a quick post on blogher before mercifully moving on

I'm currently at Portland airport, awaiting my connecting flight to Vancouver, on my way from BlogHer to reunite with Marcus and Alex. In a few words, the conference was great. One of the highlights for me was the discussion in which I was panelist (along with the amazing Maria Niles, Dawn Rouse, Marisa Treviño and Carmen Van Kerckhove), on "Identity and Obligation" -- mostly because of the wonderful participation of the audience members. There were people from all over the world! A self-described "mommy ho-bag"! A sex worker, for crying out loud! It was a great conversation from a highly intelligent, highly diverse group of women, each describing how they create their identities on the internet, and what those identities mean to them and to the world at large. The discussion was podcasted, and as soon as it's posted on the BlogHer site, I'll be sure to update this entry with a link -- it's definitely worth a listen.

Finally, before I pack up my laptop to catch my flight, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of the great men and women who made a point of introducing yourselves to me -- it was such a pleasure to connect with you, and most especially, cement some friendships which had their genesis online. I hope our paths cross again very soon.

Tomorrow, we're off to Houston. See you Stateside.

__________

Comments

[Mary Tsao]

It was great to meet you, Karen. Hope next time we can chat longer. Safe travels!

[Angel]

Wow. What an amazing life - so envious that you travel so much. I only wish that I had the time, resources and motivation :D

Just another lurker.

[Carmen Van Kerckhove]

Hey Karen,

It was so great to meet you in person! I loved the insights you shared during our panel, and I have to say (although of course I'm biased) that our session was the most enjoyable one out of the sessions I attended. I was so happy that the discussion was so wide-ranging and that it really was a conversation among everyone in the room - not just The Panelists talking down to The Audience. Anyway, safe travels and please keep in touch! :)

[George Kelly]

I had a great time and I wish I'd had the chance to properly introduce myself.

[Maria Niles]

Karen,

Thank you so much for helping make our session such a fantastic discussion. It was so wonderful to meet you in person and to hear your words and your voice.

Best,
Maria

[bek]

Hey there,

I just saw that you met Fizzle Mami!! I am so jealous. You two are my favorite bloggers. I was all set to come and meet people (I live in the area...) but we ended up ADOPTING A BABY instead. We got the call on Friday......and off we went. Both of her parents are from the Bahamas (so of course I was thinking of your family...). Sigh. If I had to miss it for anything, it would have only been for that.

As always, I love to read your posts and see your photos. I love your insight on adoption and how you are raising your family. Glad you had fun and I will just have to catch you next time!!
Rebecca

[littlepurplecow]

You are even more beautiful in person. Glad we connected at BlogHer and so enjoyed hearing your voice. Thank you for sharing your life.

[chris]

It was wonderful to meet you.

[Mocha]

Your presence there made it more wonderful than I could have imagined. I was on my best behaviour not to maul you, either. But when you spoke so eloquently and honestly it was hard not to do so.

Pleasure meeting you and talking so intimately with you. The connection, for me, was a highlight of my trip.

[fizzle]

...been meaning to comment here. isn't it hard to believe the weekend came and went? buy a few necklaces, talk shoes, host excellent panel, avoid an early morning run....

many people have gushed that i met you ('what's she like'? 'is she amazing?') and the answer is gorgeous, intelligent, funny, real and, yes, amazing...

i have a sense we'll be keeping in touch. safe travels.

[Lady M]

I'm so glad that Mir introduced us. It was great to meet you after admiring your writing for so long. Have a safe return home.

[LOD]

Such a lucky surprise to have the chance toeet and drink and nurse a hangover with you. I will think of you every time we make that "slap yo momma" cake.