Last year I took a plunge and did something I've been wanting to do for years. I signed up for a
blogging conference. I was nervous because it's hard to put myself out there. The people I know find it hard to believe that I have really hard time talking to people I don't know. I'm not shy with my friends and family, but put me with people I don't know and it's really difficult!
Yes, there were situations like this:
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| Coffee for one? |
But I never sat alone for long before someone would sit down next to me and we were trading business cards and talking shop. Everyone was really friendly!
I took a lot of classes I really enjoyed and learned a lot from. You can read some great
recaps from the conference. I want to tell you about my favorite thing,
the people I met!
I had on my mental list that I wanted to meet
Marissa who I knew through her blog and instagram. When I first checked in I saw her name just above mine. She was standing next to me. I took a big breath and introduced myself to her. She recognized me! Phew! And then I asked her if she would be my friend! Ha! Marissa was so gracious and friendly. She let me follow her around until we split up for our various classes. So be brave! Ask someone to be your friend!
I have been reading
Melissa's blog for some time. I think she is always cool, calm, and collected. And in real life, she is cool, calm and collected! She had no idea who I was, but I enjoyed getting to know her a bit. She cares for the people around her, such a sweetie!
I took a great class from Amy at
The Idea Room. The beautiful Amy (seriously she is so pretty) sat next to me in a following class so I was happy to get to know her a bit. I was feeling a little down on my little blog because everyone was telling me I needed to have a niche. I should narrow my blog down and just focus on one thing. But the thought of restricting myself to one topic is not something I really want to do. Amy encouraged me by telling me that she doesn't do that and I shouldn't feel like I have to. Amy just oozes confidence! I have always struggled with confidence so it is really something I admire.
At one of the dinners I sat down to find myself sitting next to the ladies from one of my favorite blogs,
Simple Simon. I have long been an admirer of Liz and Elizabeth's blog. I told them I loved their blog and then I called it the wrong name! Smack myself in the head! I always find a way to embarrass myself. They were sweet, but then I was too flustered to tell them that they actually featured one of
my outfits on their
blog! I took a fun class with the talented duo the next day.
I had a great time getting to know the amazingly talented
Jami! I adore her photography. Seriously, look at these amazing pictures
here and
here! We took several classes together, ate dinner, and danced the last night. We are planning on several projects together so I look forward to getting to know her better.
SNAP has a boutique on one of the nights. I was wandering around by myself (another coffee for one situation) when a someone asked me to take a picture of herself and several others. After I took the photo one of the ladies came and thanked me. I recognized her from
House of Hepworths. "Oh, I know you, you're Allison!" We started chatting and in just a few minutes we were talking about a really tough and personal situation I'm going through right now, that no one knows about. I was blown away that this sweet lady knew
exactly what to say to me and encourage me because she had been through the
same thing. This conversation lasted for about five minutes and I was just amazed at the instant connection I had with Allison!
I don't think she realizes what an impact she had on me that night.
I hope to go back to SNAP again next year. I am excited to apply what I learned and see what's next!
