But I also remembered how to walk fast, hailed all my own cabs and had someone stop me on the street to ask directions. Directions I couldn’t give them, but still, I must not have looked like a total tourist.
It helps that I wore my trench coat. Which every other woman in Manhattan was wearing. Making me look even less like a tourist.
My camera stayed in my bag as did my laptop. I attended the BlogHer Writers conference, took notes by hand (GASP!) and loved every minute. I didn’t attend the main BlogHer conference this past summer (the first one I’ve not gone to since 2007) mostly because I was a little worried about feeling overwhelmed by 3000+ women. But also because I had a 4-month old at the time.
I told myself that I would seek out a niche conference…something smaller that would help me with my career focus. BlogHer Writers was exactly what I was looking for. It was amazing because there were maybe 200 people there, meaning that it was possible to go up and talk with anyone…which after remembering HOW to talk to other adults…I actually did.
I met the woman who was responsible for publishing 6 out of the 7 Harry Potter books. I met agents. I met editors. I met published authors. I met struggling writers and beginning bloggers.
That is, to borrow from Rachel Zoe, bananas.
There were old friends and many new ones. Not to mention, a heavy dose of creative inspiration…something I’ve been desperately seeking during my reinvention/postpartum rediscovery/who-the-fuck-am-I-now process.
One of the BlogHer co-founders approached me in the bathroom and asked if I was Tara from Lijit. I laughed and told her I was indeed. It’s funny how things stick sometimes.
I am a writer. I always have been. When I was working at tech startups and now that I’m working as a mom.
I thank everyone at BlogHer Writers for reminding me of that and for providing me with the tools chutzpah for taking the next step.
His expression sums it up best.
