Sep
10
i consider myself a fairly new blogger. i have only been at it a few years. i have found tons of bloggers that i love. i look forward to reading every day. i log into my reader and see they have a post and get happy. i think this blogging world gives us a chance to connect to people we not normally have the opportunity to know. the blogosphere is full of all types. there are superstars. and newbies. foodies, crafters and general home makers. those that have spoken about things that are taboo. mental illness is exposed. differences are celebrated. women (and men) can help. take control. change the outcome of issues. bloggers have become a tool. and not the losertypetool. the tool that can build, change and repair. one of the things that goes hand in hand with bloggers are conferences. there are many types. specific genres. specific areas. large. small. everything in between. i have thought about going to a couple. even bought tickets. airfare. and everything that goes with the package. then the money issue hit. as it always does. and i had to sell off the tickets, refund my airfare and let go of the experience that was to be my first conference. i was devastated. upset. i had been so excited about it. but it always seems to be the money. there is also the matter of kids. leaving them is hard. but there are things that are worth it. meeting these ladies. the bloggers. what a great way to further your blog. whether or not you have a 'brand'. or a mission. just meeting these other kindred souls in the wide world of blogs in person. hearing their stories. that experience. learning the ropes. being pulled in and loved and shown the way. making connections. i was going to miss all of this.
i am not a big blogger. i am just now getting what i consider decent traffic. which to a 'serious' blogger is a drop in the bucket. but i want to change that. i want to grow. i am a single mother. with two children. one of which is Asperger's and another is bi-polar. blogging is my outlet. whether or not anyone is listening. it is a place for me to connect with other bloggers. to share stories. triumphs. defeats. and everything in between. and i love my small space. i just feel that one of the best ways for me to grow is to attend a conference. to get in those circles. and learn from those that i look up to.
then something came up on the radar. but it was different. a conference. but not. a non conference. maybe this is more my speed. and low and behold...it is coming from one of my favorite bloggers. anissa. i have watched her struggles. i read her blog and was her fan before the strokes. before her triumph. while she was still kicking her beautiful baby's cancer in the taco. someone i have followed for so long. oh could i squeak it? would it be possible?!? oh hey there is a discount. yay! but with the driving. and the room, even with the discount, with food and someone to keep the kids. it just adds up. looks like it is going to be another bomb out. heartbroken again. but hey. what is this? sponsorship? yessss. by The Pioneer Woman and Simply Sassy Media Network. how great. you see. here is the deal. all you have to do is write about why you want it. why you should get it.
but why do i want it? simply...for the connection. the advice. the wisdom.
why should i get it? because you would be giving an opportunity to someone who would love it. and cherish it. and give it big squishy hugs.
these conferences...or non-con's as the case may be... are a tool. one that i would love to have in my arsenal. and because it calls to me. pushes me to want more. and grow more. share more. connect more. be more.
funny how a little round table time with amazing women can do that huh?
I am pulling for you to be chosen. Good luck!
thanks! we will see.