All Over...

...but the memories, and I'm feeling a little sad. I've been looking forward to BlogHer '12 since this time last year. I signed up in the winter to become a volunteer -- I like to be part of events -- and that really increased my anticipation. Once I was diagnosed in May I realized I wouldn't be going away this summer and BlogHer became my goal for recovery. I wanted to be well enough and mobile enough to enjoy it and I was going to push myself as much as I could in physical therapy to do that. I've been fortunate that the p.t. has gone well and I could participate. I did skip the parties -- too much standing -- but enjoyed the sessions, the exhibits and meeting people. I loved meeting people! 

There was the Lorax and my buddies, the Smith Brothers and the Sun and sweet, sweet Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. What fun to meet her and she was as nice as I expected. I was especially delighted with how friendly and down-to-earth she was. That really impressed me. But there were lots of people who weren't famous, but who made the weekend for me. I got to meet my my blog buddy, who was even funnier, warmer and smarter in person than her blog. What a honey! I spent time at the registration desk with two delightful bloggers, Laundry for Six and Girl with Blog. There were five thousand (Yes, that's right!) people at the conference and I might not have met these two interesting, funny women. What fun to spend time with them. 

Perhaps the one thing I like best about blogging is getting to meet people I ordinarily don't get to meet, people whose lives are very different from mine. This was especially true on Saturday morning. My blog buddy and I met for breakfast on Saturday. The breakfast theme was "Birds of a Feather," and some of the tables had signs for different blog interests. We were looking for the "Boomer" table, but the ballroom is huge and after walking the equivalent of a block we just picked a table. We made a lucky pick. There were no boomers at the table, but some bright, very lively women. The creator of Her Zimbabwe joined us. What an extraordinary young woman and what a blog. This is one blog that I will definitely be following. I am in awe of all that she has created. 

Lastly, what a treat to spend time with people who make BlogHer work. Thanks Tonia, Amelia and Lori. It was great working with all of you and I look forward to more adventures to come. Here's to BlogHer '13. Chicago, here I come!

Live from New York...Buttercup Meets the Lorax and a Lorax Giveaway

One of the things I've learned in life is that some of the best things are the most unexpected, and the second day of BlogHer reinforced that. There were some great moments, but they weren't the ones I anticipated. I definitely enjoyed meeting this cute and fuzzy guy. I didn't know he would be at BlogHer, but what fun to walk into a main area of the hotel and see him, and even more fun to take my picture with him. I was given a bright orange Lorax shopping bag and I'd like to share it with one of the citizens of Buttercupland. Please leave a comment on this post and I will pick a name by 11:59 P.M. on Sunday. I'll let you know who the lucky winner is on Monday, and I am happy to send this bright orange shopping bag anywhere in the world.

The lunch program was an interview with Martha Stewart. It was interesting, but not my top event.

I met my buddy, the Sun, last year in San Diego at BlogHer and it was great to see him again, and I had a lot of fun with the Smith Brothers and the folks at their booth.

 My favorite part of the day was completely the most unexpected. I especially liked doing the videotaped interview about rosacea. I will be doing a separate post with more details and a link to the interview later this month, but I want to include it in the high points of today. Though I was well prepared I was a little nervous about doing the interview. I'm not a journalist and this would be a first for me. But everyone involved was so nice and the interview went well. I got some great information, a gift for a giveaway and a boost of confidence about taking a risk and trying something new.

I didn't get to meet The Pioneer Woman at the Land O Lakes booth, but she will be there again tomorrow and I hope to meet her then. Until tomorrow, wishes for sweet dreams and happy surprises!

Live from New York It's BlogHer '12!

I had forgotten the whirlwind of people and activities that make up BlogHer, but it's been an amazing whirl for just the first day. The main conference began late this afternoon with a live video feed from President Obama. Like BlogHer, Buttercupland is non-partisan. It's very rare that I write about anything that is vaguely political, and I intend, with rare exception to keep it that way. But I wanted to mention this beginning to the conference. Both President Obama and Governor Romney were invited to participate and Governor Romney was unable to do so. He is expected to be in contact with BlogHer and I will definitely share the link with all of you in Buttercupland.

Sadly I got a large number of fuzzy pictures, including what might have been my favorite, Buttercup with the Smith Brothers of cough drop fame. I hope they are still there tomorrow, because I am hoping to retake my picture with them.

I did get my picture with Jamba Juice's Mr. Banana. 

There are some great sessions tomorrow, Katie Couric is speaking at lunch and I've got my interview about rosacea in the afternoon. And did I mention The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, will be at the Land O Lakes booth tomorrow afternoon? Definitely would like to meet her. 

I can't wait to see what other excitement and fun tomorrow brings!

It's Almost Time for...

BlogHer '12

And I'm getting excited. There's a great agenda and I'm excited about the two keynoters that have been announced, Katie Couric and Martha Stewart. There's one more keynote speaker to be named and I check the website every day looking to see if the announcement has been made. I'm looking forward to the sessions, and this year I want to focus on blog design. I am planning a big redesign and I'm looking for inspiration. I am also hoping to meet any blog buddies that may be in New York. Please don't be shy. If you're going to be at BlogHer '12 please let me know. That would just be the icing on the cake! I know of one blog buddy who will be here and I am so pleased that we will have the opportunity to meet. 

 The Twizzler Statue of Liberty was a treat (to look at!) at BlogHer last year and now the real Lady in the Harbor is just a few miles from the conference.

I have now completed two days at work and I'm doing okay. Yesterday was tough, but today went smoother and by the afternoon I was firing away emails and was right back into the assorted issues I left behind a month ago. I didn't get upset about things, but managed to keep a good perspective. Tonight, I am tired, but happily found the energy to blog. Last night I feel asleep at 8:30 and everything besides dinner and brushing my teeth was neglected. 

Happily, the heat has broken and I am typing in an apartment without the hum of the air conditioner. What a pleasure and what a pleasure for my electric bill. 

Cool and sweet wishes!

I'm Making a List, I'm Checking it Twice

BlogHer '12 is Coming to town!

I am so excited that BlogHer '12 will be just down the street -- actually a mile and a half -- from my apartment, here in New York City. It was well worth the trip to San Diego last year, but a hometown BlogHer is a dream come true. I've cleared the dates on my calendar and I am so hoping to welcome blog buddies to New York City and BlogHer '12. I met some terrific people, learned a lot about blogging and just had an all around great time. 

One of my buddies from BlogHer '11

Wishes for a sweet week!