This morning I heard the news that we lost a woman of incredible valor. I’ve absorbed her words, envied her confidence, and admired the grace with which she conducted herself. I had intended to share some news today, but it somehow felt inappropriate. And then I read this quote shared on Oprah Winfrey’s site. She said one of the best lessons that she learned from Dr. Angelou was this: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” It was then that I realized this was exactly the kind of news I should be sharing.
A few months ago, I applied for a scholarship to the Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Barbara County. A SAHM doesn’t exactly earn a salary, so it would hard to justify the expense, but I knew it was a unique learning opportunity. I have connected with so many other writers online. I have found mentors and support, encouragement and inspiration.
In August, I will have been writing for three years. I have not yet acquired any certifications or attended any seminars. I have yet to take it to the next level or monetize my blog. With the changes in Facebook policies it seems my reach has lessened. At times, it can feel as if what I am doing doesn’t really “count.” But I want it to matter. I want to build something of value, monetary or otherwise. I want to reach beyond, to connect, to be seen. And although my current schedule allows minimal time for exploration and writing, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My children are growing and I want to grow with them.
Yesterday afternoon, I was beginning to write when I saw the email pop up in the corner. “Congratulations! You have been…” I couldn’t see the full subject line but I assumed it ended with a “…chosen to take a survey.” Or “…have a chance to win a Carnival cruise.” And then I saw the sender: Thea@WBC Scholarship. Holy Moly! What? Me? How? AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
So, I am going! I am beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to meet so many I’ve long admired. I’m so humbled to have been chosen. I am so excited to drink good wine…I mean…have a break from my kids….I MEAN learn from all of the talented writers that will be there. Truly.
Thank you Wine Bloggers Conference Scholarship Committee. Thank you to all of you that donated so that I can be there. Thank you to all of you that will be sharing your insight and wisdom. Thank you for teaching what you’ve learned and giving of what you have.
I will be sharing more about the conference when it is in full swing and as I process. Right now, I would love to hear from those of you that have been. Tips? Water, spit…anything else? Ladies, what to wear? (Have to ask) Friends, when and where will you arrive? depart? Most importantly, when can we toast in person? Yay!!!!
Many thanks to the corporate sponsors that have made this possible:
SAHMmelier 
Amazing achievement! Well deserved.
Lady to lady:
-Wear black…that way if you spill, no ones the wiser
-Wear a statement jewellery piece…makes you stand out nicely, not sore thumb-ly
but if its a necklace make sure it’s not super long. Long necklaces get annoying when your spitting out wine.
– Oh and have fun!
One day…
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Great ideas, thank you!
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Congrats! Enjoy the experience, learn a lot, drink well and have fun in the process! 🙂
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Thank you! I plan on doing all of the above.
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Congratulations! Now, you can no longer say that your blog has no monetary value. It earned you a scholarship! I know exactly what you mean about wanting the blog to count, to matter, to be relevant. I struggle with that all the time. Why am I spending so much time on something that doesn’t even earn money? On the other hand, it has brought us to this wonderful wordpress blogging community. That alone is valuable and enriching. I’m sorry I won’t get to meet you in person. I had planned to go, but then had a schedule conflict. My son leaves for Europe on July 12th. I thought about just giving him directions to the airport, but that seemed wrong somehow. I can’t wait to read all about the conference through the different perspectives of all that are going. Congratulations, again!
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I don’t blame you at all! Always family first. And you’re so right. The fulfillment is worth so much!
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I bow to thee Sahmmelier, congratulations! And yes I agree with all: SPIT! Lessons learned 🙂
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Aw, thanks! I shall perfect my spittoon approach.
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Had planned to go last year but family crisis prevented my participation. This year I will be (back) in class again. Anticipating 2015 as my first WBC… Will look forward to everyone’s posts about this year.
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I’m sorry about your crisis. Hopefully I can return next year.
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All is well now, life moves ever onward. Hoping you can repeat the experience at some point.
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This will be my second conference (#WBC12). Tons, and tons of wine. Spit, spit, spit. I am going to the pre-conference gig in Paso, then getting to the hotel on Thursday. Looking forward to meeting you!
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You too! When do you fly out?
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Congratulations and I do hope that it is a great learning experience for you, and I look forward to your report afterwards.
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Thank you!
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This will be my third conference and my dress has always been casual and comfortable. I, too, have asked myself the same questions as you. Is my blog relevant? I say if it makes you happy, then it’s relevant. Congrats!
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Alissa, this is a wonderful news! Congratulations – and I will see you there – so you can count on at least one familiar face. It will be my first WBC, so I can’t tell you what to expect – but I can answer one of your questions: to spit – yes, absolutely. when presented with large amount of wine to taste, spittoon is your friend. Will be arriving Thursday and leaving Sunday. See you in Santa Barbara!
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Are you flying into lax?
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I’m going to Santa Barbara through LAX, so I have a connection in LAX.
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Would love to do that but it’s so much more!
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Using miles… Also, you might be smiling in the end – I had missed connections before from LAX to SBA…
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