A mini Blogher conference, that’s exactly what it was. Or what I imagine a women’s mini blogging conference would be like, because it’s not like I’ve actually been to anything remotely bloggy before. It was a micro-conference. (Ha. I’m so clever. Feel free to use that.)

I met Emily, Liz, Fiona, Suezette, Stacey, Lynnette, Amber, Jill, Vanessa, Lois, and Jennifer, all for the first time after following them on Twitter and reading their personal blogs and posts on New Jersey Moms Blog. Mary Fran and Kristie, both of the new Philly Moms Blog, were there too. So much fun putting names to real, living persons with personalities beyond the computer screen.

I LOVED IT!!

Sorry to shout, but oh my goodness, that’s exactly how excited I was walking into that party Saturday night. To talk blogging this, blogging that and not have to stop and translate to the odd person out (Ahem. Husband: I am referring to YOU.) To chat with a group of women that share a common interest, a passion, and maybe a complete craziness for living a portion of life online for anyone to Google.

Such a happy feeling.*

We wasted no time jumping right into it. We discussed blogging, Twitter, podcasting, Blogher scandalous behavior and what that mega conference is really like. We talked about evil trolls lurking in comments, finding advertising, getting paid, Martha Stewart, emails from Silicon Valley Mom Blog competitors, swag bags, and blogging just for the joy of writing and creativity.

When we weren’t talking shop, we talked about overcrowding in public schools, home schooling, property taxes, and medical insurance. We ate pasta, chocolates, scallops wrapped in bacon and salad. Some of us had soda, some of us had wine. And we even had a bit of pampering with professional masseuses in the house (or photo gallery, I should say.)

I think the only thing we didn’t talk about was the girls that didn’t make it. We missed you, friends! Next time!

Now without further ado: a few pictures:

From Left to right: Shannon, (astute readers will remember she’s my blog designer), Emily, Suezette. No idea who that chick is on the right, she must be a party crasher.

Vanessa, Liz, Melissa and Jennifer

Stacey, Lynette, Lois

Such a fun time! Thanks to our party sponsors and goody bag contributors: Graco, Suave and Stop and Shop.

Friends, if you ever get a chance to contribute to Silicon Valley Moms Blog in your state or city, seize the opportunity. There is fun and fulfillment in the Lone Ranger blog gig, but seriously, this group thing – Wow!

I believe there is power in community. We write our posts, keep our own blogs, Twitter our own unique lives, but when it comes down to it, we are all moms, and in this special sisterhood that comes from blogging. We have our differences, yet this new way of communicating, via blogs, brings us together. I believe my life is  enriched because of these friendships with women I probably would never have met if not for the New Jersey Moms Blog.

Sniff, sniff. I’m getting a wee bit teary.

I love you, gals, and I’m glad the Lord has placed each of you in my life.

Sob.

*Monica goes in search of tissue to mop up keyboard, but gets distracted by chocolate.*

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Actually, I was estatic just to find the place after getting lost in a monsoon-like rain storm. Google maps, why do you hate me so? Don’t ask me about how long it took me to get home, I’m too ashamed of my poor navigaton skills. Note to self: must acquire sattelite map app for cell, ASAP.