I went to Bloggy Boot Camp and all I got was this lousy t-shirt that says BACON

Okay so Bloggy Boot Camp was far from lousy, but one of the first things we learned was that if you want people to find you by doing a Google search, write about bacon.  I recently taught myself one of these little SEO tricks, albeit unintentionally. My post Il bel far niente got over 25 hits in the week following the release of the movie Eat, Pray, Love (and the hits keep coming). Yet no one has commented, so I have to assume they saw my blog listed and first thought, “this is EXACTLY what I’m looking for,” and then they read it and thought, “this form of enlightenment kind of sucks,” and they moved on. As much as I like bacon, I don’t think I’ll start posting bacon recipes.

The speakers were great, and there were a lot of tips that I can put in my bloggy briefcase and save for a later date. Julie’s session on security, and Linsey’s session on legal issues were worth the ticket price to get into this shindig. And then I was so very happy to have the last speaker of the day, Kristy, stand up and say that she was going to talk about writing. Hello! WRITING. I was so impressed that I threw away my shy girl hat and went up to talk to her and thank her. And I hadn’t even had my bloody mary yet. (I had a serious craving all day. How often do I get to be away from my kids for an entire day??)

The day got me thinking about what it is that I do. When people asked what I blog about, the easiest way to sum it up is that I have a Mommy Blog. My business card says it’s a mixed baby blog. This works too. I have babies, and they are mixed. One of them was a preemie. But that is not all my babies are, and it is not all that my blog is about. I write about my life, and since most of my day is spent wiping noses and butts, it’s pretty safe to say that Mommy Blog is a good definition of papoe. I just hope that it is a definition that can grow with me as I grow up and out of my kids (or they grow up, whichever comes first).

I will say that I got a good laugh after handing Marla my card. She was sitting across the table and a session was about to start. She looked at the card and said, “Oh! We should all be mixed!” and made a motion like she was stirring a spoon in a bowl. Awesome.

Tiffany did an amazing job as emcee. The speakers were great, but she really added something special (other than her prettiness) to the whole day. Next time she should run a session all on her own.

Clap once if you can hear me.

The best part was coming home to sleeping babies. And being away, even for a short time, makes these moments even more special.

Notice she’s wearing my BBC badge. Future blogger…

Comments

[Mad Woman behind the Blog]

WOW. You're married to Samuel L Jackson?!?!?! I want to name my son after him! (if I ever have one.)

We didn't meet and I completely failed to prepare for the event. But I was so in love w/ Kristy! I tried to get thru but, ahem. Apparently everyone else loved her too.

Great post.

[Kathy Sprinkle]

LOL! My girl swiped my boot camp badge immediately too! Although I'm not sure of her future blogger status as she is ALWAYS trying to get me to shut my computer!

Great post... if you care to read my bacon'y re-cap
Click here!

I'm clapping with you for sure, Tiffany should do her own talk. I thought she was great.

[JDaniel4's Mom]

It sounds like it would be worth it for me to go to the Atlanta conference next year.

[Lindsey (aka modchik)]

Great recap and how smart are you to include the BACON to bring home some bacon! I remembered you because of your cards- nice job! I hope next time we can spend more table time together!

-Lindsey

[Cheryl]

SO glad you had a great time! I'm hoping to get to one in San Diego in March.

[Scary Mommy]

Love that you had a great time- Tiffany is awesome and really knows how to run a conference!

[Emmie_bee]

Adorable. Still so sad I didn't meet you!

[Tiffany {SITS GIRLS}]

Um, that girl? She is delicious.

I LOVE that she is wearing the badge!

Great recap- I actually usually do a session, but decided not to this time- it won't happen again, because I'm obviously in love with the sound of my voice. ;)

Thank you so much for coming and please be sure we stay connected- you can always find me on twitter!!!!

[Marla]

You rock, mixed-mommy blogger, not just because I am mentioned in your post (disclaimer), but I LOVE the tone and feel of your voice! Genuine! Real! Great Writing!

Look forward to more great ones and terrific meeting you at #bloggybootcamp!

[sarah]

Still so bummed that I didn't get to go to Bloggy Boot Camp, but I'm glad you had a good time!

And I agree about the writing element! I felt the same way about BlogHer last year went to BlogHer last year. I *thought* it was going to be more about writing, but it was very business-y and SEO-y, which is stuff I rarely even think about. I love blogs for their stories. And I love your stories!