BlogHer or Bust
by Mary Tsao

Contributing Editor Mary Tsao also blogs at Mom Writes.

BlogHer

Something remarkable has been happening in the BlogHer mommyblogging community. Moms have been helping other moms in their quest to go to BlogHer. Let me share with you the stories I know about. If there ever was a village at work, these stories prove it.

BlogHer Erin Kotecki Vest from Queen of Spain gave away two tickets, one to Christina from A Mommy Story and another to Mocha Momma.

BlogHer Mir wrote about how the Mommybloggers have put up ads and are selling swag to send at least one blogger to BlogHer and possibly more.

And Clay Cook (okay, not a mom, but a dad) from Minti has announced they also are giving away two free tickets to BlogHer.

But the latest story started when Sue from Red Stapler had a contest to give away a free ticket to BlogHer and picked Izzy from Izzy Mom. Except Izzy Mom already paid for her registration so she decided to give the free ticket to Elizabeth from Table for Five.

As Elizabeth puts it:

"Ladies, I don't know how else to say this so I'm just going to say it, please forgive me for shouting:

ME SHE PICKED ME I AM GOING TO BLOGHER HOLY CRAP I AM GOING TO BLOGHER

Are exclamation points even necessary?"

But wait, there's more. Have you got your hanky ready? Elizabeth had written an essay for the Mommyblogger's contest. This is part of what she wrote:

"I started my blog while on bed rest during my third pregnancy. I had been reading blogs, and from paying attention to both comments and blogrolls I started noticing the same people popping up, like a community. There was a circular nature to how A linked to B who linked to C who linked back to A. I wanted to be a part of that community. I wanted to find other women who would understand me and my life.

My college degree required a lot of creative writing, and I missed having that outlet, that way to express my thoughts and opinions. Blogging seemed like a natural solution. Looking back at my first posts I see that my writing was hesitant, stilted, as if I didn't want to inadvertently offend anyone and so was overly cautious. I have been trying to overcome that, to let the 'real' me do the writing. Through my blog I have met people I would have never known existed, and I think I am a better person because of them. They inspire me to be funny, forthright, honest and brave. They encourage me, support me, and genuinely care about me. Although I have a loving husband and terrific children, my world is also a better place because I have met these women. I have found my community, a small but faithful group of ladies who have never met me but think of me as their friend nevertheless. Over time, with their support and encouragement, I found my 'voice,' the voice of the 'real' me."

I am in awe of the generous spirit of all of these bloggers. In Elizabeth's case, she also received free airline miles for her trip from another Internet friend.

The theme of this year's BlogHer conference is How Is Your Blog Changing Your World? For Elizabeth and others--myself included--this question is important as well as profound; our blogs have literally changed our worlds. Elizabeth is looking forward to this year's conference and so am I. Are you?

---
Mary Tsao | Mom Writes

Submitted by Mary Tsao (view blog) on Thu, 05/18/2006 - 22:51
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Or...

How about the squealing when everyone meets you? Yeah, Elizabeth!

http://mom-101.blogspot.com

http://coolmompicks.com
We find it, you flaunt it.

Submitted by Mom101 on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 18:31
 

I Love Elizabeth!

I think I got in early to "Table For Five," and I've always thought of her as a kindred spirit, right from the get-go. I am SO psyched she's coming to BlogHer. My list of people I'm going to SQUEAL when I see is growing daily!

Belinda

Submitted by ninjapoodles on Thu, 05/18/2006 - 22:19
 

So Awesome!

I'm loving all the good vibes that are circulating around because of people like Sue, Erin, and the good folks at Mommybloggers and Minti! It's making the whole concept of BlogHer mean that much more :)

~Izzy

Submitted by Izzy76 on Sat, 05/20/2006 - 09:49
 

Thanks Mary

Thanks for the mention in your post Mary :)

We are trying to give away 2 tickets, and have recieved a few requests already. We pick the winners on Thu.

Here is the link again for people to read how to request the tickets...
http://claycook.minti.com/blog/1099/Minti-is-giving-away-2-tickets-to-Blogher/
-- Clay www.minti.com

Submitted by Clay Cook on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 01:56
 

Generosity abounds!

Yes, Mary, it is incredible! I was following the Sue to Izzy to Elizabeth love-train. It's awesome.
And the two tickets from Clay-just so generous!
This community never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks for making a note of it!

Submitted by Tracey Clark on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 08:51
 

Can't wait!

I can't wait to meet Elizabeth and Sue in person!

~Izzy

Submitted by Izzy76 on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 09:21
 

I Heart Elizabeth, Too

The "I Heart Elizabeth And All Women Bloggers" continues...

It warms me heart to see SUPPORT of women by women (and men - you rock, Clay!) and come together in this community. Erin and everyone who has decided to make this happen are making my world-view change.

Can you feel the love? Can you hear the exclamation points? It's a beautiful thing.

Link Text

Submitted by Kelly Wickham on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 15:02
 

Oh, oh, oh!

I forgot two things (as usual):

1. Thanks for the shout out, Mary. You done good to recognize the others.
2. Belinda is at the top of my I Shalt Squeal At Blogher list.

Link Text

Submitted by Kelly Wickham on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 15:03
 

That is awesome!

Now we just have to get Jennifer of Kentucky Gurl there. She just lost her job and even though she lives an hour away, she isn't sure about the registration cost. I've sent her every link possible on winning it, but so far, no luck. :)
She can bunk with me, no problem!

Kudos to all of those able to help get everyone there! That is amazing!!!!
Karen

--
Troll Baby

Troll Baby Graphics

Submitted by Karen Rani on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 15:28
 

All this love and attention is making me
blush!

Thanks so much for posting parts of my essay, Mary. If you don't mind, I'd like to post the last paragraph, which I think just might have won me those tickets from Mommybloggers:

Many of my new friends will be attending BlogHer this summer. I want to attend BlogHer this summer. I want to meet this community in person, tell these ladies face-to-face how much getting to know them has meant to me. I want them to know how much their friendships affect me every single day. My blog has changed my world; my blog friends have changed my world. Send me to BlogHer. My world will be that much of a better place if you do. Thank you.

Next year, I promise that I will do everything I can to make sure a deserving blogger gets to go. I believe in Karma and in "paying it forward". I won't forget how it made me feel to have so many people work so hard to make this happen for me.

Also, I'm not sure which will be louder: the squealing when I meet Sue and Izzy, or the squealing when I meet Belinda and Kelly!

Submitted by Elizabeth@Table for Five on Fri, 05/19/2006 - 15:50
 

I wish...

...I could send MORE!!!

There are so many people I want to actually HUG. And speak with, face to face. BlogHer is such an amazing platform to be able to do that.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain

Submitted by Erin Kotecki Vest on Sun, 05/21/2006 - 19:03
 

Thanks for the link, Mary...

As this Jersey Girl is going to practice what my four children have taught me all these years -- BEG!

Hope it works as well, for me ;o)

Either way -- good luck, everyone -- I'll be there, in spirit!
--------------------------------------------
For more from Liz Thompson, read:
C.E. Fashion & Shopping
This Full House
The Imperfect Parent

Submitted by Liz Thompson on Tue, 05/23/2006 - 12:24
 

Too cool...

I was there for Sue from Red Stapler's giveaway! Quite exciting and I found a new blog that I love in the process. Thanks so much, Karen for sending me her way! I'm still hoping and wishing for tickets. I'm trying! I'm willing to buy them if anyone has an extra, too. BTW, no one is selling them on ebay..haha!

I *hope* to see you gals there!

Submitted by Kentuckygirl on Thu, 06/01/2006 - 02:20