Runs-with-Blobs

I really should have mentioned this weeks ago, in case any local readers were interested in participating, but I am presenting the above-mentioned workshop at the Riversong conference today at the Peabody Hotel, downtown Little Rock.

The theme of the conference is "Flowing With the Creative Spirit," and I've been asked to talk about something you know I am very passionate about: blogging as a vehicle for self-expression and creativity. Blog for blog's sake, so to speak.

I'm especially excited that my workshop is specifically directed at women, because I am increasingly convinced that this matrix-shaped medium is a natural overlay for the way women tend to communicate. It mirrors the way we build community, share multilaterally, motivate and mobilize one another.

So many blogs embody these strengths, the hardest bit in writing this workshop is narrowing down the list of examples. I plan to talk about Jen Ballantyne, faithful Notes reader and commenter, who is using her blog, The Comfy Place as a haven where she can speak openly and honestly about living with terminal cancer, for which offline society affords precious little opportunity.

I plan to introduce them to Kate Inglis, whose Sweet Salty takes what would otherwise be the most private, intimate expression of grief over the loss of a child and transforms it into a community of support to which mothers bereaved and not, are drawn in by the thousands, to console, to share, to express gratitude for life on life's terms.

You know I am going to turn them on to my beloved friend and soulsister, Jen Lemen, who makes social change feel personal, approachable, and possible.

And how about that Melissa, that Alice, and that Heather, who keep it so real, and are attacked in the most vicious ways for it, for daring to write about daily life as a mother as if it were important. As if it were at all interesting, legitimate or worthwhile.

So many women bloggers I admire and adore who write from outside, inside, and beyond motherhood. Too many for me to list here in the little bit of time I have before I have to go, and so many for me to draw from in my workshop, that you should be glad I didn't tell you in advance and you can't be there. I may have to go on for days.

But even more than the show-n-tell, the prospect of inspiring other women to start blogging; to see their own lives as rich and interesting and full of story, that's the golden ring. Whatever else comes out of todays session, I hope to convince someone that it's okay to talk about yourself. Somebody, somewhere, wants and needs to hear that story that only you can share. And the person who will grow the most from your sharing it might just be you.