Geeky Talks
BlogHer 2011: a usual recap
The Perfection of Imperfect.
It can be overwhelming here. BlogHer can cripple those with a great self esteem. There are so many women, so many pitches, so many places to feel left out and alone in a sea of thousands. There are women with the right outfit, the tight ass, the amazing cleavage. There are people who print the highest quality business cards, carry their elevator pitch ready at a moment, who say all the right things.
Then there’s us.
To me Lotus is my BlogHer 11. We wear comfortable clothing and flip flops. We walk around with armpit sweat and unwashed hair. We don’t wear a pedicure. We don’t have the fancy business cards or elevator pitches and it we don’t even possibly pretend. We come as we are: raw, creative, expressive.
I’m blessed in the way I believe a rare few people can experience, but those who understand are gathered together a handful of times a year. I am blessed in the way of extended family, spanning continents and timezones; cultures and languages; politics and religion. I am blessed in glitter and laughs, in comfortable silence, in shared creative expression.
The whirlwind of hugs and greetings and recognition awakens a hibernating joy. There’s a piece of happiness that bubbles from something hidden, something quietly waiting those who know the secret to unlock.
*Amy, also, totally GETS IT. Here we are together. Taking photos of the ceiling in the elevator. Because we do.
I see myself suddenly as they see me; as I see them. We encourage one another to achieve that absolute most that is possible within ourselves. They know the words, eloquent at time, sarcastically hilarious at others, that push me to heights. They understand a part of me that is vulnerable but confident. They connect with me more deeply because they understand. They get the striving, the seeking, the drive because they strive, seek, and jump. We share this together and I know together we are even more amazing than we are alone. Together we achieve the impossible, we jump even further, we fly even higher. I see myself being all they see, all they are, all they help me become.
The night ends late and the morning comes too early. The plane arrives to carry me home, a false mechanical high. I am flying on my own possibility, of all the potential these people inspire in me, and I know a love different than hollywood romance but equal in passion: I love this community, of what they bring out in me, of who they make me be, and where we can go together. For that I am forever grateful. This month marks 8 years of blogging. It’s no longer a hobby, it’s my family. And I am in love with them.
**Special thanks to Amy and Tricia for being wonderful as always and those of you who made my time memorable: Those picture here. God I love you. You have no idea.
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This is one of my fav. BlogHer recaps so far, and I think it’s because it encapsulates the kind of BlogHer experience - my first!- I’m going to have next year. I’ve already got my ticket. This intrepid traveler is going to be there! I hope to meet you!
Love it. And loved getting to actually spend time with you this year. xo
There is a Mrs. Flinger.
Amen, sister. So sorry I missed it. (And you.)
Such a great weekend and I’m so glad I got to see you and hang out with you!! XOXO
I feel cheated that I didn’t meet you sooner and I can’t wait to see you again. I had such an awesome time with you and Lotus and loved that you brought me back from the edge of big time anxiety with laughter. Seriously in love with both of you.
Such a great weekend and so much fun hanging out with you. as always…
I know, right? I can’t wait to see you again too. Want to come to Seattle? :D XX
Thank YOU for making my Thursday night so fun. It was so wonderful getting to spend time with you. XO
And we have photographic evidence we exist in the same space.
Was great as always to see you!
Adam, I KNOW. I feel the same way. Having a chance to really hang out with you is one of my favorite parts of this year. xx
No, I LOVE YOU.
We’re going back to NYC next year. Naturally, the one year it’s in my hometown, I can’t go, but we’ll be there in ‘12, with bells on. Already bought our tickets.
And by our and we, I mean my blonde partner in crime. You know the one. ;)
As always, it was a pleasure to be Flingered
Just looked through your flickr pics…. you absolutely had the best time at BlogHer!
It was so nice to get to meet you even briefly.
THat picture of you and Lotus is CLASSIC mah friend!