A couple of weekends ago I went to Nashville, Tennessee for the Bloggers at Midlife Conference, a conference for a group of wonderful women bloggers. I was excited about the chance to meet many of the women whose blogs I’ve been reading over the past year and hoping to learn some new information about blogging that I wasn’t aware of before.
I came away inspired!
There were about 100 women there. While I didn’t personally meet all of them (but hope to next time) I did meet quite a few and heard many of their stories as they shared about their blogs and their passions during the weekend, over dinners, during lunches, at breaks and at the conference sessions.
What I realized over those 2 1/2 days was how interesting women of a certain age are. I don’t know if it’s germane to these women because they’ve all got back-stories that called them to start blogging, or if all women on this side of 40+ are this interesting, but as the meeting progressed I was so intrigued with the caliber and depth of these women. ‘
Each one had a fascinating life story. Some had lost a spouse, some (like myself) were breast cancer survivors, some had physical disabilities, some had earlier marital traumas, most had kids, some were divorced, many were working through how to live life now that their children were grown and leaving the nest; but all of them had an amazing strength of spirit and really interesting stories to share.
I would have loved to have had time for 100 more dinners so that I could hear all of their life stories, but during the 2 nights of dinners, I was lucky to spend time getting to know Dr. Margaret Rutherford (who told us about her life as a jazz singer, how cool is that!), Melissa Shultz (my sister from another mother, I can’t believe how much we have in common), Brenda Coffee from 1010 Park Place (a woman who’s lived a fascinating life), Judy Krell Freedman (another one I could spend hours talking to), Kim Jorgensen Kane (I can’t believe how calm you remained through that lunch fiasco), Jennifer Comet Wagner (who shares my obsession with popular culture and lives in NYC so is close by), Helene Cohen Bludman (I’ve loved her blog Books Is Wonderful for a while now), the wonderful Cathy Chester (I had so much fun talking non-stop on the flight to TN with you!), Anne Parris, Sharon Greenthal, Teresa Kindred, Rena McDaniel, Beth Rosen and Tracy Beckerman (I love that you brought your knitting for the flight home!).
I’ve been thinking about the stories I heard since I got back. Today after a crazy, busy work week, I’m finally able to articulate what has been percolating in my brain since the conference. What I’m realizing is that my blog isn’t just about how my life has changed since I had breast cancer. It’s about how we women change and grow as we face life; whether we face a health challenge like breast cancer, a life challenge like the death of a spouse, or a divorce, or losing a job, or the fact that our children are moving on and we’re left with an empty nest.
As these women shared their stories, I was struck by how resilient each was. The theme of reinvention was present during the entire weekend, and I think there’s something there that speaks to how women face challenges in life.
As Tina Fey said “Bitches get stuff done!” Women just get it done with very little complaining or whining. Not once last weekend did I hear a woman commiserating about her lot in life and the stories were pretty impressive, many of them quite difficult. But no whining.
This week I was again out of town, this time for a business trip, so I’m really late in getting this post out, but I did want to share it with you in the hopes that you’ll read the blogs of some of the women whose names I share above. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
How lovely to be included in your dinner invitees! And I couldn’t agree more with your post. Whiners were not welcome. And courage becomes harder to find the older you get. Thanks for the post and your friendship.
Dr. Margaret Rutherford recently posted…3 Kinds Of Fear And How To Unlock Their Grip
Thank you, for including ME, Margaret. That night was so much fun and I loved hearing about your life and your path. xo
Now that the weather seems to be warming up, I can’t wait to see you in NYC so we can discuss our pop culture obsessions.
Jennifer Wagner recently posted…Cyber-Seniors: Watch Teens Teach Seniors To Use Computers
Yes, let’s plan something, I’ll PM you on FB, Jennifer!
I blogged years ago, a different kind of blog I write now, but I did have the opportunity to go to a blogging conference in Toronto. It was amazing. And although I now write another blog, quite different than the last, I do write with the intent to return to another conference. Your experience sounds amazing, and yes, us women of a certain age certainly can add some spice to the event.
Sandra recently posted…Mentally Ill Blogger
BlogHer is coming to NYC this summer…..if you decide to go, let me know (might be too far for you) as I’m planning to come in for at least a dinner or two during the week of the conference, Sandra! Thank you for your kind words! xo
Claudia, I was truly touched by this:
“What I’m realizing is that my blog isn’t just about how my life has changed since I had breast cancer. It’s about how we women change and grow as we face life…”
I haven’t quite reached that “certain age” you mentioned, but I can attest to the changes and growth I’ve seen as I’ve faced life. Some of that growth has looked like roots and some of it has looked like wings, but both are making me ME. And I love that!
I hope you do, as well.
With heart,
Dani
Dani recently posted…The Science of Compassion #1000Speak
Oh how sweet of you to say that, Dani! I’m constantly so impressed with the caliber of women bloggers out there and how resilient and complex they are. Thank you for reading and for your generous note. xo
I’m envious that you were able to attend such a conference. Although I appreciate the content and energy displayed on younger blogger’ sites, I would love to be able to connect with more women “of a certain age.” If you hear of any such get-togethers on the West Coast I’d love to know. Sending warm sunshine from California!
Cyndi recently posted…Cuba – My Experience
Hi Cyndia, Will do!
One of the best things for me was being able to place the face with the name and the blog — in real life! And you were one of those bloggers I was very much looking forward to meeting. It was so much fun being together and I hope our paths cross again soon.
Same here, Helene! It was so nice to meet all of the women I’ve been following for so long, and they all are even better in real life than on the page which is so great! Yes, hope our paths cross again soon, too. xo
I loved getting to know you and having the opportunity to dine with such lovely, smart ladies. Thanks for the mention here, and you are so totally mi familia.
I loved how quickly we all let down the typical social barriers, and immediately jumped in with the authenticity of our lives at that 1st dinner. Thanks for including me, it made a world of difference!
<3 ~ "[…]we women change and grow as we face life; whether we face a health challenge like breast cancer, a life challenge like the death of a spouse, or a divorce, or losing a job, or the fact that our children are moving on and we’re left with an empty nest.
"As these women shared their stories, I was struck by how resilient each was. The theme of reinvention was present during the entire weekend, and I think there’s something there that speaks to how women face challenges in life."
Leisa A. Hammett recently posted…The Inability to Run From Life: A Midlife Blogger’s Perspective
Thanks for your support, Leisa! xo
So glad you enjoyed yourself so much at BAM and that you met so many women who empowered you. How could they not, just as you empowered them with your stories and with who you are. Wonderful recap of a brilliant weekend. More good times to come! Keep in touch.
Cathy Chester recently posted…My Truth About Being Sick And Tired
I knew I’d have a lot in common with them from reading their blogs, but what I didn’t know was how easy it would be to slip into such intense and authentic conversations about our lives, so quickly and easily. Thanks for sharing the ride with me, and for your friendship, Cathy. xo
Loved this and loved meeting so many awesome women at BAM! Thank you so much for coming! Teresa
Loved meeting you, Teresa! It was so special!!
So glad you left a comment on my blog … it brought me here. Great post!
I haven’t been at this for too long (5 months), but I have to say that the “bitches” don’t just get stuff done, they do it with a spirit and heart that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Since my blog is a bit of a hybrid (midlife, writing, reinvention), I’ve ‘met’ a variety of folks. There’s no comparison!
I can’t wait to meet everyone at the conference next year!
T.O. Weller recently posted…Friday Flick: It’s Not Too Late to Find Your Mold!
Looking forward to following your blog, T.O. – I’m all about reinvention. xo
It was a wonderful weekend. My friend Beverly told me she looked up your blog. She’s another warrior who has faced many, many trials and is stronger than ever. Great to connect with you Claudia.
jamie@southmainmuse recently posted…Those Damnable Coathangers. Or No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.
It was so great to meet you, too, Jamie. And so glad to hear your friend Beverly is doing well. xo