(blog)star struck

Last month I received an e-mail from the wonderful Sarah Bryden Brown, inviting me to the very first “Blogstar Sunday Supper”. I looked at the guest list and immediately had this thought:

Was this a mistake?

Followed by this:

What could I possibly have to say to all of these way more experienced and successful bloggers?

And finally, this:

What will I wear?

I actually asked Sarah if she meant to include me on the list (awkward). She was nice enough to say “yes” (love her), so I proceeded to focus on the women I was going to meet.

What a group! I had already established a little on-line rapport with Jill and Elizabeth, and was relieved that there would be at least a few people who were not complete strangers (I’m still getting used to having whole relationships with people I’ve never actually met!).

And there were several women whose sites I stalked read regularly:

The “Mighty” Maggie (I mean, I have her book).
Natalie, who writes one of my very favorite, must-read-it-every-day blogs.
Sharon, whose blog’s only fault is that it is not delivered daily.
Amber is one of the sharpest, funniest writers around – oh, and I learned that her day job is a SCIENTIST!
And Jenny, an interior designer who’s not only gorgeous and creative, but can wield a miter box and hand saw like nobody’s business.

There were also bloggers whose work I was just getting to know. Gretchen, Isabelle and Laura have between them, built successful web sites, created must-attend conferences, written best-selling books – hell – they’re entire BRANDS.

And then there was me. And my little blog.

The dinner was held at Pasanella and Son Vintners, a wine store in the South Street Seaport in New York City. I ran into Jill (who is just as nice as I imagined her to be) outside the store, so I didn’t have to walk in alone.

pasanella and son vintners, blogstar

Sarah immediately greeted me with a big hug and made our introductions.

I may have gushed a ton just a little – especially upon meeting Maggie and Natalie.

pasanella and son vintners, blogstar

pasanella and son vintners, blogstar

We drank prosecco, mingled for a bit, and were then seated for a series of wine tastings. The wines were accompanied by an assortment of cheeses, meats and breads from Murray’s Cheese and BKLYN Larder, and we finished with delicious hand pies baked by Elizabeth (who I sat with at dinner and got to know a bit better – what a warm, smart and sweet lady).

pasanella and son vintners, blogstar

brooklyn supper, blogstar

And if that wasn’t enough, we each received two fabulous goody bags – one from Wantist (which I raved about in an earlier post), and the other filled with face and body products from Malin+Goetz.

malin+goetz, wantist, blogstar

malin+goetz, blogstar

As I drove home I thought a lot about the evening, and how I tend to be somewhat shy and receding in new situations. I was definitely nervous, so I did what I typically do in these moments – listen quietly, pay attention and try to learn and absorb.

And I thought a lot about the “blogging” me – the one that obviously brought me to that dinner – versus the “real” me. Not that my writing is fake or fabricated, but I definitely get to ponder, assess and edit before I hit that “publish” button. I didn’t realize till just then that writing from the safety of my kitchen is a far cry from actually sitting with these women – these witty, articulate, outspoken and super smart women – and engaging face-to-face.

I really do need to work on my self-confidence, and learn to be okay with where I’m at with this little venture. Clearly, Sarah thought highly enough of me to include me  in this group, and I am truly proud of how far my blog has come in this very short time. This was also a great “test run” for Alt Design Summit – a blogging conference that I plan to attend in January. By then I hope to have shored up that “blogging” self, and present it proudly – even if it’s the smallest blog in the room.

How about you? Whether or not you blog, do you have a different private self from the persona you present to the world? Do you prefer small groups, large gatherings or one-on-one? I would love to know that I’m not the only one out there who sometimes struggles……..

Oh, and what did I wear?

After much browsing on-line, multiple outfit changes, and consultations with my “stylist” (in between her college classes), I decided to wear a dress I already owned, and that all I really needed – as usual – was a great new pair of shoes.

j. crew, blogstar

Thank you Sarah!! xo

Posted in ,

20 Comments

  1. Amber on April 20, 2012 at 9:07 am

    Sherri, you are my favorite! And, just so you know, I couldn’t tell you were nervous at all!

    So glad we got to meet. I hope to bump into you again at ALT or sooner.

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 10:03 am

      Thanks so much Amber – I’m glad you couldn’t tell how nervous I was!! xo

  2. Jennifer Cullen on April 20, 2012 at 10:27 am

    So glad you had a great time! Loved this, “I’m still getting used to having whole relationships with people I’ve never actually met!” So true.

    I’m having the same feelings about going to Mom 2.0 Summit in a few weeks. Not really knowing anyone in real life but looking forward to seeing Sarah and Amber and some of our other wonderful Blogstars.

    And it’s over 3 days, so there are multiple costume changes. And I too have bought a new pair of shoes!

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 10:39 am

      Thanks so much for this – I want a full report (outfits and all!) on Mom 2.0 – wish I were going! xo

  3. Sandra on April 20, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I felt the same when I went to ALT last January – I didn’t know anyone at all! But everyone was pretty friendly. I did have a few moments of hiding in the corner doing some deep breathing to settle my nerves. What, you mean I’m NOT always looking so confident??!!!

    I find that I am less extroverted than I thought – the extroverted introvert. Love meeting new people and hanging out AND love regrouping on my own and catching my breath. That’s why I can do NYC on my own with a few visits with friends here and there – I don’t find it lonely at all!

    Love the recap. ALMOST as good as being there.

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks Sandra – glad to hear that I’m not the only one – can we, like, hang out at Alt??

  4. Melanie on April 20, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Love this post. I remember that starstruck feeling when I went to Alt Summit. And yeah, I have that same thing that you (and lots of other bloggers, it seems) have. I WAY prefer hanging out one-on-one or in small intimate groups instead of large gatherings. I hate small talk. I think it’s boring. I like to talk about real stuff, which is much more likely to happen with fewer people around.

    As far as my blog goes, I think I’m the same in real life as the me I present on my blog. I wear my emotions on my face, and I think that translates into my writing most of the time. 🙂

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks Melanie – you summed up just how I feel about large groups (which is why I’ll be hanging around, tugging at your skirt at Alt next year….). And I definitely think that your writing is one of the best examples out there of “real voice” – which is one of the many reasons I love your blog so much! xoxo

  5. Punky on April 20, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Sheri, I’m surprised!! I totally didn’t picture you as the shy type for some reason… tho coming face to face with some of those big kids in the land of blog would be a pretty nerve-racking experience for sure. All the same, I think you are awesome! Both you and your “little” blog. Don’t let “little” make you feel like less!!! 🙂

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:28 pm

      I hide it well………working on it every day; thank you so much for this lovely comment; made my day! 🙂

  6. Greetings from Texas on April 20, 2012 at 11:40 am

    You do need to work on your self confidence because YOU ARE FANTASTIC. Both as a blogger (did you see the pics on your blog today) and, granted I never met you, but you seem so sweet and fun! Can’t wait to meet you in January. It’s there you learn that my “blog” self and “real” self are pretty much the same. (In that we’re both obnoxious.)

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      Oh Megan, you’re the best – thank you! Can’t wait to meet “both” of your “selfs” in January!! xo

  7. Leslie on April 20, 2012 at 11:49 am

    As much as I wish I could have been there I would have been terrified too! I don’t even feel worthy to be a member of Blogstar half the time. Love the shoes! I don’t think i am much different in real life from my blogging self (of course there’s a lot left out on the blog) except that no one sees me sitting in my nightgown when they read my blog. 😉

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks so much for this – nice to know I’m not alone!

  8. Nancy on April 20, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    Sherri you have so much to offer! Have confidence in your many abilities and know that we ALL love being with and learning from you!

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 3:25 pm

      Look at you commenting 😉 Thank you my friend; much appreciated! xoxo

  9. Hotly Spiced on April 20, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    What an honour to be invited to such a special and intimate event and I’m sure it was no mistake that you were on the invite list! I think we’re all having to adjust to this new on-line world. Years ago you only knew the people you had physically met. Now we get to know people without actually meeting and so when the situation arises where there’s going to be that first ‘proper’ meeting, as in the old-fashioned kind, it can make you a bit nervous. I’m enjoying building and developing relationships with other bloggers but as yet they are all just virtual friends. Love your new shoes! xx

    • sheri silver on April 20, 2012 at 8:50 pm

      Exactly! You said so well how it feels to meet people you “know” but don’t, really. Glad you liked the shoes too (that IS the most important part, yes??) 🙂 xo

  10. Leslie Schulte on April 21, 2012 at 8:12 am

    ….”these witty, articulate, outspoken and super smart women – and engaging face-to-face.” Sounds
    like someone I know and love very much.

    • sheri silver on April 23, 2012 at 6:36 am

      Leslie – I’m speechless. Thank you for this. xoxoxo

Leave a Comment





sheri silver headshot

Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!