won’t be *as* awkward.
Love it – you are too cute!
I’m so jealous of you! I wish I could have gone! Maybe next year.
I get where Kelly is coming from, but I would say I hope someday you feel as much excitement about motherhood as you do blogging.
This is the most excited and happy post you’ve made in , well like, forever…
I really hope someday that PPD is gone and lost forever and you really truly have this kind of love and passion for mother hood… because that’s what it’s all about.
I miss your diagonal sleeping self and your aggressive toothpaste.I miss your wtf face and your stylish authority. There’s no one to dress Me here and frankly it’s awkward.ps, p is in love with Mr potato head.
Christina – I wish I could go back and edit the post, that is what I was trying to say. Thanks.
Just a few things…
A. I love this post. (And your whole blog too)
B. I am totally jealous of your trip!
C. I am genuinely envious of your writing ability. I don’t even keep a “diary” or a book of thoughts or whatever because everytime I try to write anything, when I reread it I sound like a total dweeb.
D. Yes, I know this is WAY off topic but I am also quite jealous of Harry’s gorgeous locks. My DS is right around the same age as him and is still as bald as a basketball. LOL
Looks like you had an amazing time! Also, you look totally hot in every one of your photos. I love, love your clothes and fashion sense. Consider doing a few fashion related posts, pretty please?!?
I’m sooooooo jealous. I would have partied it up with you girl.
I heart NYC.
I may have to kill you in your sleep for those shoes!!! I LOVE THEM and NEED THEM!!
So glad that you had a great time lady!!
I totally spotted you in this video by Ryan Marshall at the Sparklecorn party and had to come over and see if it was really you! Have you seen it yet?
http://www.mamapop.com/2010/08/mamapop-sparklecorn-2010-directors-cut.html
you’re at 2:16
I read your blog often and was excited to see someone I KNOW in your pictures from your weekend in NY. What a small world it is. Looks like it was an amazing trip. You are glowing with happiness, it is great to see that.
I’m JEALOUS! I’m just starting in the Mommy Blog world and you are total inspiration. I love NY, used to live there for a short time (from the south and I live back here now) but NYC rocks and I’m glad you got to go and have such a wonderful time! I’ll be seeing you next year, yo!
I am not a mother. I am not a blogger.
But I must say, this entry inspired me. It reminded me that I need to make time for things I love. Thanks for reminding me!
And thanks for writing your blog. I appreciate your honesty. Keep it up!
I love this post! I am so jealous! I am definitely going to a blog conference next year darnit!
OOZING jealous. Seriously. You’ll have to let me know if you’re planning on making it to BlogHer11…that could sway whether or not I go. I feel like I *need* to meet you!
that first picture of those shoes… those don’t look comfortable at all!!
Great post though
I’m loving those red shoes. It looks and sounds like you had a fabulous time. Good for you!!
Looks like you had almost as much fun as I did! If we both go next year, we must meet. And I just might steal your shoes while I’m at it…
I had an inservice today with a guy named Kevin Honeycutt, you should look him up. While he is very geared to education and using technology in our classrooms, he also had a lot to say on nettiquette, teaching our kids to social network appropriately and be a part of things like THIS. Because we live in an age where people can make friends and get support in a new way. And these people can be real. The relationships can be real, usually when you need them most. What you do definitely matters
)
Another great Blogher post! Everything you said is completely true
We do matter!
LOl! I cannot get enough of Justin. Does anybody have his cell phone number? I want to tell him how much I love him!! Lol
You look fab in the pics. As a new mother hoping to God that I can lose all this horrible weight, you have given me hope that it can be done. Nice work, and glad you had a wonderful time, you deserve it!
The shoes. I want them. So amazing.
But seriously I’m so jealous! I would love to go sometime.