Meg here... Whew! BlogPaws is over and I am spent! I'll post about all the goodies and swag later - I'll be breaking out the goods in small chunks so the boys don't go too wild.
I'm really glad I decided to go (thanks Trish) - it was so nice to meet everyone. I feel like I share so many of blogger friend's lives. Sharing their happy successes and milestones and feeling their sadness when life deals the hard breaks.
I realized on Wednesday night that it was two years ago that day my girl Fin left us. Even when we knew it was coming, and had shed a million tears with her still here to comfort me, it was so hard. Knowing she had touched so many lives was a comfort I could not have imagined.
It was daunting to think of meeting so many people when you are basically a shy person. After I meet someone new I have a moment of panic when I have no idea what to say next and flee, but my friends were easy to talk to and we had something obvious in common - a love for our pets. It wasn't long before I felt like I could just be me.
I think sitting at a table with a bunch of ladies delighted to be making cat ear headbands to wear proudly in public was the real tipping point for me. I embraced my inner cat lady - these were my people.
It's been a weird month, Writer and Blogger conferences back to back. So many different directions to consider - not sure where it all takes me. Feels like I am on the edge of the next big leap and it feels both scary and exciting.
I wanted to give a Happy Mother's Day shout out to all you Moms out there! Hope you have a lovely day with the ones you love - human or furry or scaly or etc.
My human is SO glad you braved BlogPaws because she knew that once you were there for a bit, you'd realize you were among really good friends! She goes to writing and publishing conferences for work, but nothing beats the pet blogging conferences for warmth, friendship and camaraderie.
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to see your human again!
DeleteI am so glad you had a good time. My Dad felt strange last year being one of not too many cat guys, but he sure enjoyed being with everyone. He said it was like picking up a conversation with old friends.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been so nice to meet you!
DeleteGlad you went - it was purrfect being so close to you. I hope to go next year in Nashville - a 5 hour drive for me. I would love to meet everyone too. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteCheri and Cats of wildcat woods
It would have been great to meet you!
DeleteBet you had a really great time. Wish BlogPaws would come to Florida some time! :)
ReplyDeleteWishin' your Mommy and Very Hap-Pee Mommy's Day!
Thanks - Happy Belated Mom's day!
DeleteMiss Meg...our mom says meeting you at BlogPaws was one of the highlights of the trip. And we don't even mind that she cheated on us a little with Greyson and Quill. ;)
ReplyDeleteRight back at your Mom! We're all pretty fond of her too!
DeleteAwesome. We are so glad you had such a great tie at BlogPaws! Ditto what Brian said about his Dad. Ours felt the same way, but you are right ... these are our people. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you, and to moms everywhere!
Cat guys are the best kind of guys in our opinion!
DeleteHappy (almost belated) Mothers Day. Our children are similar. We both lost a furry girl just a few months apart and, to our individual but mutual surprise, later adopted two male cats. The major difference is that my boys are litter mates who came to their home directly from a shelter.
ReplyDeleteI actually read to them your recent bug talk, with my husband present. Here in West Virginia there is a beetle commonly referred to as a stink bug. They aren't scary, just annoying and proliferate. The boys made a suggestion; if I help with the occasional spider, the boys will step up their war on stink bugs; I accepted their offer; it was a win for me. As I sit typing, each cat has dispatched a bug. Come to think of it, my husband eliminated one, too. I must have delivered a rousing speech.
Alfie: Mom thinks the Bug discussion ended in her favor--heh, heh. The truth is, we don't really like spiders much, but the stink bugs are nice and crunchy. We have learned that if we don't torture--I mean play--with them too long, they don't get worried and give off their smell. Hey, Binky! I think I see another one! Race you...
Glad they go down easy!
DeleteFunny how things work out - two boy kitties was the last thing I thought I'd end up with - couldn't be happier though. Hugs
Our Mommy was very excited to meet you. So glad you decided to go!
ReplyDeleteShe's resting her cankles tonight. MOL!
XOXO
Mom is still resting her cankles too! Mom thought your Mom was so nice and was very touched when she offered her sofa! If she can help with the book project just let her know.
Deletegreat to FINALLY meet you (albeit briefly).............!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to meet you! Sorry they had you running so much!
DeleteMeg, I am so glad that you went and I have to tell you, I would have been just the same way. Just a shy person, running like crazy, but the blogger people really are a special breed. Glad you got to meet everyone and ended up having a good time. I think it is very exciting that you are on the edge of an exciting new beginning. And big hugs for that Angel Fin. We miss her too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I went too! It would have been so nice to meet you!
DeleteBoy can I relate to being shy! My nieces tell me that it has a name now, social anxiety, but I dont care what you call it, I panic at new situations and people! lol I'm glad you concured your fears and went! Sounds like a great time for all!
ReplyDeleteWe can hide under the bed together!
DeleteI can so relate, that is pretty much how I felt going into it, but it was so nice to be with other cat people.. and not only cat people, but cat people who blog.. I felt right at home
ReplyDeleteYes exactly - cat bloggers are the best!
DeleteMe too Meg. My career has forced me to have a forceful personality but it took some coaching from friends and some doing. Now I am comfortable dealing with most everything BUT I used to be shy and retiring. Being around cat people would be such a pleasure! I feel as though I personally know each one that I blog with and when bad OR good happens, it affects me very deeply. I can't tell you the streams of tears when a baby passes over no matter whose it is. Your cats are my cats too and I hope everyone feels the same about my precious Katie Isabella. xox
ReplyDeleteI can tell you I feel very connected to all my cat friends and sometimes that gets hard when they are ill or pass but I wouldn't want it any other way.
DeleteMum couldn't attend BlogPaws, but she can feel that cat bloggers friendship online too. We're glad you enjoyed it in real life ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteFar or near cat bloggers are good people!
DeleteI hope to meet you next year! I went to my first conference last year and it was such a joy to talk about our animals and none of the new friends just look at you like you are weird and change the conversation. It is a beautiful world to be in.
ReplyDeleteI know - it was totally fine to be pet obsessed and have others get it.
DeleteOur mom was SOOO happy she got to meet you and spend time with you!!! She says it's better than a family reunion, being there with 20 or so of her bestest, best friends - and she counts your mom, Meg, as one of them!!
ReplyDeleteOur Mom thought your Mom was a delight! And so very nice!! And talented!! And etc....!!!
DeleteSame here! Your mom's awesome!
DeleteMum and I are so excited to read of everybody's Blogpaws experiences. We are very glad you got to go and enjoyed yourself so much. Mum says she's a tiny bit envious too! Don't be fazed by the next phase :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend!!
DeleteOur mommy was so happy to meet you, and she didn't know or notice that you are shy. The group at BlogPaws felt like family to her. That's probably what was coming through for you as well. Bet Quill and Greyson are so pleased to have you home. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to meet you too!
DeleteMeg, it was great meeting you! I haven't had time to post yet (BAD ME, I came back with all sorts of resolve, and then didn't do it), but I will. Ever since I returned I've been telling everyone about having found my "tribe" at BlogPaws.
ReplyDeleteI still feel in a haze. I still think you should have won something! We love your posts!
DeleteThe head peep was so delighted to meet your human at BlogPaws! There were so many wonderful bloggers there... old friends she hadn't met yet and new friends like you that she discovered, too.
ReplyDelete