Wordful Wednesday: Blogalicious--Believe It!

Um....WOW! That's the only way I can sum it up--WOW! This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the Blogalicious 2009 conference (social media conference for women of color and all who are interested) in Atlanta, GA. This is my first blogging conference, and it was truly awesome! Everyone who had been to other conferences said that Blogalicious was the best conference they had ever attended, from the camaraderie, to the swag, to the accommodations, to the sessions, to the food and entertainment. The fabulous Justices of the MamaLaw Media Group did it up big with style and class. I cried every time someone got up and gave a heartfelt speech (partly because they were moving and partly because my hormones are a mess due to the little person who has taken up residence inside of my body). We spent a jammed pack weekend full of networking, learning how to improve our blogs and social media presence, showing marketers that we do have a voice, partying, and connecting with some of the most inspirational women I have ever met in my life. Kudos to Nadia, Nyasha, and Stacie (MamaLaw Media Group)! You ladies have truly outdone yourselves. I can't wait until Blogalicious 2010 in Miami, FL!

Here are some pictures and highlights of the conference:

Disney Interactive's Luncheon on Saturday: We had a great New Orleans style lunch in honor of The Princess and the Frog which hits theaters November 25, 2009. Princess Tiana is Disney's first Black fairy tale princess. They also had the new Princess Tiana Wii game for us to test out.
Karen Walrond, author of The Beauty of Different. She's a dynamic and inspirational speaker who brought us all to our feet, and of course, me to tears.

Disney Interactive Luncheon

Marketing to women of color panelist discussion

Omanster and James Andrews aka KeyInfluencer djing The Blogrollers Party. It was off the hook! People are still talking about how fun it was. There were even some brief celebrity appearances. Congrats to Lorraine and Christie for throwing a fabulous party!

Justice Fergie on UStream at The Blogrollers' party.

The Chatterbox aka Christie aka 1/2 of The Blogrollers with Justice Fergie and Jonesie of Mamalaw.

The Justices of Mamlaw

Suave Brunch

The writing genius, Denene Millner of My Brown Baby brought the entire room to tears after hear heartfelt speech about her rise to fame and the loss of her beloved mother.

The new artist, Priscilla Renea put it down with 2 songs from her upcoming debut album Jukebox which drops on December 1, 2009.

Christie and Fiona of Bantering Blonde

Me and my big sis. We look a bit of a hot mess after crying our eyes out over Denene's speech and Priscilla's songs.

The Blogrollers with Gwen Peake of the Duck Walk.

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I'm Featured Today!

Okay.   I know I have been beyond absent from the blogosphere, and I have the same excuse as always.  I've been traveling and working nonstop since the beginning of May.  Please forgive me.  I am now on a MUCH NEEDED vacation in my hometown of Silver Spring, Maryland.  I have finally slowed down, and I am experiencing the worst back pain of my life.  Anyway, enough about my aches and pains because even in my absence, I am The Blogrollers' featured blogger today!!!  I am so honored that the Chatterbox and Wifey are giving me some love on their awesome blog today.  Hop on over there and check it out.  I promise I will be posting and commenting regularly again over the summer.  Thanks for continuing to be faithful followers in the midst of my mess.  You guys are the best!

~Joan

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The Blog Rollers' 4th Wheel Contest: Can I roll?

I'm sure most of you have heard about the Blog Rollers' 4th Wheel Contest to win a ticket to Blogher in Chicago. Well, you know I'm trying to win, so hopefully my video is enough to get my butt in that Chevy. I tried 4 different video editing programs to get this stinkin video to work and the sound on the video is still off.....so just pretend my mouth is moving at the same time as my words. Cross your fingers and your toes!



~Joan

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PoleLaTeaz Birthday

First let me give a big birthday shout out to Wifey at Ask Wifey! Last week a group of us went out to celebrate her birthday Player's Club style. We all got the chance to let down our hair and embrace our inner Sasha Fierce (Beyonce), Diamond (Player's Club), and Chardonnay (For the Love of Ray J). Angela of PoleLaTeaz (pronounced pole-la-tease) gave us a fabulous introductory pole dancing class. To say we had a blast is a complete understatement. I personally was shocked at how much fun I had. I had so many inhibitions going into the class. I thought I would be too uncomfortable to swing on the pole in front of people, and I was extremely fearful of breaking my leg or something. Let me just say, if you have not tried pole dancing, it's a great workout. Check out PoleLaTeaz if you are in the Atlanta area. You won't be sorry! And in case anyone is curious, those are not my feet in those heels above. My feet were absolutely killing me in the grandma heels that I was wearing. I'm a flats kinda gal.

Aren't we fierce?! Look closely......you may see some faces you recognize :)

I can honestly say that there are very few experiences that I haven't shared with my dear sister. This is one for the books! Go to Ask Wifey and The Blogrollers (PoleLaTeaz post) to show Wifey some birthday love! Happy Birthday Wifey!

~Joan

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