I know. I spelled photography wrong. But my alliterative post title wouldn’t have worked otherwise. I gave you the quick and dirty version on Monday as to why I love-hate Bloggy Boot Camp (hint: it’s really all about the love). But what I didn’t get to do was name drop, I mean, share my lovely photographs of the entire weekend.
Philadelphia was our host city and I don’t think I could have had a more lovely view. And the weather and the cheesesteaks and all the lovely ladies from around that area? Yeah, I might be moving to Philly.
Unfortunately, the whole weekend was a blur.
Okay. Not really.
The weekend started with a reunion of my bloggy buddies from the Baltimore Bloggy Boot Camp. I have to admit that a lot of the awesomeness of the weekend was due to my completely and totally fabulous roomies, Sunday and Daune. And a lot of baked goods. And wine. And blinky rings.
And because we were so cool, Dianna crashed in our room. Every. Night. Can’t you see the coolness?
P.S. I didn’t mind one tiny bit even though it kept me from enjoying a whole bed to myself.
P.P.S. Yes, they are nuts.
And my favorite quirky character, Megan. She should have her own sitcom. With no one else. Just Megan.
And then we met Ted and instantly fell in love with him. But I swear, it had nothing to do with him buying the first round. Absolutely nothing. (Nice blinky ring, Sunday).
And off we trotted to Triumph Brewing Company for dinner. I think we were in the old part of town or something. While everyone ate and drank, I ended up outside for quite sometime hugging a homeless man. Long story. For another time. But definitely one that needs to be told.
Also? They had weird unisex bathrooms.
I got to meet fabulous new ladies like Lynn and reunite with others like Trina, who I think might be stalking me (we keep running into each other at these conferences). I know her eyes are closed but she’s kind of adorable anyway.
I glued myself right next to Daune for dinner and didn’t even notice that fab necklace until now. And peeking out? The gratuitously friendly Amy who makes for an awesome driving companion (and apparently therapist).
Side note: If you ever take a long car trip with me, you need to know 2 things. First, I never shut up. Second, I will probably end up sharing my entire life story. From start to finish. You’ve been warned.
Wow, Sunday has another drink in her hand. And Dianna? We all just wanted to take that deep-fried, bourbon-drinking, Kentucky girl, put her in our pocket, and take her home with us.
We did actually do some learnin’. We kicked off Saturday morning with a great line up of speakers but as we were being ushered to sit, I couldn’t resist a picture of Daune with Julie. WITH HER HAT. But in my mind, she’s still Dutch.
Look! See? We’re sitting at tables with notepads and computers. We’re talking and learning. I swear!
Okay. Time to get serious. Tiffany kicked things off. And one of my favorite presentations was from Cynthia, the Nap Warden. She forced us all to put our heads on our desk and quietly take a nap. (not really, but it was so what I was hoping for).
Resources from Cynthia’s presentation can be seen here: Blog Design Resources
In the afternoon, the “veteran” bloggers got together in a circle of love. We sang Kumbaya, held hands, and braided each others hair.
In reality, we all reintroduced ourselves and talking about our biggest blogging questions and challenges today. It was very hard for me to sit that still and quiet for so long. But it was fun to be able to admit how far my blog has come since the Bloggy Boot Camp I attended in Baltimore.
Now, if you’re sick of pictures and of seeing my face, stop reading now. Here is where I go all name-droppy.
Me and Cecily K. Cecily presented on how to find your voice and keep it authentic. Even though we probably couldn’t be more different, I just thought she was totally amazing. In hindsight, I probably should have introduced myself before I insisted on a picture with her.
Me and Daune. Oh, she of triplets plus two. She who obsesses over chapstick. She of the constant state of dehydration. You, too, are a “complicated order,” my friend.
IYAMPAM. No, I’m not. She is. Pam, that is. That girl is whack (P.S. that’s a compliment).
And then there’s Megan. We all love Megan.
Me and Coma Girl (yes, she has a real name but you might have to be her BFF to learn it). And I have now finally listened to the song that inspired her name.
I got to meet the one person that everyone not going told me they wanted to me. The one, the only Life Without Pink! Just wish I had more time with her to chat.
Me and JulieBouf. I have to say it like that because for some reason, I can’t call her Julie. I have to call her JulieBouf.
Me and the Nap Warden. We’re tight. We’re buds. I hope she remembers who the hell I am.
Me and Lolli. I love her. She gave awesome photography tips and she has 5 kids. What?
Me and someone so adorable, I won’t even tell you her name. I’ll just tell you that she’s a mommy and she is STILL fabulous.
Hi Ted. Yes, I will start an OpenSky shop. Just don’t punch me. Or do anything else. I feel nervous.
And then there are the fabulous real life Charlie’s Angels: Tiffany, Kat, and Jill. (wait, Jill was actually the name of one of the original Charlie’s Angels).
Then I tried to crash and pretend like I could be the fourth angel. I’m pretty sure they were just humoring me.
Then Amy got a hold of my camera and revealed some of the true craziness.
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In the end, I really had but one regret. I never got to ride those swan boats.
While I like to have fun, I do truly love the Bloggy Boot Camp atmosphere. I had a blast while meeting and reconnecting with some amazing bloggers. I’ve made sure that I added links on everyone’s name above so that you can check out their blogs and get to know them and love them like I do!
Most importantly, I learned a lot. If you have that OMG-I’m-too-scared-to-ever-go-to-a-conference, then this is the place to start. I promise you won’t regret it!
