Posts Tagged: Blissdom 2011
Who Can Tell Your Story?
Who can read the pain in your face (or joy, or fear, or doubt)?
Who can make you laugh with one word (or with a look)?
Who will tell you the truth when you ask for it (or even when you don’t, but need to hear it)?
Who will smoke a cigarette with you even if she hasn’t in YEARS (or tell you that you shouldn’t do it, even if, socially)?
Who’s okay with not talking to you on the phone because you’d rather Skype (or text)?
Who’s gonna hold your hair back while your puking (or know to leave you alone because you hit a wall)?
Who knows your deepest secrets (and whose do you equally know)?
Who knows your story (and knows exactly how to tell it for you)?
GIRLFRIENDS.
I have few friends who can read pain, joy, fear, or doubt in my face. I have few friends who can make me laugh with one word or a look. I have few friends who will tell me the truth when I ask for it, and even when I don’t. I have a few friends who will smoke that social smoke with me, and a few who will spank me if I do. I have a few friends who are totally ok with Skyping till our fingers hurt as opposed to talking our ears off. I have a few friends that would hold my hair back or leave me alone without even asking why. I have a few friends who know my deepest, darkest secrets, and I know theirs just the same. I have few friends who know my story and who can tell it in a way that would make me proud.
Lotus? She’s one of my girlfriends!
[Photos Courtesy of Lotus Carroll]
My Bliss
My Bliss: Part X
In 2009 I wrote this after Blissdom:
“Various bloggers from various blogging circles (or not) came together, but from what I observed everyone was made to feel welcomed and united. It was a great thing to witness. Every one of us unique in our own rite, just like the bricks of a building.
Together they are strong and sturdy.
Together they are beautiful and they contribute to a greater good.
Together they make up so much more than one little brick standing alone.”
Together we are strong and sturdy.
Together we defend each other.
Together we are beautiful and we contribute to a greater good.
Together we accept our differences.
Together we make up so much more than one little brick standing alone.
Together we make an impact on the world.
This is bliss—my bliss.
Bliss is…
Lunch with a table full of friends.
Seeing an old friend’s baby for the first time (not to mention hugging his beautiful Mama and Aunt).
Laughter. Unadulterated silliness. Rinse, lather, repeat.
Taking pictures of beautiful women.
Listening to a smart, funny, good looking guy talk about stuff that you just “get”.
BEING PART OF A FLASH MOB!!!!
Blissdom Flash Mob, FTW! [Photos Courtesy of Dawn Camp]
***Look carefully, I’m diagonally behind Chris Mann in the black and white, and in the color picture both my hands are back as we are doing the “slow-mo Matrix” part of the dance! Thank you to Jana (and everyone else who was involved) for the choreography and execution of this awesome, and most memorable experience!
We Rock! [Courtesy Hannah Braboy]
My Bliss: Part VII
{Part I}{Part II}{Part III}{Part IV}{Part V}{Part VI}
“It’s undeniable how brilliant you are…”
My Bliss: Part VI
Thursday night at Blissdom was EPIC! Jockey sponsored the party, and the fun started at the Step and Repeat, where I took the opportunity to photograph the Blissdom Photogs. The was food and drink, friends and laughter, music and dancing, and love. That’s one of my favorite things about Blissdom—they never disappoint in the music department. On this night, the musical guests were Michelle Branch and Mat Kearney. I loved watching Lotus while Michelle Branch performed; the joy was apparent in her eyes. Another great moment was when a young fan (the daughter of an attendee) was given Michelle’s guitar pick and set list. The moment was really sweet! Mat was charming and funny, and I was in awe watching him, as I’ve been a fan forever!
I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves…
Me Shooting the Photogs [Courtesy of Heather Durdil]
Me & My Girls [Courtesy of Heather Durdil]
We Rock With Celebs [Courtesy of Angry Julie]
Mishi and Bookieboo Getting Down [Courtesy of Angry Julie]
The night ended with these great moments in the Garden Conservatory with Aimee, Jim, Lotus, Momo, and myself!
[To be continued…]
All Work & All Play Makes Mishi Feel Just Fine
My Bliss: Part V
Waking up on Thursday morning was really hard, but I had my first “Heads or Tails” mini-session to get to in the Delta Atrium. I met Amanda at 9:30am, and I was extremely happy with the light. I took a few test exposures before texting her to see where she was, as the atrium is huge and I was kicking myself for not being super specific about our meeting point in my confirmation email, but we found each other without much of a hitch.
After Amanda’s photo session, I raced to the opening keynote. Being one of the tribe leaders, for photography, I knew exactly where I had to go. I got to hear the end of Brené Brown‘s talk. What I heard was phenomenal, and I totally recommend you watch her speak on Ted. Moving. Memorable. Deep. Her words are what made me finally realize that I should “come out” on Facebook about my blog. I’m still listening and learning about vulnerability and shame and belonging and and courage and believing that . . .
Brené Brown’s Opening Keynote at Blissdom
[Photo courtesy of Schmutzie]
After the Keynote it was time for Tribe Leaders Round Table Discussions. I sat with some really wonderful women. We talked about what we do, our passions, our goals, our equipment, and our overall love of photography. I was honored to sit there with them as a Blissdom Tribe Leader!
Then it was time for lunch. Blissdom never disappoints in this department, and lunch was absolutely delicious. I was so hungry that I didn’t even get a chance to take a picture of my yummy food (I know, can you believe it?) But, I did get to eat lunch with my new friend Ann, and I got sit next to the ever lovely Domestic Debacle. I also got to talk to Ryan, and I got to get a big, huge, love-filled hug from Amy!
Once I had my fill of Mexican flare, hugs, laughter, good conversation, and camaraderie, I headed off to do some more work.
I had head shots scheduled for Shab and Brigid, in the Garden Conservatory.
There was some time to go support my old Cre8buzz pals: Jim, Leslie, and Amy at their Innovative Writing Techniques Session! Jim has a great recap (with videos) on his blog. You must see it!
Then I had my first Boudoir shoot with Carmen. After that session I met Mandy in the Delta Atrium for her head shot session. I felt in the zone. I felt alive. I loved doing this type of portraiture. The Heads or Tails sessions were off with a bang!
Beautiful women, right?
That’s Blissdom to me. Beautiful, talented, smart, funny, awesome women around every corner; seeing their bliss through my lens added to my bliss! When work is your passion you get bliss. I absolutely love what I do!
++++++
Once Mandy’s session was completed I headed back to the sessions to catch the Advocates and Activists: Harnessing Social Media for Social Good in the Face of Compassion Fatigue Session where the speakers got real about the situations that they have harnessed social media for social good. Ryan’s story touched me, and if you haven’t heard of him or what he’s done, you should definitely find out. Other speakers included Ellie Schoenberger, Anissa Mayhew, and Ellen Seidman.
Thursday night was something awesome. Music. Food. Drinks. Friends. Laughter. Oh, this was a night I will remember for years. [To be continued…]
