Sunday 11 May 2014

Inspired

What an experience! I'm just back from Blogtacular, a fantastic conference for bloggers held at the  wondrous Royal Institution, off Piccadilly in London, by the very able Kat Molseworth & Kat Goldin.

I'm a bit naive about this side of blogging and had no real idea blogging events even existed or about the whole business side, so wasn't sure what to expect. In this part of the world blogging isn't the phenomenal community thing it is in places like Bristol or Brighton, or at least it seems. Any North Staffs/Peak District bloggers out there?

There was tons of interest at Blogtacular for very kind of blogger from workshops on styling, branding, how to use social media with intention and interviews with real life bloggers who've made it really big.

For me the highlight was undoubtedly the photo walk with the truly lovely and hugely inspiring Xanthe Berkeley. These are my snaps of our stroll around Mayfair, Piccadilly and Berkeley Square with a bunch of great people, colourful balloons and lots of enthusiasm.

And of course meeting other bloggers. It was brilliant to hang out with the ever so lovely Nina who I've blogged with for a long time and other smashing people including Gemma and Laura. 

I've come home with a head full of ideas but the intention to keep my blog focused on what I love; capturing those precious family moments, our seasonal adventures, my growing garden and celebrating this little corner of England that I love so much. 

Thanks for all your comments and following me over the seven years I've been blogging. I can't see me ever doing anything else and it's lovely having you along for the ride. Xxx

P.S you can see lots more on the conference and amazing shots from the photo walk by following #blogtacular & #blogtacularphotowalk on Instagram and Twitter.

22 comments:

busybusybeejay said...

What an interesting weekend.Pre blogworld I had penfriends all over world and we communicated by letter,photos,postcards.I did manage to meet a few of them when they visited Britain and I found it quite strange,lovely but surprising!You kind of imagine how they will speak.You know all about them ,their families etc.How did you find it?I love your blog.Long may it continue.barbarax

Louise said...

*waves*

I'm a local to you blogger :) I've been following your blog for a few years but don't comment very regularly any more... I still read though. You might remember me as I bought a couple of ladybird books from you a while ago!

VeggieMummy said...

I didn't realize that this sort of thing went on either! Sounds like fun though. x

Curlew Country said...

Hi Louise! So sorry yes of course remember you. I'm always surprised how many SW bloggers seem to know each other and get together at events etc. doesn't seem to be that many of us do there? X

Helloitsgemma said...

Brilliant weekend. So many highlights. It was brilliant to meet you. Hope next time we can chat for longer.

PinkCatJo said...

I've enjoyed seeing all the Instagram photos from Blogtacular this weekend. It looks like a lovely and colourful event. Glad you enjoyed it! x

Claire/Just a little less said...

Hi Steph, south staffs blogger here so not so far removed? Can see the energy of this event in your pics xo

Anonymous said...

How fascinating it is all new to me too I had no idea there where such "get togethers" love reading your words..Thea x
(Yes I am from the Moorlands too)

Curlew Country said...

Hello Thea! Wow, I've just been looking at your garden post and nearly fello ver, it's stunning!! Beautiful.

Where about re you if you don't mind me asking? Leek/Cheadle/Biddulph?
Thanks for the lovely comment, I'm going to nosey at your pictures again for inspiration xx

Curlew Country said...

Hello Claire, so sorry I hadn't twigged you were down the road! Do love your IG feed :) I work across Staffs for community health services (in Comms) so getting to know South Staffs better. Definitely local!

It was a great event, lots to go at. Xanthe was a tital inspiration and so lovely too.
Thanks for dropping by, :) x

xanthe said...

I'm so happy you had an inspiring time. Having fun & opening your eyes to world around you is pretty amazing... and to be with so many like minded people is so special!
Try and create your own photo walk with local friends... you'll love it. xxx

Amanda said...

Sounds a fun event. I'm a Stokie but alas am now a Blog reader and not writer. Just one of those things really but I still enjoy being some part of the blog world.

RETA said...

I've never heard of such an event. How wonderful for you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

RETA@ http://evenhaazer.blogspot.com

RETA said...

I've never heard of such an event. How wonderful for you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

RETA@ http://evenhaazer.blogspot.com

Curlew Country said...

Thanks so much Xanthe for a superb experience. Being with a group was really liberating. I'm a self conscious photographer but being together felt so different. Ivm hoping to gather some bloggers together in this neck of the woods for a photo walk. Really inspired, hope to doing of your e courses too! Xxx

Curlew Country said...

Hey Amanda, great to hear from you. I know you're not blogging but are you onother social media (twitter/FB/Instagram/Pinterest)? I'm wondering about getting like minded types together around here for a photo walk maybe, encouraged by Xanthe? Let me know if you might be interested. Hope so, be lovely to meet you. Xxx

saraeden said...

Hi Steph, *waves madly* from the other side of the moorlands down in the valley :)

Would be lovely to meet up maybe one day!

Sara x

Curlew Country said...

Hello, hello :) :)
Thinking maybe organising a blogger photo walk somewhere beauteous. Doing some sounding out but there'd definitely be tea and cake. Fancy it? Xx

driftwood said...

looks fantastic. love the idea of the photo walk x

Kate said...

Hi Steph

I come from Derbyshire so I'm sort of local but I've lived in Oxfordshire since getting married 14 years ago, so your blogs often make me feel homesick (in a good way!). I particularly love your landscape/scenery photographs, and also your lovely homely shots and family news.

I've just started blogging myself (took me long enough to get round to it!).

myimportantnothings.org

Kate x

Unknown said...

aaaah I love Xanthe! :)

The only northern blogger I know is tenpennydreams.com. I will be in Scotland, but that's too north, I imagine. Sill, the Peak District is one of my favorite places in England, and my favorite climbing destination :)

Kat said...

Thank you for helping to make Blogtacular so awesome. I loved having you there especially as I'm a long-time reader or your blog x