Overall, I am really glad I went to Brit Mums Live. I got to be sponsored by a LookAgain.co.uk – who were very supportive, by paying for my hotel, ticket and train fair. Because of them, I stayed in a very cool hotel (The Montcalm) that was so close to the event, I even nipped back and changed my shoes, when I thought that I couldn’t stand any longer. Though, there was a moment of panic when I thought I was going to have to shower and use the loo in front of Molly and Liz who I was sharing a room with! The bathroom and shower had a glass wall separating it, thank goodness, it also had an electronic curtain divider too!
I loved that I met up with old friends, and with people who I have followed on twitter for many years, and finally managed to put a persons face to a name. I loved sharing more quiet moments, with some of my closest blogging friends. I loved meeting new people, chatting about what they were all about, and why they had come to the event. The sponsors were always welcoming, when really they must have felt shattered, they were long and very busy days for them. I think Brit Mums Live is slick, its professional, and as I was last year, I was very impressed!
So what did I learn?
I learnt that there are some amazing writers out there in the blogasphere. Some great and innovative blogs, and very talented and gracious men and women.
I did pick up more that I imagined from the panels. I am part of quite a close and active network, and we talk and share about lots of the topics related to blogging, so it was great to hear fresh voices on these subjects, and I loved hearing these discussions and Q and A’s.
I learnt that nerves can really make me say the most ridiculous things!
I learnt to get over my fear of birds, to get up close and personal with the real Hegwig!
I learnt, that my voice, and my individuality on my blog needs to be stronger. I need to be more confident in my abilities, and The Ana Mum Diary needs to be what I want it to be.
I learnt that sometimes, no matter how welcoming, or smiley you think you are, there will be people who will be rude, and that’s OK, as long as you can say you didn’t knowingly do the same. Really that is exactly what life is like, we don’t have to get on with everyone, even if we share blogging as a passion. So yes this was a meeting of minds (but unfortunately in some instances) it actually showed how different we are too.
Thank you for reading
I love your blog, Amanda, that’s why I keep reading. If you make your voice stronger and more individual, I will still keep reading. But don’t feel that you have to do anything just because someone else tells you to.
When I went to BritMums Live last year, I felt that some people implied that everyone has to bare their soul to be a good blogger. Whereas that’s not what I’m about. That’s one reason I didn’t go this year, to be honest.
So do your own thing. Ignore those who tell you to do otherwise.
Hi. Completely agree with you, I’m not a lay it all bare kind of blogger, and I’m absolutely fine with that. I think what I meant by that, is in terms of my writing, I need to find time to write what I want to write about, rather than with a company in mind. I love being creative and photography and I really want to express myself that way more. My voice is getting lost at the moment with my other blog commitments. Hope that makes more sense. Thank you for your very kind comment, I really appreciate you coming and reading my blog….you are very lovely!
I can’t imagine how anyone wouldn’t get along with you but yes we are all different (though there is no need for people to be rude). Great photos Amanda, esp love the one of you and the real Hegwig! x
Thank you Louise…that really means a lot. I think I’m pretty easy to get on with too (not sure Tall Dad would agree) I hate that it effected me when I was there, but its been good to look back on now, and I’m completely cool with it. Who knows maybe it has helped me as well. A x
Fab post, glad you conquered your fear of birds.
Let the confidence flow x
Thanks Jane, that made it well worth it. Thank you for commenting x
That’s a very philosophical look at things! I really enjoyed it and it was lovely seeing you again, I think you have an amazing blog, you have really found your voice and niche I think and you should only change if you really want to, not because you think you should.
Its taken me a while of thinking about it to get to the philosophical point Nikki. Thank you Nikki, it was lovely to see you again.
Well, I love you 🙂 Nerves also made me say ridiculous things and I’m still cringing now, thinking back!!!!
Oh, I’m so pleased it isn’t only me!
Oh, A – I was awful. Definitely a case (or several) of the gums flapping before the brain cell kicked in! 🙂
I’m not a blogger so I don’t know the ins and outs but one thing I can tell you is that I really enjoy your blogs. For me you have a lovely balance, it’s very professional looking and each article is very well written and interesting. Remember why you started blogging in the first place, for your own personal pleasure and don’t let any mood hoovers try and take that away from you. As long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing who cares what anyone else thinks 🙂
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, I need to remember why I started blogging in the first place. Thanks Dom x
Wow – I didn’t think there was a rude person in the room! So much love! You were unlucky if you found them! Fab write up x
Thanks Katy. There was a lot of love too, I completely agree, and so much compassion as well. I really loved meeting you again, and you did a fantastic job on Saturday evening!
Arr lovely post and pictures, wow I would love to go one year, I bet it was amazing and surreal meeting everyone you see from day to day but have never meet in person, I would be in shock ha :)love the pictures of you and Penny…
WOW who wouldn’t get on with you , you are lovely.
I get on with who wouldn’t.
Super pictures.
I know it was a bit rude of me to drag you off from whoever you were talking to (sorry) to do that photo, but I am so glad I did. I think you are awesome, number 25 in the Tots, bursting with beautiful ideas, yet never one to make a song and a dance or a scene online. I’m going to have to gatecrash the Mont calm next year 😉