I am a pen and paper kind of girl. That may seem a bit strange since my life is so wrapped up in computers and smart phones. But, I am a note taker, and there’s just something about writing with a pen and paper. I still carry a planner and I make to-do lists for myself each week. In fact, sometimes my blog posts start as a sketch or an outline on a piece of paper.
So, when I left for the Big Summer Potluck, I packed a fresh notebook and a few pens in my purse. That’s par for the course for me. I toted my note taking materials around with me all weekend, but something very strange happened… I never pulled them out of my bag.
I assure you, my lack of note taking was not due to any deficiencies in the sessions or a lack of inspiration on my part. It was quite the opposite. I didn’t even have a moment to think about pulling out my beloved blue fine point pens because I was completely immersed in the experience. I was enjoying living in the moment and just drinking it all in. And, in that moment, just listening and absorbing was enough.
Though the Big Summer Potluck was technically a food blog event, it was apparent to me from the moment that I ran into some friends (much like Shauna, I’m not a huge fan of the word blogger!) in the parking lot that it was going to be so much more. And, that is an understatement. In some ways, I knew what to expect since I attended BSP last year… But, the event still blew me away. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all.
I didn’t walk away from the conference with a notebook full of tips to increase my traffic, write the perfect recipe, or find the perfect combination of keywords to tack onto the end of a post. In fact, I left caring even less about traffic, recipe writing, and keywords than I did when I arrived (and, if you recall, I’ve never been a big fan). Instead, I left feeling full of joy – the kind of joy you feel when you’ve reconnected with an old friend, times 60!
Even though writing and photography are a big part of what I do, I’ve never really thought of myself as a writer or a photographer… I am a home cook and a baker. I love food and I love the way that cooking and baking connects me with the people I love. I want everyone to experience that, so I share the recipes that have connected me to my friends and family.
At BSP, I found the encouragement and inspiration I so desperately needed to continue sharing my passion for food through writing and photography. I was surrounded by a group of close friends who all understood that it’s not about finding the perfect formula for a food photo or scrutinizing a recipe title for SEO. Instead, it’s about being authentic and sharing a piece of myself through my food. It’s about putting myself out there and not getting in the way of truly connecting with my readers, my friends. It’s about giving others the chance to experience my “moments” through my pictures and my words.
Though I have hardly begun to even scratch the surface of the many moments that I will always cherish from my weekend at the Big Summer Potluck, I am truly grateful to everyone who made it happen. Everyone involved in putting the weekend together gave not only their time and efforts, but each one poured a lot of heart and soul into it. And, it showed.
Want to see more photos from the Big Summer Potluck? You will find more of my photos in my Flickr set.
Beautiful Jen, in every aspect! I hope I can be there next year to bask in the inspiration.
I know how much I took away in personal happiness and soul uplifting last year… It looks like this year was even more amazing! So sad I had to miss it.
Truly great recap!
Loved this the most…”I left caring even less about traffic, recipe writing, and keywords than I did when I arrived (and, if you recall, I’ve never been a big fan). Instead, I left feeling full of joy – the kind of joy you feel when you’ve reconnected with an old friend, times 60!”
That’s what its all about!
How simply amazing.
I’m inspired just by your photographs and words.
*side note* – I’m a notepad and pen kind of girl, too
Funny enough, my notepad and pen never made it out of my bag either! The words and moments seemed to penetrate my very being. Kind of like an 8 second hug ;)
So great meeting you pretty lady! Hope to see you next year!
I’m so glad BSP was everything you needed it to be Jen. You’re so good at extracting the necessary from situations – I need to take a leaf out of your book. I am also a notepad and pen kind of girl. You should SEE the cute stationary I have picked up in France ;) I was sad to miss this and to be honest will probably miss this every year since it’s in the middle of the summer holidays (duh!) and I am never at home, but I look forward to others’ recaps so I may live vicariously…. Also, I can hardly complain considering where i am instead… Thank you for this – it brings blogging back to what it really should always be all about.
Wow, Jen. I’m totally floored. Thank you for this beautiful post about BSP. I’m so happy that you got more out of it than you had expected and that this helped you to re-connect with the reason you do what you do. We love you! And your cookies :D
I’m so sad I missed BSP2. :( It sounds like it was an amazing event full of love and growth. I love how you honed in on what was important–because in the end, it’s not SEO and keywords that matter, but substance is what counts, and authenticity.
I so wish I could have been there to give you a big hug in person and say hi to everyone else! One of these days!
Sweet recap, Jen! Wish we could have chatted more. I love your photos, especially the Gaggle girls! Off you check out your Flickr stream. xox
Lovely post, lovely pictures! I brought a notebook that I never busted out either. It was a great moment to just be.
So nice to see you again & have a chance to chat. ((hugs!))
Fantastic write up, Jen! I’m the same way when it comes to pen and paper… and I did have mine out on my lap at one point, but actually cracking it open to write notes would have spoiled the moment.
It was great to meet you this weekend! I wish we could have chatted more. :)
Jen, it was lovely to meet you this weekend. Your recap is beautiful. It was a weekend I will remember for a long time!
So true Jen! I not only didn’t take notes, I didn’t even grab my camera very often as I was just immersed in the moment talking to people. Now I’m wishing I had. It was a beautiful place filled with beautiful people.
Mwaaah!
I love this…”I didn’t walk away from the conference with a notebook full of tips to increase my traffic, write the perfect recipe, or find the perfect combination of keywords to tack onto the end of a post. In fact, I left caring even less about traffic, recipe writing, and keywords than I did when I arrived”
It sounds like the perfect weekend. That’s *exactly* what I want from a bloggie get-together….no SEO, no hot to increase FB followers, just meeting and loving the bloggers that I’ve loved from afar! How fun!
PS….you hair = a-DOR-able!!!
I’m happy you pulled from this event what you needed most; remembering why you do what you do. It can be easy to get swept away in all of the numbers and figures when really, for some of us, it’s about the experience. The cooking, the joy of sharing that effort. It’s why I started an online food journal oh so many years ago and it’s why I continue today so I know how you feel and look forward to either attending or building an event with like minded souls.
I’m so sad I wasn’t able to attend this event but so glad you had such an incredible time. Will be there next year for sure.
Beautiful reflection on the weekend. It was so nice to have the chance to meet you and share some time with you.
Perfectly summarized! The soaking in of it all was just what the doctor ordered for many of us! So fun getting to know you!!
I’m not sure where I was when all this was planned but I sure wish I had been in the loop. What a super fun way to get to see some of my favorite people. I am tempted to go to IFBC in Santa Monica in November, not for the content, but because I want to see my friends (like you). This type of event is much more up my alley. Great shots Jen. I hope you are feeling better??
For someone who doesn’t think of herself as a writer or photographer, you sure captured the “moments” of BSP2 in words as well as pictures. I think this event affected all of us in similar and different ways. I’m just glad we were a part of it.
You really hit the nail on the head Jen. Loved seeing you again and spending more time…can’t wait to do it again!
I just loved reading your recap! You captured the weekend perfectly in your words, and I totally agree with everything you said. It was also so awesome to hang out with you again in person!! :-)
How did I miss this post? I was so taken with the cookie/gluten-free baking one that I didn’t see this recap. Loved it and loved meeting everyone at BPS2. What a great group hug!
Your photos are really beautiful.
Lovely post, Jen. And well said. I think we all felt this way. It was wonderful to meet you as well!
What a special weekend. Sometimes, the only notes we need are those that imprint themselves on our hearts.