My Camp Blogaway Wrap Up

In my house, I have a magical kitchen sink. Everyone in my family places their dirty dishes, cups and utensils in this magic sink. And, without them ever lifting a finger, the dishes get washed. Of course, we can guess who makes the magic happen. Of course, it’s me. The same seems to go with the clutter around the house. I returned from my amazing weekend with food bloggers at Camp Blogaway on Sunday. My husband had taken the kids off to a cub scout camp with over a dozen other families the same weekend. The house was littered from the front door to the back with their camping paraphernalia. The kitchen sink that was empty when I left, was filled with dirty dishes. Reality hit me hard in the face.

I spent most of yesterday visiting my new blogging friends’ sites, and picking up the house. You know, making the magic happen. Did I mention I have sick boys home, too?

I slowly put things in their place and cleaned the kitchen and the dishes. I would pass my magical sink and found it quickly filled with dishes from breakfast and lunch.

Sigh. Wash, wash, wash.

My husband came home, saw the empty sink and made some more contributions to it: camping items hiding in the garage, waiting to be washed. Magically, they were washed.

Don’t get me wrong. The hubby does wash dishes. Of course it tends to be when my parents are visiting or after a big party. But, every other day, it’s my job.

I suppose I could get bogged down with this reality. But I won’t. I’m still on my camp-high.

For the first time in over ten years I went away for the weekend, without a husband or kids. Big step. I thought I would be a blubbering idiot, moping and missing my kids. Luckily, Patti kept us busy at camp. SUPER busy. Each hour was filled with something to learn. I sat at a different table each time and went out of my comfort zone to introduce myself to strangers.

I drove with my friend, Lori (RecipeGirl) and we talked about family, school, the importance of Twitter and other food blogging tips. I learned even more at camp.

With Joy the Baker and Worth the Whisk, we discussed the importance (or not) of SEO and Google.

I talked techie analytics with Greg at Sippity Sup, Andrew from Eating Rules and Erika from In Erika’s Kitchen.

We learned how our fellow bloggers handle the stress of blogging, even though it’s mostly self-induced. We talked PR, vlogging and your bonafide community.

I hijacked a Hassleback potato with La Fuji Mama and A Communal Table, and found out I wasn’t the only contortionist food blogger, trying to get the perfect shot.

Thanks to Chef Louise and her Watermelon Limeade!

I showed up at Camp Blogaway wondering if I belonged there. I never attended a blogging convention. I only knew a handful of people, and I’m not one to chat it up with complete strangers. But, by the end of camp, I was hugging my new friends and trying to say good-bye to every single person I met. Lori patiently waited for me to wrap it up, so we could head home.

I had a great time and I will definitely be back next year.