I sat for a long time on the plane ride home from Texas just thinking about the Conference. I felt like there was a lot to process. Indiana and her crew really knocked it out of the park this year. It was the perfect combination of old and new friends, parties, workshops and fun. I love how laid back and casual it was. It really lead to a nice vibe the whole weekend. If you haven’t gone to a Texas Style Council Conference then you should! The next and final one is going to be this up coming March during SXSW. Start planning.
Blogging is a funny thing. It’s something that so many of us take part in. It’s a part of who we are, how we live our lives and how we see the world. It becomes our normal. You remember just how weird it is though when you meet someone who doesn’t blog and they ask you about it. I feel silly saying something like “yeah, I write a blog about myself. Yes. I put pictures of myself in my outfits on the internet.” It sounds ridiculous. I get all squirmy having that conversation. I am proud of my blog but I think it’s a hard thing to explain/understand if you are not a blogger yourself or at least someone who enjoys reading blogs. That is why I love these conference weekends so much. For those few days you are surrounded by inspiring women who get that part of you. They have that same passion to share a part of themselves as well. We all come from different backgrounds, different locations, different walks of life, yet we are all connected. I can say without a doubt that these women are some of the dearest, truest, and loveliest friends I have. Not just blogger friends, but real life friends. I love these girls. We may have blogging in common but our friendships run so much deeper.
Julie and I were nominated (and won!) for “Best Pals” at the Prom during the conference. It was such an honor to win that one in particular. The thing I love the most about blogging is the connections and friendships I have made. So to be nominated for “Best Pals” was awesome and very special to me. As you know, I had a workshop about critics and criticism on Sunday. Afterwards, all I could think about was how silly it is that we (I) let that bother us so much. Yes, it is very hurtful but as I looked around I realized this is what mattered. These friends. This community of women. Encouraging, inspiring and building each other up. I hope we can all remember that next time we read something mean someone has written about us. I am so grateful for these ladies, for their blogs, and for who they are inside and out.
Ladies in photos: Julie, Jentine, Kendi, Jessie, Amanda, Merl, Elizabeth, Paige & Katie (also want to mention Chelsey, Moorea and Amy even though I don’t have them in a picture)
(all photos thanks to the BonLook prom photobooth)
this looks like so much fun! glad to hear you had a nice time in Texas!
I know what you mean.. I’m not a blogger but sometimes I find myself referencing a blog in day to day conversation with friends who don’t read blogs. I kind of have to give a little bit of an explanation. One time I let my friends know about a freebie deal. Just text some word to some number and you got a free razor. They asked me how I knew about it and I had to explain about a blog I follow. They kind of looked at me puzzled. Its kind of funny but yeah, a bit awkward when someone doesn’t get what you’re saying. I can only imagine how it must be on your end!
What fun photos! Sounds like the conference was inspiring and refreshing. So happy you were able to share time with cherished friends.
How lovely! What a great reminder that it’s really all about sharing lives and getting to know great people, rather than the snarky mean remarks people make (for reasons I can’t fathom). I’m so glad that people choose to share a bit of themselves on their blogs and appreciate the things they’re passionate about!
looks like all kinds of fun!
xx
It looks like it was an amazing time! I always feel a little awkward explaining my blog to people too…how to I not sound totally conceited/self involved? I’ve never been to a blogger conference or event before but maybe I should change that come March 🙂
great photobooth photos!
it was so nice meeting you and having a little chat time during dinner. you’re so very sweet! 🙂 xo.
this conference was the best. i was *this close* to not attending this year, and i am so so so thankful i decided to go. seeing all you ladies again just lifted my spirits and blessed me like you wouldn’t believe. now i feel like there’s no way i could miss next year. especially if it’s the last one!
you look incredible! love that dress on you. sounds so fun!
I love this reflection – I feel as though the entire blog world has been reflecting on texas and I like this interesting take. As someone who has been blogging for more than a year, I’m still surprised that I haven’t made a whole lot of “bloggy friends” – not for lack of trying, just the way things fall. I’m trying to branch out a bit more and make an effort to talk to more bloggers. This was inspiring! Thank you!
Love love love!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
This post has resonated with me for some reason and as i’m still thinking about it 24 hours later I had to comment. I have a blog but i haven’t posted anything on it for a long time. I met some wonderful people blogging but my issue was that it is very self indulgent, as you are posting pictures of yourself and your life on the internet. My closest friends never got it. I mean, it is a funny thing, but i still love reading blogs and love the insight into other peoples lives. Love your blog and you deserve the award.
P xo
There is no one else out there I would rather be nominated for “Best Pals” with! I’m so glad we were actually able to spend some time together, it had been way too long. I’m still ruminating over Texas, it’s always such a great experience, but this year was especially great. Love you guys xx
Spot on Jen! I also feel really silly when I explain to people that I blog. And Julie is da bomb.
Tell Kev his haircut looks fantastic! I’ll have to show my hubby a pic of this since he’s looking for a new cut/style.