Monday, July 28, 2014

BlogHer Timeline: Five Years of Gratitude (recap. 2014)




2011 - Reading for Voices of The Year/Humor BlogHer San Diego

*First Grade*
 
Takes older sister's book while sister in school. Writes on inside for author, my name, so it reads Tales From Shakespeare, by Alexandra
 

*January 2010*
 
After a lifetime of writing in notebooks, can't wait any longer to pen own stories like Tales From Shakespeare. Begins own place for stories, a blog called Good Day Regular People. Surprised that when pushing publish, computer doesn't explode. MO of saying a prayer each time hits publish button but quickly falls in love with the publish button and only sanity stops from publishing a post every two hours.
 
*2010*
 
Submits first piece for syndication on BlogHer, "a community that showcases the best writers online and reaches an audience of 100 million across premium blogs, Web sites, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter." First time being published, compensated. Begins to stammer phrase to herself, then out loud, "I am a writer. I am a writer" like Dorothy in Oz "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."    http://www.blogher.com/my-most-difficult-blogging-moment
 
*2011*
 
Chosen to read at BlogHer conference in San Diego, for Voice of The Year/Humor category, "When You Love a Blogger." Reads for first time in front of audience, afterward, closes eyes and makes wish to do it again.  
 
*2012*
 
Decides to propose panel for BlogHer conference in NYC, pitches "Blogging for the love it: personal blogging versus monetization." BlogHer accepts pitch and becomes part of panel for annual conference. Butterflies in stomach, closes eyes and feels the joy in talking blogging.
 

*2012*


Confident from reading and holding panel at BlogHer, reaches for star and auditions for show that BlogHer has supported since the beginning, Listen To Your Mother. Makes the cast of LTYM Madison show. Reads original piece before audience, hits hard how this THIS of storytelling is what fuels.
 
 
*2013*

Sends in ideas both for panel and idea for open forum. Panel idea not accepted but yes to forum topic. Co-hosts "Shedding the façade: the vulnerable of personal blogging" in Chicago. Less butterflies, no less thrills. In love with the discussion of writing online.

with Erin Margolin

*2013*

Applies to bring Listen To Your Mother show to Milwaukee, national sponsor is BlogHer. Proposal accepted. Holds first show on May 5, 2013.

with Jennifer Gaskell

*2014*

Receives email invitation to celebrate BlogHer's 10th anniversary as part of 10x10: 10 minutes on 10 years of blogging. 15 presenters with extraordinary stories. Presents onstage at BlogHer in San Jose, feeling lightness of floating when gifted with being on stage, telling stories, a dream cast while  holding Tales From Shakespeare in five-year-old hands.


* * *

I've been walking on air, only tethered by a gratefulness to BlogHer, its pioneering co-founders, Elisa Camahort Page, Lisa Stone, Jory Des Jardins, and the BlogHer staff for their commitment to BlogHer's community: "... to empower and have BlogHer's members feel their value."

I owe BlogHer everything. I can't express how in debt I feel to you for all you've done for me through providing me with community, support, resources, and opportunity. You've given me chances to grow, develop confidence, and through networking, connected me with bloggers.

Thank you, BlogHer, for the surreal HONOR of being a 10x10 presenter.

21 comments:

  1. I love you. You are so much what the love of blogging means and you define community. xo (Also, sorry if you get 2 comments - as commenting seems to hate me this week). xo

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  2. Congratulations on your Blog Her invitation this year. No surprise to those of us that have been around for a while. Well done!

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  3. This is wonderful. You are BlogHer for me. xoxoxo

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  4. It's so apparent why you are such a revered member of the community. So great to meet you. xo

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  5. its a pretty cool journey that you have been on...and some cool opportunities as well....

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  6. I adored your 10x10, Alexandra, nearly as much as meeting and chatting with you in person! Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart with us. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

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  7. THANK YOU, everyone! If I would have could have had twenty more hours up there I would have read all of your names because it is the interaction here, the community, that has grown into the lifesaving life enriching aspect of blogging. I never anticipated the world of friendship I'd have. It is this that makes me never take any part of blogging for granted. THANK YOU. You all make blogging what it is to me: indispensable. xo

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  8. SO wonderful! I wish I'd seen it. xox

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  9. I love this so much because as much as BlogHer means to you, YOU are BlogHer for me.

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  10. Hoping this doesn't post twice...

    Thank you. For sharing your stories, your love, your passion. Your energy is contagious and I'm so happy I got the chance to be near you to catch some of it!

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  11. As much as BlogHer and the community gave you such priceless gifts, Alexandra, I hope you know that YOU have brought so much to the world of blogging, and to the people who you have touched and reached out to. xo

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  12. You are BlogHer my friend and your smile, your words, your life make everything better.
    Love you.

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  13. I am upset I did not get to meet you. Next time!

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  14. You are the most lovely person in blogging. I appreciate you and what you do.

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  15. Alexandra, you made my BlogHer last year. You were like a mama hen shepherding this poor chick through it all. You make this community better through your generosity. xoxo

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  16. THank you, everyone. This honor, is one I still can't get over. I am extremely fortunate and I am so glad I decided to start a blog five years ago. It was one of the most life changing things I have ever done.

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  17. I'm so glad I got to hug you in person and have those quick talks in between jam-packed days. I'll take what I can get! :-) ((hugs))

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  18. Ditto to what everyone else said.
    Twice.

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  19. What an amazing journey you have had. It's inspiring!

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  20. You are truly an inspiration to all of us who blog and tell stories. It was great to see you but I wish we could have chatted more. Congratulations on all of your amazing accomplishments, Alexandra!! :D

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  21. Love this timeline of your writing life. As always, your encouragement, inspiration, and words mean so much to so many. xo

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