Bloggers in the flesh

There is nothing better than meeting bloggers in the flesh, so to speak. There’s often that first moment of awkwardness when you first meet – you know all about their life, they know all about yours, you think you know their name, but you might be wrong, they look as if they recognise you, but you’re not absolutely sure if they do or if they’ve mistaken you for someone else - and you’re thinking all this as you stand in front of someone you’ve never met before aware that they are thinking exactly the same thing about you.

You’ll attempt to recall their previous blog posts, try to remember the name of their children and any significant events in their lives that should be mentioned on this first meeting, or perhaps shouldn’t; whether they work, whether you should know whether they work and if they’re married or recently divorced, so as to make a reasonably good impression and not fall at the first hurdle with a major gaff.

Then you really hope you are matching the right blogger with the right blog, that they have read your name badge properly and aren’t actually thinking you are someone else when they tell you they love your blog and you return the compliment. But all this passes in a matter of minutes, and then it’s all okay.

It’s worth the initial nervousness, then you can relax and quickly start a debate about blogging or tweeting and finding enough hours in the day, and it’s all okay. You’ve matched the right blogger with the right blog and you haven’t managed to offend their family or insult their friends. Everyone can breathe again.

Which is a slightly over-embellished version of the situation I found myself in a couple of weekends ago meeting Peggy and Michelle for the first time at London Zoo and being reunited once again with Nova, Pippa, Jen, and Sabina .

We were there for the Vosene Families Mother’s Day Out. My main reason for going was to spend some quality time with IJ; she loves zoos so this was the perfect opportunity.  Meeting some of my favourite blogging friends was an added bonus and we enjoyed an event that was incredibly well organised with a magician, face painting, card decorating and a whole range of other kids’ activities which meant the grown-ups could sit and put the world to rights while the kids were entertained.

It is one of the best weekends we’ve had in a long time and it’s encouraged us to plan more days out together, so we owe a huge thank you to @Vosenefamilies.

During the event we were told about a competition they are running to find the Vosene Family of 2011. Each month they are focusing on a different value from sharing to belonging, fun and time together to trust and there are some fabulous prizes on offer. The winner of each month goes through to the final to win the grand prize... an amazing family holiday worth up to £10,000. Full details are available on the Vosene Families website.

Full disclosure: Vosene paid for us to travel to London and covered our entry to the zoo.

Comments

[northernmum]

sounds like you all had a great day. you first paragraph made me laugh I am off to blogcamp soon and worried I will make a huge gaff in moments if i mix up slummymummy with yummymummy or twinmum with twomum etc.....

thanks for reassurance

[CherishedByMe]

Great post and lots of truth...I often get so nervous at these events and wonder why I am putting myself through it but I had a really lovely day and so did the children. It was so relaxing and fun too. Was great to catch up/meet everyone in relaxing surroundings. The children didn't want to leave the room so we didn't spend that much time walking around the zoo. :) xx

[stigmum]

This year I thought of bracing myself (tightly!) and going to cybermummy. Be so scary for me but hells bells, posts you write like this one makes me think 'oh why not?!) Anyway, not going (zzz £) but definitely some other time if I stick around because it would be nice to meet you and others I follow! Glad you had a great time!

[Lorraine The Party Times]

sounds like fun was had by all!

[Susan Mann]

Looks like such an amazing day x