I Am Not Cooler Than You…{28}
I’m not. I can almost guarantee you that if there were a cool contest? I wouldn’t win it.
When I’m reading other people’s blogs I often get the impression that the authors are just so. . .cool. Way cooler than I’ll ever even aspire to be. And now I’m wondering if I come across that way on my own blog? breida with a b. is so young. It’s not highly designed and there are no adverts. (Please don’t get me wrong – I’m not poo poo-ing advertising – there are brands that I would LOVE to partner with). But I’m saying, my blog isn’t flashy (yet) and I wonder if the readers feel like I’m super cool – just because I have a blog. I’m going to guess, no. However – having an online personality is a strange thing. . . you can really construct any kind of image you want. You can be as cool as you’ve always wanted to be. . .
Until you attend your first blog conference.
Next week I’ll be flying to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend the Haven Conference.
If you are a fellow blogger – you undoubtedly know all about this conference. If you are not a blogger there is no reason on Earth that you would have any idea what I’m talking about. Haven is a brand new DIY and blogging conference taking place on June 21-22, 2012 that will allow people to learn from and gather with some of the most notable DIY/Home bloggers in blogland. Conference sessions will focus on DIY instruction with a mix of blogging and social media.
There are lots of other blogging conferences going on out there – but this one in particular seems to be right up my alley. It looks to be a perfect mix of actual hands on craft work and blogging itself. So I’ll be meeting many of the people whose blogs I read on a regular basis and I will be faced with the reality of their coolness in person. I can’t wait. And I’m scared to death. I am ashamed to admit that I am overly concerned about what I will wear while I’m there. It’s ridiculous. It should be a non issue. I’m not going to out class anyone with my style. . .ever. I just can’t ever seem to pull off that whole cute shoe thing. . . with the cute shoes . . . and all the. . .cuteness.
I’m trying to get over it. I’ve got 5 days.
I can tell you this though. I am bringing two things along with me that are making me feel ever so cool. I just bought a camera strap cover from my blogging friend Jill, at Sew a Fine Seam. It was very important to me that I get it in time to take along on my trip to Atlanta. This is what was in the very exciting package that I mentioned in my last post. Words can’t say how much I love this thing. It’s just perfect. It’s so me and I can’t wait to show it off. It even makes me feel. . .cool. Thanks, Jill.
custom camera strap cover - Sew a Fine Seam - photos taken with my ancient iPhone - real camera was unavailable at the time. . .
And today I got yet another exciting package in the mail. I thought it would be prudent to have business cards to distribute at the conference – and I was right about that. I have since read in several places that it is, indeed, the thing to do. Go, me! So I sketched up what I thought I wanted and sent it off to the designer. Now, in this post, Beth, Haven Conference Organizer and author of the blog Home Stories A 2 Z, tells me that the business cards of bloggers are not to be believed. Can’t you just imagine the creative forces that would go into these things? I started to get a little nervous about my little cards. My design is very simple. But, guess what? So am I. The cards came today and I am really over the moon about them. I think they are perfect. No bells. No whistles. No cute shoes.
My kids were totally impressed.
10 yr. old son: Mom, your motto is “building wings on the way down” ?? What does that mean?
me: It means, even if you don’t know how to fly, you have to jump anyway – and figure it out on your way.
10 yr. old son: Oh. That’s kind of terrifying and inspirational at the same time!
me: Yeah, it is.
God, I love that kid.
Tell me. What terrifies and inspires you?
Jun 15, 2012 @ 08:50:43
Change is both terrifying and inspiring for me. I just quit my teaching job so that I could “balance” my life a bit better. Not having a title is scary for me!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 09:54:13
Trying to come up with one is s scary for me! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it! Good luck finding the balance.
-b.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:08:47
So excited for you Breida! I found your blog through Miss Mustard Seed after the Lucketts sale. I love the camera strap your friend Jill created for you – it’s beautiful! And the “bee” card is so cute too!
I was just reading over the Haven conference site yesterday and wishing I had been able to sign up for it when I first heard about it a few months back – since it is now sold out. I think you will have an absolute blast…and I hope that it’s a success and they have another one next year, so maybe I’ll be able to go then.
I actually met Haven’s keynote speakers, John & Sherry Petersik from YHL at a 5k event in Richmond back in May. They are just as cool and down to earth in person as they seem online. How wonderful you will get to experience them and all the other “cool kids” of the blogosphere.
My husband and I have been planning to start a blog of our very own to keep up with all of our home improvements and mishaps. I purchased a domain back in March, and we hope to get it going very soon.
As one nervous newbie to another – keep the faith, you will do well and people will be drawn to you if you are enthusiastic about sharing your story.
I know I look forward to hearing about the conference. So have a great time and tell us all about it when you get back.
Cheers
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:16:11
you can definitely expect to hear all about it when I return – i’ll be sharing! I know i’ll have a good time – just a little nervous – i’ll get over it!
-b.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:14:03
In my many years gathering wisdom I’m finding that “simple” is best. I’m still striving to make my life more simple. So simple AND cool now, your doing good!!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:25:48
Thank you, Cheryl! It’s so nice if you to say so. It sounds like a pat answer but I really do appreciate your taking the time to spread a little encouragement. It means a lot to me and makes me feel like I can really do this!
Thanks again – if you haven’t already – please follow along with the blog via FB or email subscription. . . (links in the sidebar) I could use some more of your kind words as i go along!
-b.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:23:32
It’s hard to find cute shows in two different sizes.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:24:49
Shoes…
Jun 15, 2012 @ 10:29:14
it is. it really is.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:06:54
I saw your post on Home Stories A to Z, and wanted to stop by and say that I am going to the Haven conference too – and I know NO ONE!!! I’m so nervous, and I don’t normally get nervous. I am also sweating the small stuff – what to wear, will anyone talk to me, what if I’m such a dork that people point and laugh… I almost want to sell my ticket! Want to meet up somewhere, so at least we have one person to meet up with? BTW, love your camera strap – and business cards too! I haven’t even gotten mine yet! Argh!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:45:50
Eliesa – you are clearly not a dork. If anyone points and laughs at you, I’ll pinch them. Will you be at the party on Wednesday evening? I’ll see you there. send me an email through the contact link on the blog and give me your cell #. I’ll text you right after my plane doesn’t crash on Wednesday afternoon. (i hate to fly) – Or at the very least when I’m on my way to the party. . . I think I am going to meet up with the woman that I’m sharing a room with (i don’t know her) at the airport – we seem to be arriving around the same time. Are you flying? What time do you get in?
Jun 15, 2012 @ 17:41:50
Oh Breida I am SO jealous – I want to jump in your suitcase and go along. Maybe next year – I’m seriously considering making it a must.
And the camera strap did turn out perfect for you didn’t it?! I love it if I ‘m allowed to say so! I should have sent business cards for you to hand out – LOL!
And I love how your cards turned out – too too cool and totally you. GREAT design.
Have a total blast and think of those of us who couldn’t go for just a teeny tiny second sometime!!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 20:00:39
Jill! I totally meant to tell you to send cards in my package!! I just forgot. I hope you can go next year. What fun!
-breida
Jun 15, 2012 @ 20:37:54
I so much wished I had my new ones to at least send one to you since you gave me the idea for what to call myself!! i can’t find my old ones or i would have at least stuck one of those in! i put them somewhere when I decluttered and I cannot find them anywhere. Sigh. hoping my new ones get here soon – i think they are in the printing stage. and Reni is going to Haven I believe so I may not see them till after that.
Jun 16, 2012 @ 07:17:41
Ok, first of all, I think it’s funny that you don’t feel cool. I always thought you were cool in high school and even more so now. Maybe no one truly feels cool on the inside? Second, I LOVE the camera strap. It’s absolutely perfect. Just like your new business card. I love reading about this new journey of yours. I’m so glad you decided to share your thoughts and adventures with all of us!
Jun 16, 2012 @ 21:48:02
oh hi! I missed this comment earlier. Thanks, Danielle. There is a slight possibility that I was cool in high school – but you’ve known me since middle school. . .totally different story. Really, I was cool for about 3 years in college -and that’s it.
-b.
Jun 16, 2012 @ 16:31:57
Go to the conference and have fun! Why do we worry so much about what other people think?! (I’m a good one to talk! ) I can encourage other people much easier than I can follow my own advice!
Jill is my sister and I am will admit to being biased, but she is an awesome seamstress and creativist!!! Unfortunately she got all the talent in that area! Oh well. Sewing just isn’t so much my thing.
I think the name of your blog is great! I enjoyed reading about everyone misunderstanding your name. People have never spelled my name correctly. Ah well-just a small thing in the whole larger scheme!
Jun 16, 2012 @ 17:14:57
nice to know you, deborah! welcome! Tell Jill I say Hello!
Jun 17, 2012 @ 19:03:39
I LOVE your motto. I think it expresses exactly that. Do it and figure it out, even if it’s terrifying. Which things worth doing usually are!
Jun 18, 2012 @ 02:51:53
It’s a great motto as long as it doesn’t apply to the flight I have to take on Wednesday. Ugh. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello, Marian.
-b.
Jun 17, 2012 @ 21:34:11
You & your cards are WAY cool, Breida! Love them!!
Jun 18, 2012 @ 02:52:24
Thanks, Karen – you are pretty cool yourself!
-b.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 11:29:23
Love your cards and am looking forward to hearing about your trip-
way to go girl
mom
Jun 18, 2012 @ 23:58:01
thanks, mom! can’t believe i’m actually going!
Jun 22, 2012 @ 00:24:04
Umm….for the record….I think your cool:)
Jun 22, 2012 @ 00:34:04
right backatcha, babe. right back!
Packaging
Jun 22, 2012 @ 08:53:40
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Haven 2012 Conference Recap {i’m becoming a trip junky}
Jun 27, 2012 @ 11:11:41
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