Tuesday, May 06, 2008

blogs as a healing force

A while back, I put in a proposal to speak at the BlogHer conference (taking place from July 18-20 in San Francisco). A few weeks later, BlogHer founder Elisa Camahort, wrote back to say that, in fact they did have a panel that she thought would be "right up my alley."

Never one to leave a good metaphor unflogged, I responded excitedly that the panel sounded like it was not only "up my alley" but "parked in front of my house!"

It's called "Blogs as a Healing Force." I started this blog as a way to work things through and to communicate with loved ones. I had no idea it would become so much more. My online community (and I include folks I see in person and those I have never met face to face) has come to mean a great deal to me. Writing it has kept me sane through some of the darkest times. I even wrote a love letter to my blog when my lap top and I were reunited after a stay in hospital!

It will be a privilege to share my thoughts and experiences at BlogHer.

Speaking of privileges, I am a little in awe of my co-panelists:

Babz (who I first mentioned in this blog on Blog Day last year), who writes LoveBabz: A Life in Transition.

Susan (aka WhyMommy), who blogs at Toddler Planet.

Christine, of flutter: dark and divine.

I started to describe each of their blogs and decided that I couldn't do it as well as each of them already has. They are all beautiful, powerful writers. Each of them has left me speechless, moved me and made me cry. It will be such an honour to speak beside them.

9 comments:

Dee said...

Hi Laurie,
I think the academic world is beginning to take notice of these blogs ... so I would love to hear how BlogHer and your "Blogs as a Healing Force" panel go. I'd like to go to it, but am not sure I can, although I might try to find funding for it.

At any rate, Jeanne and I have briefly talked about maybe coediting a volume on blogging about illness - we thought about introducing such a volume at her Cancer Blogger's Reunion in July. Just wanted to put that bug in your ear . . .

flutter said...

I am so excited to meet you and to speak with you. Thank you for being such a positive force out here, in blog world

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful! I'll look forward to seeing you again this year.

Anonymous said...

You would be an asset on any panel, even if the subject were only parked in front of the grocery store on the other side of town. :)

And I wouldn't even know you if you didn't have a blog. Pretty cool, this bloggery, I must say, and much more than I expected as well.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

I am sooo stealing this post! This is going to be magical! I feel it already!

Anonymous said...

I wish I could go to BlogHer, but sadly I can't. What an amazing idea for a panel and what an amazing cast of panelists. I look forward to hearing about it.

Mom2Amara said...

Again may I say that I am saddened I won't get to hear you speak at Blogher :( But I know you'll rock the house!

Hope you're have a fab Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

For sure your blog is more than a healing force, you are an inspiration and a stronge energy for all of us

Mary P Jones (MPJ) said...

I love it. I am thinking of going to BlogHer this year -- and this is giving me a little added motivation!