Blissdom | Jendi's Journal

Since I wanted my husband to use his camera for pictures of the kids I just took my video cameras to the conference. Then I was too chicken to pull out the bigger camera so this is what I have:

One thing Mrs.Fussypants said at the conference happened to me and I saw it happening to others. She said that she loves to see two bloggers approach each other, introduce themselves, then suddenly become animated, “Oh you’re from ……………….! It’s so good to meet you!”

That happened to me with Ali. She is the editor of the Homeschool Blissfully Domestic Channel that I write for. I hadn’t even thought about her being there, and it was great to just run into her in the hall!

During the second day I got to see Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing and Emily from Chatting At the Sky meet each other. I read both of their blogs regularly and they just seemed to be in different blog circles. Then, right in front of me, the circles collided. The blogosphere shrunk and expanded as I smiled and listened to them chat about Emily’s new design.

Hopefully I haven’t been boring any of my regular readers with Blissdom. Without you this blog would be no fun. I’m done typing about the conference…I think. [Tomorrow I have a funny picture for Wordless Wednesday.] If you have any questions about the conference feel free to put them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

If you are a blogger you are a part of a special community whether you went to the conference or not. Maybe you are active and mingling; maybe you are just sitting against the wall by the potted plants. Decide what you want – or don’t want – for your blog and go for it!

I’m sad to report that I didn’t make it to my goal of collecting 100 business cards. The first day at Blissdom I got 54, but the second day I guess I slouched off. Either that or I actually stopped and talked a bit. I have 82 actual cards here beside me. I figured that I handed out 90 during that weekend. If you have one of my cards and aren’t on the list I’d love to add your link!

Mommy Bloggers - I didn’t know how to subdivide these…sorry.

It took me a couple of deep breaths to walk up to Emily. Later, she walked up and talked to me! I was so excited to meet her!
She came in the door late and we exchanged cards across the table in the dark - Jamie - was really nice and easy to talk to.
Watched her walk in the door and had to walk up and talk to her. One of the few I knew I would really recognize - Alyssa
I got to help her with her luggage. She was going to try to manage her baby in the stroller, the luggage cart, and parking her car - Amanda - the videos came to life.
Her face looked familiar even though I’d only seen her cartoon lady - Jill from Diaper Diaries – She was very friendly I’m glad we got to chat for a couple minutes.
Another great lady blogger that even my kids got to meet - Jo-Lynne - She has a sticky post up with a Mr. Linky for Blissdom posts.
She was in my top ten list of bloggers I wanted to meet in real life - Lora Lynn - I regularly laugh at her stories. I got to see Willa too!
She’s a new Mommy and a long time vlogger - Esther - sat by me during the first 2 sessions.
Had The. Most. Adorable. Baby. - Jordana - Don’t believe me? Check out the video.
Kirsten – was a popular person. A lot of people wanted to meet her. We just exchanged hellos.
Toni – thriving on one income in a two income world and she’s a Happy Housewife
Shannan – documenting life in the testosterone-filled jungle I call home
Danielle – Extraordinary Mommy
Alyson – Creator, Editor, Head Ponytail Maker
Christina – A Mommy Story
Julie – The Cool Mom Guide – was brave enough to ask questions.
Joy – the ramblings of a mother of 3 little j’s
The greatest smile award should go to Renee - it was great to see her in person and not just through videos.
Shash – Diary of a Crazed Mommy
Vanderbilt Wife – the one mother whose name I couldn’t remember, but don’t tell her that
Sarah - she wore her baby almost as much as Stephanie
The lady with the envelope to hold the other cards – smart! Janine
DesignHER Momma – Part-time designer * full time Momma
Was behind the registration table a lot and always had a smile on her face – Rachel Matthews
Carrie – a family blog
Short Pump Preppy – a mom, a blogger, a domestic hack
Amy in Ohio – ramblings and whinings from the heartland
I think we sat at the same table for a little while to. I remember her smiling and being sweet – Moriah
Mrs CPA – where the IRS and kids collide
Amber - The run a muck and Mother we wrote all those letters to

Special Interest Bloggers

One of my blogging heroes [heroines?] is Melanie [Chilihead]. She said that once I met her that would be over, but it’s not true. I so enjoyed spending some time with her.
This lady fixed my feed – Lisa – a WordPress and Feedburner Queen and it’s not true that she’s cooler online
She’s the managing editor of Blissfully Domestic. I first “met” her online when she was the editor for the homeschool channel – Katie – wasn’t sure which website to link to because she’s involved in a bunch!
Sarah – met her by the registration desk – she’s a Blissfully Domestic Editor and is working on 101 things in 1001 days.
Marie from Make and Takes had her card stapled to a bag with craft things that my girls think are fascinating.
Met her first outside where I went to hear myself think and call my husband. She is very nice - Anissa - A family living, laughing, loving, and hoping through childhood cancer
She’s fun on Twitter and in real life – Stacie – writes about family travel
Phyllis Bourne Williams - A published book author
She sat beside me and wrote a personalized business card on a piece of hotel paper - Julia from Hooked on Houses.
Lucie - Redefining our perception of the American family
She had a moment of fame when her header for Nester’s site was on the projector – Laryssa – I sat by her for the very last session.

Photographers and Bloggers

Mother of eight, great photographer, homeschooler, and more - Dawn was fun to hang out with.
I recognized Amy from Twitter. She was standing with…
Angie they are…
the ladies behind I Heart Faces.

Representing Companies

Shannon was representing care.com. She was the lady behind the table. I never did find who had #205!
Lee – from Fearless Events
I remember the lady that handed me the Lifeway card, but I can’t remember her name
Alyssa represented Mom’s Talk Network Affiliates
From Mom Masterminds – Carrie. Another lady I enjoyed talking with several times and sitting by her for a session.

Frugal/Savings Bloggers

A brand new frugal blogger that has been through homeschooling - Heather - sat on the couch with Tanna and I to chat for a bit before the noise got overwhelming.
Tia - More than coupons…smart shopping!
Erin – $5 dinners – Tia [see #2] recognized her as she walked in the door so I asked for her card.
Brandy – A blog all about being frugal and loving it!

Blogging about Organization

My newest friend online and offline - Tanna - yes, her bag was organized. We sat together several times and had some nice chats.
Mandi - A Personalized Approach to Decluttering Your Life

Memoir Bloggers

Sat at a table with her and was encouraged when she said I’m a writer because she’s a real writer and I don’t think I am – Sarah – nothing could make it more obvious that I’m not than that last phrase.
Recognized by her Twitter photo - Ramblings by Reba
Sat by me at the first table I sat at and is a big fan of Jen Lancaster - Ally B Speakin
First time I met her there was a coffee cup in her hand – Robin – later when I sat at a table with her there was a coffee cup in her hand. Did you know that they didn’t have Hot Chocolate/Cocoa there?!
Red Clay Diaries – rattling down the dirt road of life
Domestic Extraordinaire - “I do it all. I never said I do it all well.”
Nicole - finding contentment in daily life
Emily – I used to get paid for this
Beth - not your mamas midlife

Speakers

Meeting Stephanie was one of the reasons I wanted to go to Blissdom. Throw in baby Ivy and it was a done deal. She encouraged me to video the babies when I ran the idea by her.
What Tara said was right on! I did have to track her down twice to get a business card.
It was amazingly simple to talk to Tsh. I really enjoyed the sessions she spoke in.
I met The Nester! In real life! She did great speaking during her session and even answered a personal question for me.
After a deep breath I walked up to Christine and said hello. After that I think I kind of just sputtered.
My best conversation with Lori was in the restroom. No kidding. It was a nice restroom.
This lady knows how to dress well – Casey
She is lovely and let me video her baby too – Jessica
Amy is a busy lady and a well known blogger.
Tara was there representing Lijit and giving out free T-shirts and stickers
Rebecca was there representing Real Girls Media.
Nancy and Katie were there from Ketchum and they were very approachable.
Melanie introduced me to Shannon so I didn’t have to walk up to her.
After I asked for her card I realized who Liz was. Then I got nervous, but I didn’t need to be.
Arianne had a big hand in planning the conference/party. I think they all did a great job.
Her mind may be velveteen, but it’s made up. Megan was an encouragement to me.
Mishelle – took over a thousand pictures – even one of me

Some that didn’t have cards, but took one of mine.

Allison - one of the heads of the whole conference. She gave me a hug when I waylaid her and her baby stroller on the way through the hall.
Barbara Jones – the other lady in charge and founder of One2One Network.
Jessica – who knows and everybody knows of her.
Dara - Once Upon A Cottage
Lotus – Sarcastic Mom because survival requires humor
Robin – has a family blog
Andrea – who I will remember forever because she’s in my Blissdom Babies Video.