Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
I used many words to describe BlogHer last year: Overwhelming, intense, exhausting. I was glad I went, but didn’t really love it. At all. This year was entirely different. The words that come to mind are fantastic, inspiring, fun, wonderful. To name a few.
I loved meeting up with some of my favorite people from last year…
and meeting so many for the first time.
I loved escaping conference food for pizza instead,
and finding my Maryland girls.
I loved seeing people I’d met up with over the last year,
and reconnecting with an old friend.
I loved bonding with my co-speakers backstage at the keynote,
and realizing that I can, indeed, speak in front of 2400 people.
I loved it all.
And I cannot wait until next year.
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I should read more post BlogHer posts. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll make me feel like coming back. I’m glad to hear your first experience was less than stellar, but that this year was an entirely differently experience. Do you think that’s because you came with different expectations? The thing is, I should have listened more to the pre-BlogHer posts and re-thought my approach and reason for attending. I was sadly disappointed on so many levels.
Your photos are goregous, and I’m delighted to see a few special friends among them!
Christine LaRocque recently posted..Losing out
Oh, no!! I hope you’ll try it again. Last year, my expectations were high- I naively thought tons of people would know who I was and everyone would be just as awesome as wanted them to be. They didn’t and they weren’t. I had a tough time writing a wrap up post last year because I just didn’t have much positive to say. I think it’s really hard to know what to expect the first year- it’s pretty nutty!
Yay! Was lovely lovely LOVELY to see you as well. And to meet so many of the wonderful women in these photos… (one of them is my roomie!)
Christine, you definitely need to reconsider next year. I need my Canadians with me… after this trip, I’ve seen you girls are indispensable! :)
Danielle recently posted..Foster kids
Have to write mine…and it’s going to be long… I’ll link it up when I finally get around to it. LOVED meeting you in person finally. And I stole the picture of us from Flickr since I took NO pictures the entire weekend.
Kate Coveny Hood recently posted..See You Next Week!
I took none last year. I still wish I’d taken more this year!
This is one of my favorite recaps thus far- it’s so encouraging you had such a wonderful time!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing recently posted..But who will point out the good parking spaces
Hey – that’s me!!!
I’m glad you had such a great time, and meeting you was was of the highlights this year!
This experience, for me, was all about the people. The truly great people and friends that I finally got to hug and sit with for coffee or dinner. Finally, all in one place!!
LZ recently posted..I came- I saw- I went home BlogHer 2010
Yes, that’s what it’s about- I obsessed about sessions and parties and swag last year and this year it was about the people and made all the difference.
it was so good to meet you in person!
Blair@HeirtoBlair recently posted..Renewed
I’m reading a pattern in the blogHer 10 posts. First timers are overwhelmed and exhausted and don’t love it. Veterans love it. Lesson to me: go twice at a minimum!
gigi recently posted..Join Me Thursday for a Twitter Chat
Yayyyy I wish I knew you were there cause I read your blog all the times! I too felt overwhelmed and excited and exhausted (I still barely have my voice back!), but so worth it!
So great to meet you – wish we had more time to actually talk. Next time! :)
I didn’t make it to NY this year and it breaks my heart! 1/2 of the people in your pics are people whom I consider friends and long to spend more time with.
Thanks for bringing a smile to my face with all these lovely faces.
WeaselMomma recently posted..Christmas In August Cleveland Rocks pt IV
It was nice meeting you and I think that you seemed perfectly at ease at the keynote. Nice job!
Avitable recently posted..Life lessons learned from BlogHer10
Love the picks! You are adorable! Recognized some of my favorites as well. I have got to make it happen that I attend next year in San Diego.
I’ve just got to.
Rene
Rene Foran recently posted..Stuff it
I love your photos! That first one with the martini glass is perfect and beautiful! You were perfect on stage!
I’m glad I went. But it was completely overwhelming. And I spent a lot of time feeling too shy to make the most of it (for instance I saw you, but you looked super stressed, so I walked on by). I’m not sure if I’ll do it again next year. We’ll see.
amber recently posted..Ten Things I Learned at BlogHer
Oh, no! You were one of the people I didn’t see, but wanted to- that sucks. Maybe I was about to speak? Next time, come up to me!
I unfortunately did not spy an opportunity to meet you, but I very much enjoyed your Keynote!
Maria recently posted..BlogHer ’10- There and Back
I heard you were the most approachable and kind person there. If I ever go, I’m finding you!!
Jill, you are so darn photogenic. I’d hate you if I didn’t love you so much! ;)
It was incredibly fabulous to see everyone! You’re so right—it really is about the people and coming together. I had such an amazing time (although I look like I’m barely smiling in my photo – what’s up with that?!).
I will say blogher can be overwhelming *but* for those planning on heading to San Diego next year (for the first time), make sure you take time away from it all to have dinner with friends, decompress and find your peeps. At least, it worked for me.
Jen recently posted..The Sports Issue Has Arrived
It looks like you had a blast. I soooo wish I could of gone. Maybe after my kids move out of the house.
The photos were awesome.
It was so great to finally meet you! Wish we had more time to talk…but I read MANY pre-BlogHer posts and I am so glad I did because I went into this thing without ANY expectations.
My mom always said, “Expect nothing and you shall never be disappointed.” I stuck with that thought the entire time and I think it really helped. I went into this knowing it was going to be insane and just focused on trying to meet the peeps I already planned to meet beforehand. And in doing so, THAT was the highlight of this trip for me – the people and the face-to-face connections.
Cannot wait to see you in Philly – and I look forward to that conference, a much smaller setting and hopefully we can talk more. :)
Theta Mom recently posted..Meeting Bloggers in Real Life
Looks like a fun trip! So glad your public speaking went well. I don’t mind speaking in front of groups but 2400 would push me outside my comfort zone.
Michelle recently posted..A Grandparent is a Little Bit Parent- a Little Bit Teacher- and a Little Bit Best Friend
what great pictures, I was only in for an hour on Friday to have lunch with Mel and some girls, but I had a great time…just being able to meet some ladies I read every day.
I know that being there, must have been amazing. :)
Kir recently posted..Perfect Moment Monday- The Ladies and NYC
I loved hearing your design process. Your logo is one of my favorites! It was great to meet you and snag a hug. You’re adorable.
Maria recently posted..A Very Scattered- Incomplete Recap of the Big Trip
I felt the exact same way! Maybe you have to go twice t really get it! Next year I really want to go to Mom 2.0, I hope that is not scary the first time.
I loved hanging out with you, you are always such a joy.
jodifur recently posted..BlogHer 10- It Is All Love
Glad to read you had such a great experience this year. I would be disappointed if you didn’t.
I tried to focus on the positive, fully realizing that as newbie my first BlogHer would be overwhelming and that not every writer was going to translate well in person.
I have to admit it did sting a bit when I felt someone was blowing me off or treating me like a “fan” bc I’m not a bigger name blogger (and believe me, there were plenty of those). But it was another fantastic learning experience and those posers know that I know that they know that I know :) And, there’s always next year.
Are you going to BBPhilly?
Glamamom recently posted..I ATTENDED BLOGHER 2010 & LIVED TO POST ABOUT IT
there is a trend…the first time kinda sucks like something else we have all experienced. ahem. but it gets better! great pictures and thank you for linky as now I can be lazy and click on each one right here.
kerry recently posted..God Loves Us All
aww i seriously love that picture of us! except that i look like a frickin giant. ah, well, that’s the price i pay for actually being a giant.
i really wish we’d been able to talk more, but i didn’t want to keep you away from your adoring fans for too long–i felt like i was being selfish. at least we got to share a cab ride and a walk around the block with julie.
this was my first year, and i actually had a lot of fun, but i think it was because i was totally happy just hanging out, and i didn’t expect the sessions to be anything (and most of them weren’t). i loved your design speech, though. i need to hire someone like you to make a custom logo for me–maybe a giant or something.
alexis recently posted..nude snuggie vlogging ahoy
That’s SO many people – congrats! I only wish I could hear what you said!
Megan (Best of Fates) recently posted..I Do’s and Dont’s- A Guide to Marriage
Great pics, Jill! Glad to know it was a much better experience for you this year. In fact, it sounds like everyone who went had such a great time. Bummed I didn’t go since I would have loved to have met you and hear you speak! Next year in San Diego?!? =)
-Aimee
Aimee @ Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog recently posted..Book Review & Giveaway- It’s Not PMS- It’s You!
I am so glad you loved it. I love your jean jacket and that awesome pale pink shirt. So cute!
life with kaishon recently posted..Kid’s Night at Parma John’s in Souderton- Pa Make-a the Pizza Pie-a
Ohhh looking at that first picture gives me chills…
It is my favorite picture that I took all week…talk about a great accident. I miss you already….soo many good times…all the new phrases….I’ve already used the word “starfucker” since I’ve been gone….
Counting down till the next time I see you again…
I won’t be doing my recap until next week as I’m in the midst of a week of giveaways and I don’t want the fabulousness to get lost!
Julie {Angry Julie Monday} recently posted..Crocs- Back-to-School Giveaway
so disappointed that I didn’t get to meet you! it’s hard with so many amazing bloggers and so little time. but I did enjoy my very first BlogHer. Honestly I found none of the drama/trauma that has been widely reported from BlogHers past. I do hope that I will be there next year in San Diego.
now back to the reality of this circus life and getting my clowns back to school and off to college. THAT is drama/trauma! YIKES!
Laura Scarborough recently posted..remind me who you are again – a very brief BlogHer10 overview
Reading everyone’s posts about Blogher10 has made me very excited to attend Blogher11. I’m glad you and others are talking about your expectations and disappointments. My biggest fear is going and then having nobody to talk to. I figure I have a year to get prepared and cement some friendships so I don’t feel so alone. You are definitely on the top of my list of people I want to meet.
Carolyn (temysmom) recently posted..My Bucket List
I sat at a table by myself Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and my laptop and thought about saying ‘Hello’ to you. You were seated at the next table with a group of friends. In the end, I was too much of a wuss. Here’s to next year and a jolt of confidence. By the way, congratulations on the community keynote! Well done.
Dana recently posted..BlogHer 10- Thats a wrap
Awwwww, that was a totally unplanned meeting of people just happening to be in the lobby at once– I wish you had come up. Next year, for sure!
So glad you had a great time this year! Still so bummed I missed out on it all. I will definitely be in San Diego! Hope to see you there.
AmazingGreis recently posted..New York State of Mind…
During your keynote, I turned to Jessica (@MommasGoneCity) and I was like, “OMG! I never noticed the lions before!” So cool that I know see that in your logo! Was fabulous seeing you again. xoxo Next time we’ll spend even more time together.
That looks like THE best pizza party!
You’re making me REALLY wish I’d been there… so fun! I’m glad it was so fantastic for you and that you had such a great time. Thanks for sharing all the pics!! xo
Elaine recently posted..You Capture – Summer
What more can I say, LOVED hanging out with you. The Fourfecta really and truly was the best part for me. I wish we could all hang out more often.
Cara recently posted..Blogher Returns
Thank GAWD we have a normal looking picture this year. Miss you already. XO
OHmommy recently posted..Good God- I couldnt make these things up
My favorite thing about BlogHer, both years I’ve attended, is when I meet someone and they are just as fabulous, genuine, warm and lovely as I expect them to be. That’s you. Thanks for walking back from lunch with me, it was a highlight.
DITTO. xo
Loved hanging with you, you are so sweet as always!
The Connections made at Blogher are always the best part :)
Hope we will get to meet up again sometime before San Diego…. I cannot wait for SAN DIEGO. I love it there.
Corine recently posted..Blogher 2010 Party Recap- Sessions What Sessions
I heard you are super nice in real life. And, they don’t say that about everyone. Glad you had a great time!
You were a phenom on the stage, Sweet Jill! Sorry we didn’t run into each other more…but looks like you had as much fun as I did!
Cheryl recently posted..BlogHer-larious!
Thanks so much for posting this. I followed the BlogHer tweets like crazy and loved them-I can’t wait to read everyone’s entries on their experiences. I’m really thinking about going next year, newbie or not. Maybe I’ll see you there. (:
Sarah recently posted..Intense Debate!
Loved meeting you on the final night, albeit briefly. Hope we can hang out again soon, and for sure next summer when it’s here in SD! Woot Woot! Love all the pix btw!
I am really, really hoping to go next year! Loved your pictures…you look so happy!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..My New Toy
OMGOSH! It looks like it was such a great time! (do you think it was made so much better for you since you’ve been doing BloggyBootCamps and meeting so many people that way as well?)
I watched all of the tweets (well, not all cos that would be CRAZY) and it sounded wonderful.
So glad you had a great time!
ps What did you end up making as your sandwich?
debi9kids recently posted..Sweet Lord Russ is Being Laid Off
Yes, I think every event you go to is better because you know people– for sure! And, I posted on the sandwich today. :)
I am glad you had a great time at BlogHer! I am sorry I missed the opportunity to meet you in person. I met up with a group of women whom I have come to know and love online and that alone was well worth everything. I did meet a few bloggers who showed me random acts of kindness by taking the first step to dance with me when I was dancing alone (mostly b/c I was drunk… really). I can’t remember who they are, and I really want to thank them. One of them told me as she came to dance by my side, “Well, they say you have to take risk and reach out to a stranger”. I was so moved and impressed. As she led me back to her group of friends, I made the stupid decision of going to retrieve my card so she could have my name (since I was so drunk I knew I’d be slurring. And really, I cannot say my twitter handle without laughing and my URL is a mouthful too…). I came back and stuffed my biz card in her bra. I know I know. By then I’ve had maybe 9 vodka already? I saw the expression on her face, she looked startled. So I thought, “Shit! I am such an idiot! Now I am behaving like an aging dirty hooker!” so I ran away.
Anyway, if any of you reached out to a stranger when she was alone, you should be really proud of yourself because you made someone’s memory at BlogHer that much brighter.
It’s Wednesday 2 am. I am no longer drunk. I think.
I literally haven’t even made it through all of my BlogHer pictures yet. I did a quick recap, but there is so much more to come. How to fit four crazily FULL and exciting days into one blog post?
Lolli recently posted..Top 10 Surprises of BlogHer 2010
Oh look! Here is your photo on YOUR blog! Ha! Can you tell I’m making the rounds catching up on my blog reading? It was so great to see you in nyc … I wish I’d been seated a little further down the table so we could have talked more!
xo
It was nice to meet you, Jill. You are lovely in person and not at all scary. You probably don’t remember me (I’m Jen Cooper’s friend) but you were nice to me and I appreciate it! I was a first-timer and I had a fabulous time!
Cheryl recently posted..BlogHer- you confuse me
Oh! And I was waiting for the elevator (shocking, I know!) on my floor and Padma got off and swished by me. Gorgeous but kinda intimidating looking, no?
Cheryl recently posted..BlogHer- you confuse me
Sounds like such a great time! Love that it was more than just networking and learning, but actually FUN! Are you going to share how the reality show interview thing went? Or is it top secret?? I haven’t heard much about it in the twitterverse/blogosphere.
Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole recently posted..A rose is a rose is a rose
if this were middle school, i’d totally be slipping you and alexis notes that would say “you guys are so pretty and cool. could i be your friend?”.
alisha recently posted..What I learned on my summer vacation…
Thanks so much for “preparing” the newbies – your posts helped big time. I didn’t get to meet you – but that was on me! Next time/ for sure. Thanks for keeping it real.
guarros recently posted..Enlightened – BlogHer 2010
Very fun! Wish I could have made it, maybe next year!
Thank god you all are back. The blogosphere was eerily quiet. Looked like you had such a blast. It’s on my wish list to go there someday.
The Flying Chalupa recently posted..Pass the Corkscrew
What a great post on a great conference!! It was so nice to meet you and I heard amazing things about your speach, wish I could have captured it. I am so glad that so many people seem to have taken away the great connections that they made, and amazing new friendships. (to me this is what the conference was about!)
i feel fortunate that my first year was everything i expected and more. maybe my expectations were low, or perhaps your newbie post really sunk in :). either way, it was amazing to meet so many awesome people. you are so dang sweet and i’m so very glad we met. hugs!
mandy @ harper’s happenings recently posted..home