Headed to BlissDom 2013!

I am so very excited to get to go to BlissDom again this year! Last year (my first BlissDom) was such a great experience, and I met so many amazing people, I couldn’t wait to find out whether I’d get to go to the 2013 conference.

Three things happened to make it possible for me to go this year:

1. BlissDom is in Dallas this year, so I can drive! This also provides a chance to make stops on my way North to pick up my friends Ellen (in SA) and Kim (in Austin). Road tripping is cheaper than flying! Plus I’m free to overpack guilt-free!
2. My awesome husband. The timing of BlissDom 2013 isn’t great for William (more to the point, it isn’t a great time for me to be out of town); but, he’s working with me to make it possible. Because: Awesome.
3. Katie, Bridget, and Ellen with whom I’m sharing a hotel room. I’m fully expecting pillow fights. Or at least help putting on makeup. I don’t really know how this stuff works. (4) I’m going to be a Community Leader again this year! Hopefully I’ll have some community to lead in the sessions.

As for the conference itself, I am so excited for the speakers who have already been announced, including Shelly Kramer , Meagan Jordan, Lucrecer Braxton and so very many more. I know I am going to learn a ton. And hopefully score some Dr. Smith’s butt cream from their booth. What? T is still in diapers.

In all seriousness, there was a real and significant change in my life after last years’ conference. Real and lasting friends were made, I learned more about myself as a person, and I claimed the title “writer” for the first time. I didn’t expect to make the friendships I made. I expected to meet some nice people and have fun while learning, but to make the instant and powerful connections that I did was a happy surprise. I learned more about myself and my abilities during BlissDom than I expected. Again, I just thought it would be fun; but, I found myself in situations where I had to make conversations with people I wouldn’t usually meet (I know I don’t come off that way, but I’m fairly shy) and diplomatically removing myself from situations where I just didn’t need to be. As for the title, “Writer”? It’s easy for me to say, “oh, I just write for myself, my mom and my three other readers, I’m not a writer.” And while the first part of that thought is true, I am a writer. I tell stories, I share my life, I work things out with words. I’m a Writer.

Fairly impactful few days, I would say.

Will you be at BlissDom? Have we met? Link your blog in the comments so I can get to know you before March!

Some awesomeness from 2012: