BlogHer ’11 in San Diego completely blew me away and exceeded any expectations I had about what I’d take away from the conference. I’d gone in hoping to meet some new bloggers, catch up with local blogger friends and learn a thing or two about how to improve my blog.
I learned so much more.
I learned that the power of a group is intoxicating, that tears of joy and pride can be had when you become a part of something bigger than yourself, bigger than life, really.
When Mary over at the Mama Mary Show tweeted one night asking me if I could dance, I replied back, “Um, sure,” thinking she was talking about a local dance class she takes with some local bloggers. Then I got a high priority email: “I am organizing a TOP SECRET flash mob to happen at lunch on Friday. LMK if you’re up for it.” Oh, yeah, baby! After just a few live rehearsals and countless views of the routine on the Flash Mob’s private Facebook page, I was ready. In fact, I was even promoted from the chorus to – gasp! – the opening dance team (you’ll see me on the video in the bright red-orange shirt). That’s Theresa of Rock On Mommies in front – the girl has the moves!
Along with my friend and fellow San Diego food blogger Kathy of Panini Happy, I learned how to cook the perfect risotto. The secret? Gently, but constantly, stirring the rice as it simmers with a rubber spatula, not a wooden spoon. This from a man who is so cool, he had a shiny black Escalade waiting outside the San Diego Convention Center for two days straight; a man born with an Italian mama and a wit only the British can achieve; a man who by his early thirties was the youngest chef to garner three Michelin stars in London. I’m talking about the fantastic Marco Pierre White, who made a challenging dish like risotto seem like mere child’s play. I also got to cook with Israeli-born Chef Einav Gefen who happily indulged my obsession with Israeli cooking and promised to email me her favorite cookbooks and recipes. Thank you to Knorr for providing the opportunity to cook alongside these international master chefs!
I learned that content is queen from none other than Ree Drummond, the charming and funny Pioneer Woman. Any woman who shares a picture of her husband’s rear in Wranglers is a woman I want to know.
I learned how to see the world in a new light. The brains behind BlogHer knew the food bloggers would be out in force, and for those of us not lucky enough to attend BlogHer Food in Atlanta, there was plenty of food-related content. Penny De Los Santos was there, and after viewing part of her CreativeLIVE photography session, I knew I would rush the stage if need be to get a seat at her table. Listening to Penny talk was inspiring and made me reexamine how I view my photography. For years, I’ve heard professional photographers say “make a picture.” As a 35+ year hobbyist, I “take pictures.” What’s the difference? It’s all in how you see the image. As Penny herself said, “You are really thinking about what you are seeing, how you are seeing it, and you begin to frame it, and implement all of those ideas into this one 125th of a second moment.”
Here, away from the hustle and bustle of BlogHer, was the opportunity I’d been waiting for to connect with food bloggers and get to know them beyond Twitter. The food was fantastic, too, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I went a bit overboard with the photos! BiCE Executive Chef Mario Cassineri was charming and welcoming, and served a barley risotto with lobster that was a food highlight (risotto, risotto…notice a theme here?).
Back home, I learned how much I missed the daily miscellaneous of family life. I welcomed the hugs that came from Little Gonzo Girl after three days away, and Mr. Gonzo whipped up a family favorite on Saturday night like it was no big deal after playing Mr. Mom for three days straight. My feet ached from the unfamiliarity of wearing heels, and my shoulders begged relief after hauling around bags of swag generously donated to all the attendees.
Sitting here in my office, quiet again with my dogs and the marine layer blanketing the coast, I kind of miss the chaos of the conference. There’s an empty spot on my wall that later today, thanks to Costco, will hold this photo, a reminder that bucket lists are meant to be made and mastered.
An excellent recap, Lisa! So glad the conference was such a blast. It was so much fun to hang out!
Thanks, Kathy – I had a great time hanging out, too!
Love this recap, Lisa! I am so glad you joined us for the flashmob, and you were so right, it was bigger than all of us, bigger than life. I get choked up thinking about it! I hope to see ya in dance class and can’t wait for the next flashmob, whenver that might be.:)
xoxo
Thanks, Mary – loved being in the flash mob – thanks for making it a reality and bucket list check-off for so many!
Wonderful re-cap! You clearly got to experience more than I did!
Thanks, Lori! It was great to hang out at dinner both nights with you – hope to see you soon.
Love the recap, Lisa! You had a pretty amazing BlogHer experience.
I also love (not so much) me desperately trying to get in teh background of your pic with Theresa. Geez. Sorry about that.
You’re too funny – I’m sorry I didn’t pull you into the picture! It’s been great getting to know you these past few weeks and I can’t wait to flash mob again some day with you!
Blogher looks like so much fun! I love meeting other bloggers, and can’t wait to be able to do it again.
I’m with you – one of the best parts about blogging is meeting other like-minded women (and men!) who are passionate about food and writing.
Glad to finally meet you in real life! I am still so, so tired. Also glad you mentioned the BICE dinner. I was disappointed to have missed that. Looked delish.
And so great to meet you finally!! Sorry you missed BiCE – their food was incredible.
Thanks for sharing this, Lisa. So glad I finally got to see the flash mob. People were tweeting about it like crazy. Quite the honor to be able to work with the legendary Marco Pierre White, too. In this day of TV celeb chefs, many don’t know of his work. Nice job!
I know – I think #operationglory even trended. It was an honor, you’ve got the right word exactly, to cook with Marco Pierre White and see firsthand how he cooks.
WOW!! How amazing! So cool that you got to meet the Pioneer Woman :)Looks like a really great weekend.
It WAS amazing to meet the Pioneer Woman and so many others! You can read about them everywhere but getting to meet bloggers like Ree and Kathryn and see how charming and down to earth they are, it’s the best.
Aww it looks like you (and everyone) had a blast! I can’t wait till next year because I plan on attending.
ps great dance moves 😀
You should definitely go! I think I heard they’re planning on NYC for the next venue. And thanks – had my dancing shoes on for sure!
First up, I LOVED your shirt Friday. Second, the hanging a pic idea is a great one. I haven’t stopped wearing the wristband.
And I’ve never made risotto, but good thing I already have the rubber spatula!