A mini Blogher conference, that’s exactly what it was. Or what I imagine a women’s mini blogging conference would be like, because it’s not like I’ve actually been to anything remotely bloggy before. It was a micro-conference. (Ha. I’m so clever. Feel free to use that.)
I met Emily, Liz, Fiona, Suezette, Stacey, Lynnette, Amber, Jill, Vanessa, Lois, and Jennifer, all for the first time after following them on Twitter and reading their personal blogs and posts on New Jersey Moms Blog. Mary Fran and Kristie, both of the new Philly Moms Blog, were there too. So much fun putting names to real, living persons with personalities beyond the computer screen.
I LOVED IT!!
Sorry to shout, but oh my goodness, that’s exactly how excited I was walking into that party Saturday night. To talk blogging this, blogging that and not have to stop and translate to the odd person out (Ahem. Husband: I am referring to YOU.) To chat with a group of women that share a common interest, a passion, and maybe a complete craziness for living a portion of life online for anyone to Google.
Such a happy feeling.*
We wasted no time jumping right into it. We discussed blogging, Twitter, podcasting, Blogher scandalous behavior and what that mega conference is really like. We talked about evil trolls lurking in comments, finding advertising, getting paid, Martha Stewart, emails from Silicon Valley Mom Blog competitors, swag bags, and blogging just for the joy of writing and creativity.
When we weren’t talking shop, we talked about overcrowding in public schools, home schooling, property taxes, and medical insurance. We ate pasta, chocolates, scallops wrapped in bacon and salad. Some of us had soda, some of us had wine. And we even had a bit of pampering with professional masseuses in the house (or photo gallery, I should say.)
I think the only thing we didn’t talk about was the girls that didn’t make it. We missed you, friends! 
Next time!
Now without further ado: a few pictures:
From Left to right: Shannon, (astute readers will remember she’s my blog designer), Emily, Suezette. No idea who that chick is on the right, she must be a party crasher. 
Vanessa, Liz, Melissa and Jennifer
Such a fun time! Thanks to our party sponsors and goody bag contributors: Graco, Suave and Stop and Shop.
Friends, if you ever get a chance to contribute to Silicon Valley Moms Blog in your state or city, seize the opportunity. There is fun and fulfillment in the Lone Ranger blog gig, but seriously, this group thing – Wow!
I believe there is power in community. We write our posts, keep our own blogs, Twitter our own unique lives, but when it comes down to it, we are all moms, and in this special sisterhood that comes from blogging. We have our differences, yet this new way of communicating, via blogs, brings us together. I believe my life is enriched because of these friendships with women I probably would never have met if not for the New Jersey Moms Blog.
Sniff, sniff. I’m getting a wee bit teary.
I love you, gals, and I’m glad the Lord has placed each of you in my life.
Sob.
*Monica goes in search of tissue to mop up keyboard, but gets distracted by chocolate.*
—–
Actually, I was estatic just to find the place after getting lost in a monsoon-like rain storm. Google maps, why do you hate me so? Don’t ask me about how long it took me to get home, I’m too ashamed of my poor navigaton skills. Note to self: must acquire sattelite map app for cell, ASAP.
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It was so nice to actually meet you and the rest of those fabulous women in person! Can’t wait to do it again! ((hugs))
What a beautifully written post! I enjoyed meeting everyone too, especially you, Monica, whom I had already considered to be a friend.
I am in total agreement, that it is a great group! I had such a good time and felt like so many of us had an immediate connection due to our passion of blogging! I am so looking forward to the next get together!
Monica,
So great to meet you and all the others! What a great post!
Staceys last blog post..Ticket Master
great post, it was so nice meeting you and the rest of the ladies. i am sure it is only a matter of time before i try twitter or twirl or whatever it is…
feeners last blog post..Motrin vs. Mommy Bloggers
I am SO glad to read that you had a great time — me, too! It was easy to fall in love with each and every one of you. Most especially, you ;o)
Liz@thisfullhouses last blog post..The Twilight Years: Okay, I get it, BITE ME!
ok–I am one who DIDN’T make it. I was out cold with some horrible infection–literally in bed. that almost never happens to me, and I was truly disappointed to miss meeting you all…..instead of feeling the warmth of connection–I’m feeling isolated & disconnected. I’ll have to blog about it! hope to have another opportunity to get together soon…by the way–I was thinking of you’all driving in that rain….hope you all were safe……
Sounds like you all had such a great time. I am so bummed I missed out!!!
Erin from Gracos last blog post..“Basketballing”
Lori, you weren’t the only one not there, I think about half the NJ moms couldn’t make it or had to cancel last minute. We will meet… eventually. Hope you’re feeling better too.
What a wonderful launch. What a wonderful time. What a wonderful post! It was a pleasure to meet everyone on Saturday — it was definitely worth battling the bad weather to be there (and the massage wasn’t so bad either).
Hey, Monica! Sounds like you gals had a great time. If that’s you as the unnamed one on the right, you look like my sister! Had to take a peek at your fun time! Blessings to all…Lynn
Lynn Moshers last blog post..CommentLuv needs updating on this site. Please download the latest version and install it on your site. This message will apear during the first 10 minutes of each hour. This remote script will cease returning posts in 7 days
Ah, man. Gotta update commentluv. Just another thing to do.
Yup, that’s me, Lynn.
Very nice post! I am so glad everyone attending had a great time and am also sad to have missed it.
I feel your pain with Google maps, Monica! lol
I love seeing the pics too!
Karen Hartzell, Gracos last blog post..“Basketballing”
What a great recap of the launch! I was bummed I couldn’t make it as a Philly Mom Blogger and supporter of your group. Hopefully I will get to meet some of the NJ Mom Bloggers at the Philly launch party whenever that may be. It is nice to know “you’re not the only one” and you have people not to far off that share your interests and zest for life.
Teresas last blog post..Stress-free Holiday Shopping??
Hi Everyone it was awesome to meet you all! Sorry if I didn’t get a chance to say good bye. I couldn’t tear myself away from my foot massage as many of you were leaving! Thanks for setting up the fun gathering. My husband loved his “SWAG”- picture of Eli Manning and the video of Mr. Druckman to go with it.
Kristie
Kristie Finnan
http://www.kristiefinnan.com
http://www.mommyshoes.com
http://www.phillymomsblog.com
Sounds like you gals had a great time. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.
valmgs last blog post..How taking my son to the doctor aged me
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