You know that Brady Bunch episode where Cindy gets picked to appear on a television show? And she turns into a complete brat, annoying everybody, totally up herself because she's all famous? Then she goes on the show and becomes terrified and blank and doesn't answer anything?
Yeah.
My talk was kind of like that. It was an utter privilege to be a part of something so cool ... yet, when it was my turn to talk I was so nervous and clammy clamster. My heartbeat was actually moving my badge up and down. I had been so looking forward to it. Alas, I dropped the ball.
I started with stats and what is a mumblogger, demographics, the ripe potential in the Australian blogosphere at the moment ... but I got flustered and stammery. I thought I would walk nonchalantly around the room, with witty confidence, gaily chatting and holding my clicker with style. I just stood in the one spot, frozen. Then I just said, well, that's all the boring stuff out of the way. Now here is my blogging story ....
... and I told my blogging story. My big, fat, messy, wonderful, terrible blogging story. That story is all mine ... all of the ups and downs and joy and mire that I put in here. I am the expert on it, so I spoke much more freely ... (and openly!) ... than I had originally intended. That's ok. I could kind of feel the shift in the room when I started talking from the heart. And everybody was so lovely to me afterwards, when I just wanted to run from the building, all the way down O'Connell Street, far away from the powerpoint clicker.
The best thing was, I met some really fantastic people. My tribe. My homies. People who don't think blogging is odd. (I mean, blogging IS odd, but the people who do it anyway? Awesome.)
Blogging is so important to me. It's really exciting to be a part of the blogosphere down here in Australia at the moment. It's not a passing fad .... it's a revolution.
Viva La Revolución, baby!
::
Photo: A Cajun Down Under
Babe, you were a fucking star.
ReplyDeleteKerri ..... YOU are the star. Mate I saw a twitpic of you yesterday ... what the frickano happened to your finger? Did you get a gambling debt with the mafia? (It's pretty cool.)
ReplyDeleteThat's how it always goes - when you try to be all prepared and organized, you feel stilted. When you go with the flow, everything works. I'm sure you rocked the place once you relaxed and started telling your story!
ReplyDeleteYou were so brave and powerful up there, Eden. It was a privelege to hear your story.xxxx
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't spell today. Stoopid iPhone.; )
ReplyDeleteI was there and you were awesome - very inspiring. Speaking in front of an audience is a long way from typing alone to your computer screen :)
ReplyDeleteBaton Rouge! Baton Rouge!
ReplyDeleteIt's always better to speak from the heart but not everyone can do that, you my friend however, can!
ReplyDeleteYou have so much to be proud of!
x
Eden, I'm sure you were brilliant!
ReplyDeleteHey Eden - I was there (and handed you the microphone :))
ReplyDeleteYou rocked it. Stand out talk of the day.
And I certainly didn't see any Cindy B.
Great to meet you!
Well I for one thought you were a total blathering idiot. I mean, you were a spectacular blathering idiot, so there is that.
ReplyDeleteMwahahahahahahaha.
You were - and are - a fucking legend. Just look coy, blush and take it.
Man, this is one of those times where I curse not having been born in your part of the world...either that or curse not being fabulously wealthy and able to jet in for your conference...which would have been SOOO cool.
ReplyDeleteI miss you lady and we have to set up a skype conference. I read your every post even if I don't comment I am commenting in my head.
XOXOXO
Love and love,
Pam
I'm sure you were amazing! Wish you had a video clip of your presentation on your blog so I could see it!! hint hint?
ReplyDeleteYou owned the room! Everyone was hanging off every word! You did good. Be proud of yourself. I was so glad I was there as the stuff you said about the power of blogging was truly inspiring.
ReplyDeleteTake care lovely lady! Xx
you are wonderful
ReplyDeleteAll the good shit happens in Sydney. Wish I'd been there to hear you speak, sounds like you were excellent.
ReplyDeleteadore you!
ReplyDeleteYou were awesome. My favourite part was when you ended your presentation with "Can I please stop now....." Loved every word.
ReplyDeleteMrs Woog
xox
Loved it! I thought you were fab!
ReplyDeleteYou are truly amazing. Your presentation was the highlight of the day.
ReplyDelete