Blogging leaves my heart open. It leaves my soft belly exposed, my wounds on display.
I have developed relationships, close loving friendships, with the women in my blogging circles. It is not an exaggeration to say that we love one another.
My blog friends are comfortable and familiar and beautiful and thoughtful and dear.
Though we meet in person infrequently, they are no less my friends than the people in my town.
For me, relationships are what blogging conferences are all about, old friends and new friends and friends I haven't yet met.
Sure there is learning, and there are sponsors and swag. (I won a microwave last week at Blogalicious.) My kids and husband like the things I bring home.
But the thing that pulls me away from my kids, the thing that makes me travel and primp and put on my nicest (and least comfortable) bra are the kindred spirits I meet while I'm there.
Relevant is no different. Relevant is about my relationship with God as well as my relationship with my blog friends.
My heart smiles to see Cheryl, Rachel, Maureen, Tammie, Kristi, and so many others.
That's what it's all about.
This is Cheryl and I at last year's Relevant conference.
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
What a beautiful post!
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
Thanks, Jessica. 🙂
I was thinking about including lists from all the conferences I've been to this year, but then decided that would be overkill. I felt bad leaving you off the Relevant list. <3
Tammie says
Someone once said that their blog friends are "friends they haven't met yet." So, so happy that the phrase no longer describes you! Hopefully, we'll be able to meet up now and then since we're so close.
Lindsey van Niekerk says
Oh yes! The best part is these beautiful women that YES! you love even though the tangible "skin-on" connections are few and far between. Kindred spirits indeed! You are SO right! And congrats on the microwave!
Jamie @ See Jamie Blog says
So hard to explain to someone who isn't involved in the blog world, isn't it? Of course blogland isn't a replacement for IRL friends, but many of my blog friends have become true friends I care about, and I know they care about me. It's a pretty nifty thing.
Rachel says
Thanks for sharing some lovely dinner conversation with me 🙂 I am so happy to have had the chance to hang out. You are a sweetheart!
Muthering Heights says
This is so sweet...connecting is such a FUN aspect of conferences. It was nice to see you again this year!