I guess I’m just going to have to resort to that old standby: the list.
First, the real fun part – a list of the awesome ladies I got to meet and hang out with!
Sisters Emily from Chatting at the Sky and The Nester(I love these girls and wanted to bring them home. They declined. But they did give a great presentation about the purpose of your blog. Love them!)
Jen from Balancing Beauty & Bedlam, Dawn from My Home Sweet Home and Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife
Hillary from The Other Mama, also known as my bloggy soul mate. Or, at least the most sarcastic and hilarious person I met all weekend. In sum, she’s just precious. 
Melanie from Big Mama and Sophie from Boo Mama (No, we’re still not BFFs. And yes, I acted like a complete fangirl. At least I can report that I didn’t cry this time.)I hope I’m not forgetting anyone. If I got to meet you and didn’t link to you, please yell at me! (But you know, nicely. I don’t like mean yelling.)
Now, for the tougher part: what I learned at She Speaks.
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I am not a beginner blogger. I loved hearing my online friends present information and I certainly walked away with a few new tips, but I wish I could have learned more about blogging. I think I might have actually been better off taking the writing classes instead. Maybe next year!
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When it comes to blogging and ministry, it’s not about me. It’s not about the numbers. And it’s not a competition. (Rinse and repeat.)
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Crying just may be my love language. Or I get weepy when I’m overly tired. Possibly a combination of both.
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I am not a good traveler. I won’t bore you with the details, but it started with getting up before the sun; continued with a missed flight, missed shuttle and traffic jam; and ended with a three-hour layover in Detroit, a head-poundingly loud late-night flight and news of a bomb scare. Does it count as a red-eye flight if my eyes are red?
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Proverbs 31 is an amazing group of Christ-centered, smart, talented women who are organized, compassionate and just all-around awesome. Exhibit A: The organization’s executive director and her assistant let me join them for dinner when I (finally) got to the hotel on Friday night, welcoming me into their small group and immediately making the weariness of my day begin to fade.
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God will not place a dream in your heart with no plan to make it come true, no matter how improbable or complicated or even insane that dream may be.
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And lastly, four days is way, way too long to go without seeing this sweet face and giving it a kiss.
Two more things that didn’t fit in the list, and then I promise to let you move on. To my next post. (Right?)
First – Lysa Terkeurst said that I should write a book. Well, more accurately, she said that my blog title would make a great book title. But I’m pretty sure that means she can’t wait to read my life story.
Second – No, I’m not finished with the cutesy “she” titles yet. And yes, I will try to contain them to this week. But no, I cannot make any promises.
The end. (Except . . . have you taken my survey yet?)
It makes me so happy to be your bloggy soul mate! Can I just put a link to your post in lieu of mine? I'm really feeling the pressure now that it's coming up on Wednesday, you know? And I've had some other things going on. Like life. Always gets in the way of blogging.
If I had Rod Stewart's raspy voice and mullet, I might croon, "Have I told you lately that I love you", but alas, I apparently have Mary Tyler Moore's flip from that picture, so no song for you.
And who could forget that little gal? She's adorable!! Did we even talk b'day parties for our little ones?
Talk soon-
Only caught "precious" in the second read. 'Cause I do that for my dear, sweet, precious friends.
I'm glad it went well and you were so blessed by going! :)
Girl, I enjoyed meeting you so much! You are quite the funny girl and I'm glad you came even if you could have probably taught the blogging sessions!
Yep, Hillary, precious.
Thanks, Chelley!
Nester, you're too sweet. :)
I agree with Lysa, your blog title would make a great book title. Start making notes and outlines.
I'm not a cryer, but it seems that it is all I can do since I got home. Loved your She Speaks recap.
Mary, if crying's your love language and I rarely see you cry, what's that say about our friendship?? :P
I so enjoyed getting to know this weekend! You have a way about you that makes me feel… all comfy.
Now off to take your survey :)
-H
Mary
I am so jealous you got to meet the nester, I read her blog everyday wow looks like a great trip. Jen
Ahhh, Antique Mommy! A book sounds wonderful and scary all at the same time!
Chelley, it only means that we don't hang out nearly enough. You know that.
Heather, you are so sweet. I think that's one of the best compliments (making you feel comfy) I've had all year!
Mary,
I'm feeling like a bad bloggy friend because I'm so behind on what you've been up to. May be I need to work on giving up the guilt — because I really DO care about people — and the eople that know I care about them will know I'll be back, even if life gets busy! :)
So, I'm totally impressed with all your elbow rubbing. Looks like you came across some awesome gals — and by the way, you look beautiful in the pictures. Girl, you sure are photogenic! I'm jealous.
Hope your re-entry to Mommyhood was smoothe!
Hugs!
I'm so glad you had a good time! I've told you before about your blog and I'll say it again….You had me at your title! It *would* make the perfect title for a book.
Can't wait to hear more about your trip and the new friends you met.
By the way, I'm thru having babies, but that sweet picture of your sweet little girl really tugged at my womb!
Just had to add—if you have a stat counter and you've noticed someone from my little corner of the world visiting like a gazillion times, it's because I just clicked on and visited the blogs of all the friends you introduced!
Add me to your list of title-lovers. I've always thought your blog title is just about my favorite one.
I am SOOO glad we finally got to meet this weekend, but sorry we didn't have more time to be together. Next time . . .
But now we're cyber-pals and that's good enough for me. I'll be back! :)
Mary B – she IS cute, isn't she? ;)
Shelly – can't wait for next time, but cyber friends is so great for now!!
Kim – don't you worry! I'm perpetually behind, so I don't ever think anything about it. Well, I miss you when you're not here. But I understand. !!!
ABSOLUTELY, Write that book, girl!!!! What an incredible recap! Sounds like many of us shed tears when we're tired! That's a beautiful thing God wired in us, the ability to cry. And laugh. And gab. And blog. Keep em comin, girl!
I'm glad you had such a fun time and met so many lovely bloggers. I'm also very excited that you are part of the (in)courage group! A perfect gig for you since I have learned already what a wonderful encourager you are. Hope you truly enjoy it!