I so enjoyed my time in Chicago for BlogHer. While I did not attend as many sessions as I did the previous year, this year was all about connecting with old friends and making many new ones. My voice is just now returning to normal from all of the screaming and yelling and laughing I did this weekend. This will be the first of many posts about my time there and sharing images of the kindred spirits and women who truly touched me with their words and generous spirits. I know there are a number of posts out there already about the issues with swag and babies not being allowed at the parties at the bars and so on, but you won’t find that on my blog. There is no need to add to what is already out there and honestly, it goes against what I stand for and the spirit of the Art Slam.
I have to tell you, I was so humbled and surprised by how many people I met who come to the Art Slam frequently to be inspired. I had no idea, but this weekend, I understood what my purpose is with this medium. You don’t always know how or when something you say will touch someone when they need it the most, but hearing people tell me that what I have started here matters to them and the reasons for it, made me understand that this is not all about me. The Arts are always the first thing to be cut from our schools when funding is low and artists are sorely under represented at conferences like BlogHer. That being the case, I know that my presence there brought some exposure to how critically important self-expression is to our souls. So, I have some ideas and many people to talk with about how I can grow and continue to inspire. That thought just thrills me!
