Sometimes gambles pay off. I went to the Arkansas Women Blogger meetup at the Museum of Discovery today not knowing really what to expect.
Alone. And not knowing anyone. And I felt like my self-conscious 11-year-old self all over again. Funny how certain situations can take you back.
I came away richer for the experience, and no, I’m not just talking about the four delicious cupcakes (from Cupcake Crazy) I was ordered to take home with me. Or the cute bucket of homemade bath goodies I won from Erwin Soap Company in Washington, Ark. (Not tested on animals! Hooray!)
I met some great women and even one who has MS. Of course, we shut the place down sharing our experiences. Which is how I wound up carting home the cupcakes.
Most of the women there were what I would classify as “mom” bloggers, but I think their adventures and life lessons have a universality to them. They have children who probably throw tantrums and play video games and go to school. I have a husband who does all of those things, too. See? Common ground.
Quite a few of the bloggers write about crafting, even more write about food. One writes about books, and I even got a recommendation – Still Alice.
I think it all comes down to a central theme: We write what we know. We write about our experience, individual and collective. We write to remember.
And I think that’s noble no matter the topic.
So I’m happy I went. And happier still that I got cupcakes.
One, Wild & Precious 
Sorry I didn’t get to go, but I’m glad you had a great time!
I’m so glad you came! You were definitely not the only one who felt like you did—I had several ladies contact me before the event to tell me how nervous they were, how they weren’t sure they would come by themselves, etc. But we all worked out our nerves didn’t we? A few of my colleagues said, “Sounds like a party in there.” And it was! Thanks again for coming and I look forward to keeping in touch!
I am so glad you overcame your 11 year old flashbacks (yes, I had them too) and came to the meet up! Hop over and link up your post on Arkansas Women Bloggers and I look forward to hanging out with you again in the future.
Stephanie
I’m glad I did, too. Had a great time. And I can’t stop smelling the Mango Madness soap I won. It’s such a happy scent – my little aromatherapy.
I couldn’t tell at all that you were nervous!! I’m sorry we didn’t get to chat during the meet-up 🙂
Um, common ground? I would say so! Self-conscience – check. Tantrum throwing child – check. Gaming husband – check. Ha ha! I wish I had the chance to connect with everyone there. I can’t wait until we do it again.
It was nice meeting you.
So glad I got to meet you last Sunday, and glad you got such a great recommend from Melissa the book lady. My book club read Still Alice this month, and it is very good. Hopefully we’ll get to talk more soon!
I am so glad that you came to the meetup! I dont have kids (just a husband that acts like a kid) and I love books too! In fact I have lots of book review posts on my blog! We have a lot in common so I look forward to getting to know you better!