southern fried gal

I found out late this past Friday that a group of Arkansas Women Bloggers were meeting at the Arkansas Museum of Discovery on Saturday from 11 – 1 and it was an open invitation.As soon as I found out and without thinking I decided to RSVP yes. After doing so, my head filled with chatter for the remaining waking hours.

I’m going. It will be fun. I really shouldn’t go. I’ve already committed. What if no one talks to me. What if I can’t stand up straight because of this darn knee and back injury? It will be so much fun to connect with other Arkansas ladies. I really want to meet my local twitter gals. Maybe I will learn something. What if I can’t find anything to wear? My hair is so gross – I really need a haircut. What if someone takes my picture? Maybe I won’t go. But I really should. Agghhh! Serenity Now!!!

On Saturday I reluctantly rolled out of the bed (at 10 am) and into the shower. I tried my best to talk myself out of going to the meeting but in the end good reasoning won out. I had DH drive Miss Daisy (that would be me) to the event so I wouldn’t have to hobble all over downtown. I tried to walk tall (thanks to the drugs) and with confidence but inside it felt like my first day of Junior High. Can you relate?

I saw a few familiar faces (@KatieMcManners @SavannahB @audcole @amybhole @kerrijack @kat22stl among others), all local Twitter buddies. We had not met IRL. I gravitated to them and introduced myself. We exchanged hugs and it felt like I had known these gals for years!

After being called into session by Stephanie (aka The Park Wife) we did an ice-breaker exercise that was much like speed-dating. I’ve been married for 10+ years so what the heck do I know about dating? It took me a bit to get warmed up and in the end I met some really cool gals like Kat @ Tie Dye Travels, Gina @ Desperately Seeking Gina (she did the fabulous photo collage above), Julie @ Eggs and Herbs (and Arkansas Women Bloggers), Fawn @ Instead of the Dishes (and Arkansas Women Bloggers), Pris @ Arkansas Ties and the gals @ Our Looneyverse!

Next, we grabbed lunch generously provided by the sponsors, Petit Jean Meats, Kroger, Momcation, Cupcake Crazy Arkansas and Boulevard Bread Company. All I can say is yum.

While we ate, LaTonya shared ideas for finding your voice on your blog. That girl is a hoot – I don’t care what her kids say! Then Kyran @ Planting Dandelions shared with us the satisfaction she receives from her blog, having influence, and how important it is to not dwell on blog stats. Can I get a witness?

There were lots of door prizes and I won a Beefalo Sampler! I’m not sure what that is exactly but it sounds like something my carnivores will enjoy.

I’m so happy I got out of the comfort zone, silenced the voices in my head (at least for a couple of hours) and enjoyed the fellowship of new friends.

Have you stepped outside your comfort zone lately? If not, get to it!

~Southern Fried Gal

This post linked up to Arkansas Women Bloggers.