Thoughts on BlogHer 06: Less Like a Cliffhanger and More Like a Gentle Slope
July 31, 2006
The last time I bonded for a weekend with strangers, I was in 7th grade and was at church camp. My cabinmates and I would try to sneak out the miniscule windows of our wooded home-away-from-home and run over to the boys’ side of camp, lipstick in hand, and draw red and pink hearts on the windows and mirrors of our crush’s cabin before getting caught by any boys (or worse, any camp counselors). Then the next day we would play coy while giggling about it.
When I arrived at BlogHer, I knew almost immediately that the experience would surpass that year at church camp (but mostly because I’m older now and I’ve learned better places to put my lipstick) (take that as you will).
Initially I felt a little uncomfortable in my own skin. Among the great writers who were attending the conference, I felt like a fraud – like an imposter alongside women who are wittier, more talented, more published than I. Who am I, to rub elbows with the likes of these women, to talk with them about their lives and their interests and the things that matter most to them?
Then it occurred to me: I’m idolizing some of these women. I’m choosing to believe that they are somehow different from me. Yes: they are published, talented writers. But on a more humane level, we're not all that different from each other.
We each suffer from insecurities that make us feel nervous or intimidated, whether it be because of our body image, our intellect, our parenting skills or our lifestyle choices. We choose to write blogs because they are an outward expression of some of our most inward thoughts and interests. At our core level, we are all very much the same.
This weekend at BlogHer 06 was a whirlwind of women, workshops, and alcohol. I’ve posted a piece about it for JobsInThaCity.com, but a more personal account will soon follow on this site.
Comments
So glad you are back and had a great time. I'm envious! And, to this,
"We each suffer from insecurities that make us feel nervous or intimidated, whether it be because of our body image, our intellect, our parenting skills or our lifestyle choices."
I just have to say AMEN, SISTA! I think that is so important for people to realize. And so hard for us to see and accept.
Posted by: Ang | July 31, 2006 09:08 AM
So, did you enjoy it?
I was out at "whirlwind of women". Yeesh. Hopefully their wittiness, funniness and talent prevented what I'd imagine a whole room full of chatty women to be. :)
Posted by: Jenn | July 31, 2006 09:09 AM
I would have loved to have gone to BlogHer... almost all of my fav bloggers were there. There's always next year I guess.
Oh and you are a great writer. I very often find myself embarassed to even put my blog out there because I really lack in the writing skills department. I keep hoping that the more awesome blogs I read, the better my own writing will become... a girl can dream.
Posted by: Carrisa | July 31, 2006 01:44 PM
it was so great to meet you! thanks for hanging out and talking to me for a while...
xo
Posted by: leahpeah | July 31, 2006 02:11 PM
i assert that you also are a published talented writer and I idolize you
Posted by: Katie | July 31, 2006 04:45 PM
I heart you, Jes!
Posted by: Courtney | July 31, 2006 06:45 PM
Hey roomie!
Can I just say that I absolutely adore you? You are the shiznit, girlfriend! And you are very talented - so cool it, missy! Can't wait to see you next year!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Rani | July 31, 2006 07:55 PM
I still can not wrap my brain around why in the HELL I can't think of some of the top bloggers as real people. Trying to introduce myself to some of my blog-idols was pure TORTURE. Why do I do that? It is so weird. Either way - I know how you felt - I did the same.
But all in all? It was still a wonderful thing!
Posted by: Zoot | August 1, 2006 07:36 AM
Hi! Would you mind stopping by my site when you get a chance? I just put up a time sensitive post about my upcoming missions trip to Jamaica in regards to fundraising and prayer support.
Thank you so much, and may God bless you today!!
~Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | August 1, 2006 01:07 PM
I can't even imagine what it all felt like!! SOO jealous of all the fun! :)
Posted by: Leah | August 2, 2006 10:03 AM