Blogger's Block

I remember writing assignments in school and suffering with occasional writer's block.  Teachers would encourage us to brainstorm and just write ideas down in a free flowing manner - no matter how random.  I guess it worked, but it was so long ago that I now can no longer recall.

I've been struggling to post anything in my blog(s).  I have quite a few things that I have in mind.  Getting started has been such a pain.  I really don't have the time, the energy, or the motivation.  It's crazy.  Normally, all I ever want to do is write a post or two (or eight).

As you all know BlogHer '11 just happened.  I attended as a first timer.  I got a lot of out if. I'm still buzzing with the excitement of the experience.  I just can't seem to pour out a blog post.  This will serve as my attempt.

I have pictures on my camera from BlogHer that I haven't transferred.  I have people that I would like to recognize. I would love to write about all of the wonderful happenings in my day to day life.  I even want to rant about situations at work and observations about what has been going on there.

I haven't found the time.  I haven't made the time.  In this space of time now, I really should be sleeping.

Here is my tiny effort, my little running start, my brainstorming session....This TINY effort at just random mind spew has actually been a HUGE undertaking.  I am exhausted.  I am tempted to hit "delete" instead of "publish post"...All of these words are just seemingly a waste of blog-space.  There.  I did it. I got something out.  Something is better than nothing at this point.  For the first time ever, I am hoping that NO ONE READS THIS POST.

Do any of you recall moments like this?

BlogHer '11: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Today I read a tweet entitled: BlogHer Conference Update -- August 12, 2011 | BlogHer.  Cool.  Since I attended the conference, I wanted to read the write up.  I open up the attachment and lo and behold!  I see my face!  Admittedly, it is not the most flattering of photos since I am clearly in mid-speech!  I was telling my new blog buddies what I blog about.  I am thrilled all the same.  What a great souvenir of my BlogHer moment!

Asher-Sears Photography

I am now able to cross "Have my photo on front page of BlogHer website" off of the bucket list! It's already quickly being bumped lower and lower on the page as more posts are put up. But at least it was up there at ONE point. I'm giddy!

Also pictured is Nicole Aro of The Sunlight Foundation which is a non-profit. I met a few ladies that are involved with non-profit organizations. She was kind enough to ask if I wanted company at breakfast since I was eating alone. It touched me even more that she came up to me because there were PLENTY of other empty tables available.

BlogHer '11: Day 1

Too tired to blog about it as there is SO MUCH to say! I will post a few photos though. I didn't bring a camera since I didn't have a buddy to snap photos for me/of me/with me. I will bring one tomorrow.  I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos taken with my DumbPhone.  I think I was the only one in the entire Convention Center without a SmartPhone or a Tablet! OH - and the only one without business cards. Well...I ordered some but not in time. Boo.  Oh Well.

Note: No pictures of me with fellow Bloggers = I was feeling shy!  No shyness though with the Sponsors.  Weird, I know.

One of the Welcome Banners & Attendees Registering

Meeting Room for session that I am in charge of the Mic.
I scoped it out early for Saturday's Session, just planning ahead!

EXPO Floor: Awesome sponsors!  Met really sweet people.

Diane Amos & Me: That's the power of Pine Sol, baby... 

Cookie Monster, Elmo, and ME.  I plan on bringing our son  before the conference ends.

Brawny Man & Me

BlogHer '11 - I'm Going!

Guess who's going to BlogHer '11?!  I am!  I have been dreaming of going for some time now.  I'll be a first timer.  My husband knew how badly I wished to go and offered to pay my registration fees.  Truly sweet of him but I wanted to make my way there without him buying my way in.  I have been getting my feet wet again in the blogging arena since I had dropped the habit back in 2004.  I  couldn't quite justify the cost.  Especially since I have been a bit directionless.  OK not directionless - just headed off into EXCESSIVE directions!  I'm all over the place when it comes to blogging.  I can't find my niche.  Quite honestly, I don't want one.  I don't want to be wedged into any one place no matter how much I'm told it is a necessity.  Maybe I'll change my ways once I have a few sessions under my belt at BlogHer.  I'm stubborn though - so I doubt it.  It's bad, but I don't always care what "experts" think.  I do what makes me happy.

I looked into doing sponsored posts as a means of  raising funds to spend on my BlogHer registration.  I do work outside of the home and earn a decent living but I refused to spend our family resources on my blogging venture.  So far I'm proud to say that I've earned a pretty penny dabbling in  Sponsored Blog Posts.  Enough in fact to cover the cost of registration PLUS a couple of cute outfits!  It's been a gratifying experience earning money doing something that I enjoy.  Especially since I would be doing it ANYWAY.

I was thrilled when I was invited to participate in a contest sponsored by Naturalizer Shoes & MyBlogSpark (Blog Post: BlogHer '11: Cynthia The Super Hero?!).  The prize?  An entry to win a sponsorship for my attendance to BlogHer '11 and to share some great shoes with conference attendees!

I even attempted to volunteer a few months ago.  The volunteer positions were all filled.  Apparently they fill up quickly.   Recently BlogHer re-opened their call for volunteers.  Of course I had to find out all I could about that.  They were only looking for a few spots to fill.

Today I registered for the conference.  The cost?  $0.  Lesson learned:  Where there is a will, there is a way!

Hmm...now I've got to find a way to obtain a SmartPhone to use while at the convention!  My current phone is ultra low tech!  Do I have time before the conference to locate a sponsor for a SmartPhone and learn how to use one?!  That way I can leave my laptop at home.  If not, how about a sponsor for a stylish and comfortable laptop bag?!  Oooh....a clothing sponsor to help me with my BlogHer '11 "Look".  Maybe a company to offer new hair & make up?  I'm dreaming but like I said: Where there is a will, there is a way!