Cleveland Blogger Meet-Up
What is blogging without the blogging community? It would be like living in a deserted town or having conversations with yourself. Both of those are well and good, I suppose, if that’s the kind of life you want. But I crave community and connection with other people, especially those who can relate to my quirkiest ways. I first started out on this weird journey as a blogger in order to meet and share with people I couldn’t find in my local community. But lately, my blogging world and real world collide all of the time! Most recently I was so excited to meet up in Cleveland with some local Northeast Ohio and North Western Pennsylvania blogger gals, thanks to Erin who coordinated the afternoon with brunch at Touch and shopping at Sweet Lorain
The first time I met up with bloggers was also the first time I met up with someone I had met online. This was about five years ago, and while I was pretty sure none of them were psycho killers, I was still pretty nervous. They had already formed first impressions of me that were only based on the little bit they knew of me from my blog, so what if they didn’t like me in person? And what if I didn’t get on well with them? What if the whole thing ended up being a massive drag?
So, here I am, five years later, still freaking out before blogger meet-ups. Maybe it was just because Liz was there that I felt like I could completely be myself, but this time around was extra fun! It was just like meeting up with a bunch of old pals. I can’t wait until we can get together again.
Have you ever been to a blogger meetup? Were you as nervous as I was? If you’ve ever considering meeting up with local bloggers, but chickened out, I’d definitely encourage you to give it a try! And if nobody in your area has ever put together a blogger meetup, why don’t you be the one to plan a nice weekend brunch like Erin did, and maybe enjoy a trip to a local shop afterwards? I promise, it will be more fun than you expected.
T H E B L O G G E R S :
Mandy of The Curvy Blogger / Julie of Orchid Grey / Liz of Yellow Finch Designs / Megan of Kiddo TV
Erin of Zero Style / Lauren of Someone Like You / Katy of Sugar and Chiffon / Jessica of Midwest Muse,
Jaclyn of Sharing My Sole / Karina of Beach and Dress / Dina of Dina’s Days /
above photo by Julie, black & white group photo below by Erin, all others by my iPod touch
Oh that looks like so much fun! I only really know one blogger in my area and I already knew her before I started blogging ;) There doesn’t seem to be many like-minded bloggers here in Sydney, Australia… Perhaps they are all in hiding!
x
How awesome!! I’m thinking of joining my first blogger meet up in the summer in New York City because these meetups always look so much fun!! I would have went nuts in those shops!! That Loraine sign is so pretty too btw! Love your hat too!!
I agree with Shell. Wish I had meet ups like this.. hmm lol I might start one here in Brisbane Australia. It is so wonderful you are in good company and having fun with others in the bloggersphere! xxxxxxxxxxxx
Looks like fun! :) If you ever have another one, let me know. I’m in Erie, so it’s not too far of a drive and I’d love to meet some other local bloggers. Sometimes Erie feels like a wasteland of female techy types!
You are all beautiful, seems like you had fun!
xx
Dress To Cook Blog
This looks like a lot of fun (though, like you, I’d probably be super nervous too!).
I live in such a low-population area, I’m really stumped as to how to find bloggers even relatively within 4 hours) close by. Hope that changes soon, because you girls are getting such a unique and fun experience.
I’m glad you had fun! I’m really glad I got to meet you. I can’t believe how good those photos from your iPod touch look! I definitely want to organize another get together in a couple months, maybe in Akron this time! xoxoxo
You lucky lucky girls :D Wish I actually lived in Akron and not 5 hours from :D Family is from around there
This looks like such a lovely time. I honestly think that if it weren’t for blogging, I wouldn’t have as many friends in the Bay area as I do (just having relocated here under 2 years ago), nor would I have been given most of the professional opportunities that have come my way. It’s truly a great community!
That first photo looks like a vintage photograph, especially with that old timey “Vintage Clothes” font. And Lorain looks amazing. I love the art deco sign announcing it. I’ve met up with individual bloggers, but haven’t met up with a group. I think I feel more comfortable meeting with one person or perhaps a few people so as to be able to really get to know that person better. But it sure looks like you gals had yourself a lovely time.
How fun! I’m planning to meet up with one blogger friend in a month or so, and I’m so excited, but at the same time nervous! It’s definitely what you said– what if their perception of me from my blog differs greatly from who I am in real life?
But someday I’d love to host a blogger meet up for Seattle-area bloggers, because it does look super fun to actually meet the people you follow and make friends with via blogs.
Happy Tuesday!
This looks like so much fun! All of you look adorable!
I just discovered you blog recently and was excited to learn you live close by and occasionally blog about stuff I am familiar with. (places, etc). Cleveland girl here. I just started a personal/creative blog recently and hope to one day make some great blogger friends out of it :)
It was so nice to meet you and I feel the same way about meeting people IRL for the first time…it’s either AWESOME or weird. Luckily, everyone was wonderful! Hopefully I’ll be seeing you again one day.
You stand out the most with your hat. ^_^
so much fun! i love the concept of “meeting up” and truly matching personalities with the faces. glad i made you feel at ease, but you, my friend, made me feel relaxed.
here’s to new friendships.
xo