Cat Ears and All – The BlogPaws Experience
Click image to be taken to BlogPaws registration page.
Yes – there’s the informative seminars from intermediate to advanced levels on just about any topic you can imagine to strengthen and improve your blogging presence and skills; there’s the sponsors and networking opportunities with some of the biggest names in the pet industry; and there’s the incredibly talented and motivational keynote speakers that will leave you feeling empowered and invigorated. There’s all that at a BlogPaws Conference – but there’s so much more – the intrinsic value of going to a BlogPaws Conference that you just can’t put a price tag on.
With the annual BlogPaws Conference less than two weeks away, I’m beside myself excited to be attending and it’s hard to put into words all the reasons why. Part of it is for the above reasons, but for me, the implications of attending are far greater, extending to a very personal and special meaning. I’ve been attending BlogPaws since 2011 but last year, due to financial circumstances, I was unable to go. I was happy for all my friends and colleagues that got to attend, but I felt a tiny hole in my heart as I “watched” the events from the social sidelines of Facebook.
The year before that, I was able to go, but my state of mind was extremely fragile and it was hard for me to fully commit myself emotionally – this was the time frame when my beloved Mr. Jazz was starting his downhill decline health wise and I knew my days with him would be numbered. I was blessed with 3 months with him after the conference and his death was the impetus to my second book, Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life Death, and Beyond. That’s why this year is so particularly poignant, as nearly two years later, I will be unveiling the book for the first time in a physical sense – and even more touching – so many of the people that endorsed the book will also be there, such as Ingrid King of The Conscious Cat; Caren Gittleman of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody; Amy Shojai, CABC, author and a founder of the Cat Writers’ Association; Layla Morgan-Wilde, of Cat Wisdom 101; Christine Michaels, founder of Pawsitively Humane; and Joanne McGonagle of The Tiniest Tiger; along with Steve Dale, CABC, syndicated radio host, and syndicated newspaper columnist who wrote the Foreword.
How fitting for me – Ingrid King and Caren Gittleman both contributed endorsements for my first book, The Chronicles of Zee and Zoey, and they have both contributed to Purr Prints. Of even more significance, Ingrid will tell you that I am the only one she has ever bestowed with the honor of donning cat ears for! Meow!
Sweet Pixel is seen sporting a leopard harness that she got as a tribute to our friendship!! Aww! Heart melt…
I can’t wait to thank them all in person, but I am sad to say someone who I really wanted to thank in person that played a significant role in my Jazz story, Jenny Lewis of the blog Pixel Blue Eyes – Her Tail of Adventure, won’t be there. Jenny was my guardian angel that was sent to me in my time of need and vice versa. She and I had never met before and we had no idea who one another was – me a bona fide cat blogger and she a bona fide dog blogger. But fate knew better. Jenny found herself with an unexpected off-site meeting that did not allow dogs and I was in the throes of a deep depression worrying about Jazz. I overheard her predicament and volunteered to take care of Pixel while she attended her meeting. It was a Godsend for both of us – she got to attend her meeting in peace and I was calmed down by being able to hug and pet Pixel for a couple of hours. Jenny and I have been friends ever since and she has a heart of gold. Unfortunately, Pixel is not in the best of health so she can’t come this year- please click here to read Pixel’s story. I’m sure Jenny would appreciate some support, and that to me is also what BlogPaws is about – a loving group of people who care about one another. Those bonds run deep and the friendships are never forgotten.
Pixel and I bonding in 2013. She did have a leash but preferred me carrying her around!
Speaking of that – hanging out with old friends, meeting new ones, and the overall camaraderie that pervades the conference is euphoric. It’s incredible to be around so many like-minded people who you care so much about. Not to mention the cats, and the dogs, and the ferrets, and the cats in strollers, and the dogs in costumes and so much more! And there is also a special cat lounge just for us kitty connoisseurs and there will be a table devoted to the Cat Writers Association! For someone like me who misses her cats like crazy when she travels, having all of this kitty love and friendship around me makes it so much easier.
Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat holding Triscuit the foster kitten from Random Felines at BlogPaws 2013 – one of the many kitties I was able to hold to get my “kitty fix.”
Karen Nichols of Mousebreath – we clicked right away as you can well imagine… we both travel with all kinds of fun cat accessories!
One of my favorite parts of BlogPaws is catching up with Teri Thorsteinson of Curlz and Swirlz. She is a BlogPaws ambassador this year and is always so kind, helpful, and friendly. Plus, she always brings one of her Cornish Rex kitties with her!
I did mention there will be a cat lounge… right? So many great cat products to look at and so much great swag to bring home!
It’s not just about the cats… BlogPaws has so many great dogs that come to the conference too! I loved meeting Snoopy back in 2012 in Salt Lake City. What a sweetheart!
And of course, who could forget Carma Poodale? She and her human, Bunny Allen are some of my favorite beings in this world and I can’t wait to see them again this year!
And then there’s the wonderful news that Zee and Zoey’s blog has been nominated for “Best Cat Blog” for the Nose-to-Nose Pet Blogging and Social Media Awards that will be held Saturday night. I truly don’t expect a win – the talent of the competition is through the roof – but to be a part of the event – oh my goodness!!! I am so excited and can’t wait to proudly walk down that red carpet with all of my fellow bloggers. Not to mention, how cool is it to be pampered like a celebrity, surrounded by paparazzi, walking down a red carpet while dressed to the nines?
An explosion of leopard – how a leopard loving cat lady packs for a BlogPaws conference!
Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats and I walking the red carpet at BlogPaws 2013. Win or lose, having Christine as a friend is the best award I could ever get. Christine will be rooming with me this year and she is also up for an award for Best Use of Social Media by a 501(c)3.
For someone like me, getting to unleash my inner leopard lady to full, high-style, cat-ear wearing extremes – well, it doesn’t get much better than that! Then there is always the challenge for me – who will be my newest victim in my quest of taking pictures of someone with me wearing a pair of my cat ears? I love the whole concept – it helps break the ice for conversation and has kind of become a “thing.” My crowning moments are those that involve shy guys who say they don’t want a picture taken but really do. We already know this, REAL MEN DO LOVE CATS and real mean really do love having their picture taken while wearing cat ears with ladies in leopard print. It’s truly that simple.
Good sport number one – Terry Frum of Brian’s Home looks quite dapper wearing a pair of cat ears!
Dino Dogan of Triberr – one of my cat ears crowning moments of glory! Who will be next? Any suggestions as to who you would like to see wearing a pair of my cat ears?
Hmmm… Now there’s someone I would like to see cat ears on! None other than my great friend and mentor, Mr. Steve Dale! This was him with Christine and I at BlogPaws 2012.
Whew… I’m getting all wound up just thinking about it all! And it’s still not too late – if you were considering going, click here for registration information. And keep in mind, the conference is not just valuable for bloggers – maybe you are in a rescue organization and want to learn more about social media to grow your presence, or maybe you are an aspiring author who wants to learn how to blog to grow your audience. I will be part of a fantastic panel on Thursday in conjunction with the Cat Writers’ Association along with talented cohorts, Layla Morgan Wilde of Cat Wisdom 101; Alana Grelyak of the CatInTheFridge, and Janiss Garza of Sparkle Cat, entitled “Bridging the Gap Between Bloggers and Journalism.” It’s going to be a great discussion and we are hoping for lots of questions from the audience.
If you are thinking of going, please be sure to use my speaker discount code, CODE BP15-Speaker-10off to receive 10% your registration. Can’t wait to see everyone and just a quick question, if you ever have gone to a BlogPaws, what did the experience mean to you?
BlogPaws is all about the pets and the people… but don’t get me started about the flat pets. This was flat pet Zee and Zoey spending some alone time in my hotel room while I was attending a seminar… It looks innocent enough, being that they are both spayed and neutered… but still…
To read the latest on Purr Prints of the Heart, please check out this great review here by Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats/Pawsitively Humane who gives her perspective as a guardian to a couple of senior pets.
I can’t wait to see you – cat ears and all… 🙂
Look forward to seeing you Ingrid!
Thank you for being such a trooper with me, Ingrid!! I can’t wait to see you either!
Hi Deb!
What a wonderful blog post down memory lane of BlogPaws past. Since we are all expert bloggers now, no doubt for us the biggest benefit is connecting with our fellow blogging friends, for we are all friends!
Cant wait to see you! And you know you can always ask me to take photos of you in full leopard regalia!!
Except who will take of us? Don’t worry. I ask complete strangers all the time to take photos of me since Cat Woman works solo. haha!
Christine – I have seriously doubt we will have a lack of pictures, or people willing to take pictures of us!! Can’t wait to see you either!
Dearest Deb,
I am so moved by the loving and beautiful tribute that you wrote about our meeting and special time spent at BlogPaws 2013. I will always treasure it in my heart. Thank you so much my friend. I am so embarrased that I blinked in that photo of you and me together though. I must have been absorbing all the love you were giving me at that moment. 🙂
I do wish Mommy Jenny and I could be there this year. I will be thinking about you and reading everyone’s updates on Facebook and blogs. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures there! (I’m hoping you win too!)
I will be sharing this post on my blog as well.
With love, Pixel
You are so very welcome, Pixel. You and your Mommy will always hold a soft spot in my heart and you both will be with me in spirit this year. xoxoxo
Ohhh I LOVED this! Tried to pin it but your pin button isn’t working!
Thanks for the shout out!
I am COMPLETELY HONORED to have been given the opportunity to endorse BOTH of your amazing books, you KNOW how I adored Purr Prints!
That photo with you, Ingrid and I is sooo much fun!
Cannot WAIT to see you!
I LOVE all of the photos!
xoxo
Thank Caren – looking into the Pinterest thing! Can’t wait to take picture number two – just this time it will be with Purr Prints!! Thank you for sharing my journey and see you soon!!! xoxoxoxoo
Mom’s excited…..and promises to have a kitten for you to smooch.
Random Felines – you are like an IV lifeline for us cat lovers!!
That was such a fun post and lots of great memories! My Dad sure wishes he could go but Since I am not doing well he is staying home to be with me.
We understand, Brian. We will all miss your Dad very much and sure do hope you will get better soon…
Great minds think alike. I posted a Blogpaws blurb today at CWA and Cat Wisdom 101. OMC, where’s a pic of you and me? Yes, I’m bringing cat ears and can’t wait to see you!
MOL Layla… I do have pics of us, just not any from BlogPaws. I have only seen you at the CWA Conferences – so happy that this year I can have a BlogPaws picture of you and I together!!
It’s not an understatement from me, that one of the highlights of BlogPaws conferences is being in your presence! I got a little emotional looking at your lovely photos of past BlogPaws conferences and am so excited that you will be there this year, and speaking too! You are a fabulous lady and true animal advocate! I am proud to call you friend!
Oh gosh, Teri… now you have me all emotional! Thank you for your kindness – you have always been so supportive and you are just as fabulous, caring, and compassionate! I can’t wait to see you either!
Sounds like a lot of fun! We wish we could go, but maybe sometime. Have a great time!
We sure do hope you can go sometime soon, PDX pride!
So many people she would love to meet in person, so much fun and interest… Mum knows she’ll attend BlogPaws Conference once in her life ; she doesn’t know when, but she knows that it will happen ! Purrs
Swiss Cats – Anything is possible and we hope Mum can attend one day soon so we can meet her!
Looking paw-ward to seeing you and let’s be sure to get pics this time. I am a cat lover, too.
It’s a deal, Carol! Can’t wait to see you!
It just seems like so much fun!! Have a great time 🙂 xx
Thank you Carolyn! xoxo
This is the third year that I’ve been aware of BlogPaws, and the third year that I’m unable to go. I read your post with excitement and enthusiasm for you and all the attendees who will be able to take part in such a wonderful experience. My biggest regret in not attending is missing the opportunity to meet in person people I admire deeply…and of course you are one of those people! I’ll be paying attention to social media for updates from everyone on the happenings. Have a wonderful time!
Oh Laura – you would love a BlogPaws and I do hope one year you are able to attend. The feeling is mutual – I admire you as well and meeting you would be one of my top wishes!
Have a FUN FUN FUN time at blogpaws Deb, looking forward to reading about this
year’s conference on a future blog post; best fishes to you, sell a bazillion copies of
dood Jazz’s book while there….and have a safe journey as well ♥♥♥ Laura
Awww… thank you so much tabbies! You will be with me in spirit!