Blog Sugar - The Real Recap

Soon after I signed up to help Rachel plan another Blog Sugar, I knew that this blog conference was going to be different.  The 3 of us were sitting around talking during a planning session and it dawned on me that this was going to be more than anything, an awesome opportunity for woman to just come and hang out, be inspired, grow friendships.  It soon became clear that this conference wasn't going to be about primo networking opportunities and intense panels sessions where you learn how to monetize your blog.  This was going to be a place for woman (and men) to gather and connect on a much deeper level, and in my eyes, much more meaningful level.  After reading dozens of recaps, I think the mission was accomplished.

It's so easy to get lost in the rat race of blogging and fall victim to feelings of insecurities, I let it happen more than I care to admit.  On Sunday though woman of blogs all shapes and sizes, with 5 readers all the way up to 5000 readers came together in fellowship and reveled in the fact that God made us all different and unique and with our own VOICE and that voice is powerful.  No egos, no insecurities, just kinship.  Hugs, laughter, tears and squealy voices (my voice rose about 10 octaves on several occasions).  All together in one room, fueled by sugar and God's love.  That is special, that is awesome.  I felt sad on Monday morning that is was all over, but today it finally hit me just how amazing it all was, and how happy I was to be there.   

"taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8

The 3 of us already are going through withdrawals and have planned to get together next week.  I'm sure my husband will be thrilled, "wait isn't Blog Sugar over Andrea?"  

I think Rachel and I reapplied our lipstick at least 10 times that day.  It was fun, I felt like a teenager.  I will also never wear red lipstick to an all day event again.  The Spanx might also have to be reconsidered. 

I can't believe I finally got to meet Heather.  I'm obsessed with her, and her glasses, and I think I asked too many questions during her session.  And Danielle is pretty awesome too, so happy she introduced us to Love 146.

I didn't take any pictures on Sunday.  Too busy running around taking it all in I guess.  I got to meet Mel and boy is she a sassy pants firecracker and she sent me this picture of us.  I could tell we would get along just fine if we lived closer.  Tall girls unite.

It's no exaggeration when I say that I started crying when I saw Ruthanne's photos of the night.  She is truly talented and such a sweet, funny spirit.  Thank you for being there all day and night snapping away.

I would be remiss if I also didn't give a big shout out to the lady that provided us all with that sugar for the day, April Boyer of Modern Gourmet.  I personally loved the lemon tarts the best but I've read several say the whoopie pies were amazing.  And Laura Weirtzma of Ascot Friday and her sister Erica were the creative genius behind the decor for the night.  Those girls gave Geronimo Balloons a run for their money wouldn't you say?  And thank you to all of our wonderful speakers that night.   

Thank you Rachel for your vision and your perseverance, thank you JJ for your expertise in all things conferencey and for bringing the wine ;)  Sometimes I felt like I was just along for the ride, but what a fun ride it was.

p.s. there were so many amazing friends I met in person that night but sadly I don't have any pictures with anyone (I think).  If we took a picture together, would you mind sending it to me pretty please?

I'm linking up with the Blog Sugar site where you can come and see all the other amazing recaps of the day.  And while I'm linking, I guess I might as well link up with Lindsey too for WIWW.  She was one of our awesome speakers that day and I loved getting to know this talented lady a bit more.  The dress is from Old Navy (the one I stole for $23) and you've seen the shoes and jewelry before.  Not seen are a 10 year old pair of Spanx that still perform miracles hooray!  And I got my hair colored for the first time in 7 years.  Lots of exciting stuff happened last week.  At one point I almost passed out from all the newness and excitement.