But wait -- I'm getting ahead of myself here. First things first: the international activist blogger keynote during breakfast. These were women who were given scholarships to attend BlogHer because of the activism and work for social change they do through their blogs. Security was tight -- no photos or videos allowed -- because these women were risking their lives just to be there. My favorite moments came from the creator of Mideast Youth. She is an absolute spitfire. And as she sat on stage, her diminutive frame no indicator of her moxie, it just hit me what an incredibly amount of bravery it takes to do what she does every day. She's doing a hell of a lot more than sitting behind a computer screen and typing for no one in particular. She's literally risking life and limb -- I don't have the capacity to fathom it. I may have gotten in some hot water for this blog before, but I've hardly been targeted by an entire government for something I wrote. It sorta makes you feel like a little old dating blog is kind of BFD in the grand scheme. But in a good way. A humbling, grounding way.
Also, her piece of advice for bloggers? Don't be afraid to kick ass. Seriously. LOVE. HER.
I opted for a Birds of a Feather lunch again that day, and sat with women interested in the craft of writing. It was maybe a tad less engaging than the day before, but I found it interesting to hear about the challenges and struggles of other writers. We talked extensively about finding voice, which was an eye-opening conversation to hear because of all the things I struggle with, that's never been one.
After my final two live-blogged sessions, I browsed through the BlogHer bookstore once more and met up with Harry in the hotel lobby. We had barely taken one step out of the revolving door and toward the taxi rank before the juicy gossip was a-flowing. At the moment, I knew it was destined to be a night of epic proportions. You'll get that story soon.
But I will leave you with a little something for my Memphis folks. Every time I introduced myself to someone at BlogHer and they asked where I was from, I got the most over-the-top reactions. You would've thought I'd said, "I live in a tree house in Yosemite that runs on solar power and dispenses donuts on verbal command!" They'd explain their excitement by saying, "Well, it's just that I'm only from (Insert Literally Any U.S. City Here). SIGH." Memphis has mystique, y'all. And I loved it.
So for my Memphians -- enjoy these.
cheers,
elizabeth
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