BlogPaws Conference 2013 – Putting it Into Perspective
While I was technically only gone a few days attending the 2013 BlogPaws Conference, when I returned home on Sunday it took me a while to adjust back from being treated like a pampered queen to the jarring reality of dealing with the frustrations of driving to and from work in congested rush hour traffic to a completely non-feline related day job, massive pounds of laundry, grocery shopping, cooking dinner, and the unglamorous role of litter scooping servant to my eight cats who seemed overjoyed to bestow me with an endless supply of “gifts.”
After the devastating and overwhelming events in Oklahoma and nearby areas that have been affected by the brutal aftermath of the tornadoes, my annoyances seemed so petty and insignificant, causing me to question if I should even bother posting about BlogPaws at all. In the scheme of things it seems so frivolous and unnecessary, but then I realized nothing could be further from the truth because in actuality, it is the very people who make up the microcosm of BlogPaws that are the very people who are the harbingers to helping others, whether it be two legged, four legged, fur, feathers, or anything in-between. The people who are part of the BlogPaws family are your bloggers, your rescue volunteers, your shelter workers, your veterinarians, your blog readers, your social media giants, your pet related retailers and food manufacturers, and so much more. We inspire our communities to make the world a better place and the people of Oklahoma will need our love, support, prayers, voices, strength, fund raising efforts, ideas, mental and physical power, and tenacity to help them get through this.
Prior to the opening of BlogPaws, Angie Holland Bailey of Catladyland, myself, Dorian Wagner of Your Daily Cute, and JaneA Kelley of Paws and Effect help to set up the Catification Lounge.
I had already known we were a powerful group, but it did not dawn on me until this year when on several occasions myself and some of my blogging friends were likened to “Rock Stars” of the industry which caused me to smile because it seemed such a grandiose title. But then I realized that for me, someone who has attended three conferences, that in many ways, that is what we are. I remember it like it was yesterday when I attended my first BlogPaws Conference and I too felt that euphoric high of awe and admiration getting to meet fellow bloggers that were legends to me. I was completely star struck and could not believe I was finally meeting people in person like Ingrid King of The Conscious Cat, Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat, Caren Gittleman of Cat Chat, Janis Garza of Sparkle Cat, and radio personality and newspaper columnist, Steve Dale, to name just a few.
My “Rock Star” moment at this BlogPaws was finally meeting Bernadette Kazmarski of the Creative Cat. I have admired her writing style, photography skills, and artistic abilities for years.
Combining a bit of everything in this picture – here I am with the infamous Terry Frum (aka Brian of Brian’s Home) who I had not yet met and who is one of my favorite people on this earth, my dear friend, Caren Gittleman of Cat Chat, and my roommate and partner in all things animal related, Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats and Pawsitively Humane.
But now the torch has been passed on and the fans of years ago such as myself have now become the mentors to the newest BlogPaws members who are up and coming rising stars. It is quite an honor to have moved on to that role, but I now realize that is what BlogPaws represents to me. We are an ever evolving group of dedicated and talented people who collectively have the power to move mountains and that is a special intangible something that is part of the overall BlogPaws experience. And yes, the seminars are great and I always take away a tidbit or two of information that is invaluable, but, more times than not, by now I already know most of what is being said and could probably teach a seminar on my own.
One of the newbies in the cat blogosphere is Elizabeth Benoit of Feline Funnies. I felt a connection to her the moment we met and I look forward to sharing a wonderful friendship with her.
And yes, the food is wonderful, the cat swag is fun (although this year it was sorely lacking to the chagrin of my cats), the cocktail parties are enjoyable, dressing myself in my favorite leopard garb is a hoot, meeting old friends and making new is amazing, and the ability to network with sponsors is incredible. But that’s not what BlogPaws is to me. To me, it is a sister and brotherhood of devoted, passionate, talented, creative, and incredible people who inspire others, whether it be through serious and informative blogging, to a humorous and funny blogging, to organizations devoted to rescue and adoptions, to every niche you can imagine to help the creatures of the world, both great and small, to be the best that we can be. We care and our role is important. In that regard, everyone is a hero and everyone is a rock star.
Here I am with fellow Nose-to-Nose Award nominees before we head down the red carpet – Robin Olson of Covered in Cat Hair, Angie Holland Bailey of Catladyland (who won for best humor blog), JaneA Kelley of Paws and Effect, and Elizabeth Benoit of Feline Funnies.
So, I don’t really have a lot to share with you about my BlogPaws experience because it now has a different meaning to me than it did a couple of days ago. Life again is about perspective. I have a house, electricity, hot water, and a bathroom with a working toilet and shower. I am not searching for my pets or my loved ones and I am not in the hospital being treated for debris wounds. My car has not been crushed like a matchbox toy and I have a whole closet full of clean clothes to wear. I also have a working computer to blog on and a bed to sleep in. And oh well, I did not walk away from BlogPaws with a big sponsorship from a major brand company, nor did I win the “Best Blog Writing Award I was nominated for (congratulations to the winner, Nerissa’s Life). But I did walk away with even more precious friends and a continued passion to help animals, in particular cats, to help educate people about the dire need for responsibly so more cats are adopted and less end up on the streets and in shelters. So in that regard, I am a winner.
Little Odilia who was a huge hit at BlogPaws tells us what she thinks of all the pomp and circumstance as she does her business on the program page of the Nose-to-Nose nominees. Ophelia is about 8 weeks old and was born without eyes.
I also was privileged to attend one of the most moving seminars I have ever witnessed by Robin Olson of Covered in Cat Hair about her hands on experience dealing with the aftermath of the Newtown Shootings by helping local children heal through the power of kittens. And now here we are again, a brief heartbeat later in the midst of another crisis. The only difference, this one was created by nature. But the need for help and compassion remains universal regardless of the circumstances and that is where the BlogPaws community will rise to the challenge.
Robin’s presentation moved me to tears and I was overwhelmed with emotion and so proud of what she accomplished for her community to help with the grieving process.
The best way I can describe BlogPaws without an endless dissertation is to follow up with a montage of some of my favorite pictures. And yes, you won’t be disappointed, as the last picture will show you, my dream did come true. Take care everyone and God Bless…
My favorite picture of the whole conference is this one where I wistfully look at Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat holding Triscuit the foster kitten from Random Felines.
Christine and I with Sue Grybel Doute aka the “lady with the yellow hair” from the wildly popular blog, The Island Cats.
Carma Poodale and I met as a result of the series I did on spay/neuter for the month of February. Carma’s human, Bunny Allen, volunteers with the Owensboro Humane Society in Owensboro, KY.
I do not know who this gorgeous lion looking dog is, but he/she sure does look pawsome next to my leopard print dress!!
BlogPaws was bittersweet for me this year, as my cat Jazz was not feeling well while I was gone and his prognosis was not good. I was given the Godsend honor of meeting this sweet dog, Pixel Blue Eyes, and volunteered to dog sit her while her human went to a meeting off site. Between the well wishes of my friends and Pixel’s healing powers with me, I was able to send strong purrs of support to my beloved Jazz who is now making a slow but steady recovery. Thank you to all of you for your heartfelt advice and support.
Christine and I posing for a glamour shot after the awards ceremony.
What would the conference be without a few cat ears shots. Here I am with the incredibly adorable Olivia Melikhov of the ASPCA and Christine Michaels.
And finally…my dream came true. Here I am holding Triscuit!
And last but not least, my ultimate BlogPaws dream come true… getting a picture of a catman wearing cat ears! In this case, the good sport is Terry Frum of Brian’s Home!
What a wonderful write up, Deb. It was wonderful to get to spend time with you again this year. Like you, the most important, and meaningful part of BlogPaws for me is the incredible sense of community. We’re such a diverse group of people, but we’re united by our love for cats (and all animals).
Thank you Ingrid – the word “community” is a perfect way to describe how I feel and it was great getting to spend time with you as well. I also appreicate all the support and advice you gave me.
THANK YOU for this….you did put it all in perspective. It isn’t about the stuff or the sessions – it is about the people. Glad you got to meet and love on Triscuit. And LOVE the cat ears on Brian’s dad….. MOL Purrs to Jazz….
Random Felines – I am glad you appreciated my perspective on this. And I really appreciated my “Triscuit Time” – thank you so much for that!
a wonderful post. While I do not agree that the greater suffering of others invalidates one’s own complications in life, it does tend to shine a light on how some of those ‘complications’ are actually welcome. As much as we all don’t like scooping, we all welcome it as a part of the joy that is cat ownership.
I do love that you got Terry in cat ears 🙂
Connie – you are so right about the litter scooping – much as it is an endless job, I would not have it any other way and it is part of the joys of being a cat parent!!!
Lovely! Great photos and writeup. I know what you mean about feeling torn about talking about BlogPaws after the folks in OK got hit by that massive tornado. It’s still important for people to know that cat and dog bloggers who care about animals and who rescue them get together to figure out more ways to help pets in need. So in a way, it’s perfectly fitting to talk about our weekend. Big hugs to you!
Thank you Robin – big hugs back to you and I do realize that us bloggers to help play an important role in the rescue and recovery of animals after tragic events like these. xoxo
Deb, did you get to meet Eldad Hagar from Hope for Paws in California? He is an awesome person who rescues animals from the streets..check out some of his videos he makes of his rescues..You will be hooked and want to watch all of his youtube videos. Watch the video of Fiona http://www.youtube.com/eldad75 and you will be amazed by this man. I am a 100% cat lover and most of his rescues are dogs but I love what he and his wife do. They are like angels from heaven.
Deb – I did get to meet Eldad and he truly is amazing. He shared a video on Janie, the little dog that was run over by a car and the whole room was in tears. I so admire his organization and they work absolute miracles!
The photos are fab, Deb! It’s so great seeing all my favorite blogger buddies together in one place – I just wish I could have been there. See you in Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your reflections and photos from what was a wonderful event, Deb. It was such a pleasure meeting you, and so many others in this wonderful community, in person. 🙂
Meowmeowmans – it was an absolute pleasure meeting you and Tracy – talk about two people who inspire!! I’m glad you enjoyed my write up and if Tracy ever needs a new home for her leopard purse, you know where to find me!
You know the Woman was talking to the man about rising stars. The other day our cleaning lady was talking about a cat video and the Woman knew the cat! And she laughed because she knew the cat from BlogPaws more than anything. It is quite funny how we have become quite the group as far as pet bloggers-Will you be there in Vegas? The Woman already purchased her ticket (but not for the hotel just yet).
Cheysuli – how cool is that!!! We really have become quite the group and I am so proud of us! I am sure I will be in Vegas, but I have not registered yet. So glad to hear your human will be there!!
Deb, my dear friend, you are the EPITOME of class! It was a complete joy re-connecting with you at BlogPaws 2013…YOU my friend are a TRUE “rock star” There are few people in the world like Terry, Christine and YOU and I am honored to call you my friend.
Thank you for sharing your love of ALL animals, not just cats. Being “bi-petual”, and going to BlogPaws for the first time as a Cat AND Dog blogger, was a new experience for me.
Thank you for the shout out, thank you for acknowledging those of us who may not have the traditional “awards” to add to our resume, but to me, the BIGGEST “award” of all is the love, respect, and appreciation that you have just given to me and to all of us who do this for the purest of reasons…….simply because we LOVE ANIMALS!
You, Deb Barnes are a TRUE Rock Star and I love you!
Well Caren, now you’ve gone and done it. I just read your comment and am now crying at work!!! Thank you for your kind words and you know how I feel about you. You were literally one of my very first friends I made because of blogging and I will always have a soft spot for you because of that. We have been through thick and thin together in the blogging world and I know that you will always be there for me and vice versa.
I do love all animals and you were the one who referred to me as having a “blue light” aura when it comes to animals and I did not know what it meant at the time. I do now and that is the highest compliment you could give me. As far as the awards, well, it truly is subjective and that is why it is so important to me to acknowledge the devotion, passion, and talent of those around me. We are all winners.
I love you too and am passing a computer hug your way!! xoxoxo
Deb
Such a beautiful moving summary of BlogPaws. I’m honored to have been in the presence of famous bloggers who are making a difference in lives of pets in various ways. You all inspire me.
Love all the photos! The highlight was definitely meeting Terry Frum–he is such a cat heroe. Love cat men!
I’m proud to be called your friend and partner in raising awareness of pet issues. Little by little we are making a difference!
Christine – I could not think of a better partner than you and I am so blessed to have you as a friend. We are making a difference and it makes me so proud to be a part of Pawsitively Humane with you. And yes, meeting Terry was a highlight for me too!
Deb, what a great write up about the conference. I wanted to attend but didn’t have the cash. I was waiting to read your post on it and you didn’t disappoint! Loved the photos (and the leopard outfit).
Beverly – I am so glad I did not disappoint you and I hope that we will be able to see you in attendance one of these years!!
As always, it was SO great to spend time with you, my dear! What a fun conference!! xo
Hugs, Purrs, and Kisses back to you, Angie!
Deb,
What a wonderful summary of BlogPaws…and putting it all into perspective. This was my first (but not last!) BlogPaws and I really enjoyed meeting and connecting with other cat bloggers. It truly inspired me. I have to say, one of the highlights for me was meeting you! Thanks so much for the shout-out, too. 🙂
Sue
aka the lady with the yellow hair
Sue – so, so glad we finally got to meet! Count me as one of the many who thought you lived on a remote, tropical island!! It was my pleaure to share a shout-out and I look forward to seeing you again next year!
Lovely pictures and write up–and I agree with the sentiment. It’s about the people-pet-connections, just a wonderful culture of community. Great to see you there!
Amy – whether it be CWA or BlogPaws, I always enjoy spending time with you. You inspire so many and you are the creme de la creme when it comes to mentoring!
It looks like you had a great time at BlogPaws! We loved the pics!
The Florida Furkids
I did have a great time Florida Furkids and am glad you enjoyed the pictures!
Deb,
This post is amazing. Perspective is everything and I love your perspective. Coming out of the conference is always a whirlwind of emotions, but my heart always wins. I always end up feeling connected with so many people on a level that speaks louder than anything else. Community is right. Rock stars and mentors opening up their arms for new comers to build on the Community with pets in mind is a treasure. You are a rock star. I’m sending you a huge hug right now.
Chloe
Well Chole, first Caren got me crying, now you. Thank you so much for your kind words. Knowing that this post was special to you means the world to me – all of you who organized the conference did an amazing job and you deserve a standing ovation for all of your effort and dedication. You are a rock star as well and the hug is heading right back at you!
deer mizzuz zee…..pretty kewl how de werd mizzuz matches Zee & Zoey huh….kinda like ZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZzzzzzzz
knot that ewe just made uz take a nap…like snooze ZZZZzzzzzZZZzzzzz’s…but de hole Z thing…..
ok then ~~~~~
sew we wanted ta tell ewe… another grate post N when we reeded
“as the last picture will show you, my dream did come true’
we copied N glooed that ther…..when we reeded that we said ta R selves
cranberries N whoa…her saw Ellen…..
then we toll r selves knot ta skip a head ta de end…like when yur reedin a book….
N we saw brian’s dad in cat earz…..!!!! dood….terry…brian’s never gonna let ewe get outta this one !!!
Oh… da tabbies… You had me going for a minute! Did Ellen call me while I was away at BlogPaws? I’m sure that’s what happened…
LOL on Terry’s Brian…
Looks like a good time was had by all. Glad you were able to make it.
Perspective is important!
Jansfunnyfarm – a dose of perspective is a good thing now and again!
Deb, nice to meet you & great write-up! Maybe “Flat Selina” will be able to join ya’ll next time! (Oh, and me too. LOL)
Glad you enjoyed it & the photos are great!
Love
Selina & MomKatt Laura
Selina – I hope I can meet your flat cat version next time and it was wonderful meeting the human!
Glad everyone had such a good time. Love the pictures. They were great.
Glad you enjoyed the pictures, Marg! No donkeys at BlogPaws, but lots of dogs and some cats!