The Gift

posted by Momo Fali on August 10, 2010

With my trip to New York wrapped up, I have had a full day to reflect on the events of BlogHer’10.

The experience, for me, was not about the venue or the sponsors. It’s not about the parties either (though I’m not going to lie, Mama Pop knows how to throw one down).

BlogHer conferences are about learning from each other, about our work, our craft and about our overall awesomeness as a community. We. Are. Awesome.

Of course, some of us are more awesome than others. There are true artists in our midst. People who ooze creativity and whose presence in a room makes the air vibrate and increases our collective intelligence because they actually make us think. And, feel. And, live.

One of those artists is Karen Walrond. She is a genius. She exudes brilliance and I feel like I am more aware of everything since I met her. Not to mention that what she said here, made me cry in all kinds of good ways.

I was so fortunate to get my own personal photo shoot on the streets of New York with Karen behind the lens. I had been in the city for almost two days before we met and had been dealing with a massive headache that would not go away. I was tense, nervous and the stress of the previous two weeks was inside my brain trying to pound its way out.

After spending time with Karen, though? My headache went away, the tension was gone and I finally breathed. She was, quite literally, the cure for what ailed me.

Thank you, Karen, for more than just this photograph. Thank you for making me feel joyous and alive. Thank you for the gift of knowing you.

    Comments

  • Jill


    Wow, that's a gorgeous photo! Nice to finally meet you… "the other jill"

  • WeaselMomma


    Great. Now I feel even crappier about not having been there. =)
    That pic is pure awesomeness.
    My heart breaks that I wasn't one of those room sparks that you referred to.

  • Avitable


    She captured your beauty almost as much as it shows in real life.

  • geekbabe


    She truly captured how beautiful you are! You were a fabulous roommate, so gracious, so funny. It is a pleasure to know you!

  • Andrea


    SUCH a gorgeous photo! Thanks for giving me a new blog to stalk 😉

  • Carolyn...Online


    You look like Charlie's fourth Angel. In a really good way.

  • Sadia


    LOVE!

  • Christina


    Love that photo! And a little jealous, too – I've always wanted Karen to take my picture. 🙂

  • meleah rebeccah


    Oh My Goodness! That is my FAVORITE photo of you EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Lynn @ Walking With Scissors


    I simply adore that photo. Pure gorgeousness. When I look at it, it brings back all the wonderful memories I have of your warmth, nurturing nature and caring personality. You took such good care of me when I first arrived at BlogHer (and believe me, I was a hot mess) and the next day as well. I feel truly honoured to have finally met you in person. You are truly a rare gem. It's true that the camera doesn't lie. You should always have a breeze blowing your hair back because you are truly something spectacular. I miss you already! Because of how you took me under your wing on Thurs and Fri, I was able to go out on Saturday, full of confidence, and take the convention head-on. You'll never know just how much you've impacted my life. xoxo

  • The Urban Cowboy


    Wow…you're one sexy momo!

  • Piper of Love


    You are radiant. Inside and out.

    <3

  • Karen from Chookooloonks


    Aw, thanks for the good words, friend, and thanks so much for letting me photograph you! I'm so glad to hear you were feeling better after our time together!

    Stay radiant,

    K.

  • UP


    Great picture!

    UP

  • Soapbox Mom


    Oh, Momo, I am so happy for you!

    I'm a bit sad that I had to miss it this year (& not see you), but I'm enjoying following your stories and photos.

    You're absolutely gorgeous in that photo (well, in real life, too, but I mean, wow, that photo is fabulous).
    You know what I mean, right?
    😉

  • Melisa with one S


    Momo is a sexy MoFo!

  • wenderly


    She captured your soul from the inside out…simply *radiant*

  • BEAN


    My favorite pictures of you over the years are going through my head. This picture captured much more of that special something inside you … you DO look absolutely radiant!! I *love* it.

    *ahem* … 'THEE' Jill 😉

  • Twenty Four At Heart


    She is amazing … she really is.
    So are you – I love you! You are even more beautiful in person!

  • Scary Mommy


    I love that photo– and I loved meeting you!!

  • Monica


    Simply Absolutely Fabulous.

  • Heather


    That is a STUNNING photo. You are gorgeous. Truly.

  • SurprisedMom


    You are gorgeous! That is a wonderful photo!

  • AlisonH


    Beautiful! (I'm chuckling at the black background. Everyone wears black in NYC. Even the backdrops!)

  • Hockeymandad


    Wow. What an amazing picture. Awesome.

  • MsPicketToYou


    OH MOMO!

    Can I jump you all over again?

  • Michelle


    You look gorgeous in that photo! Brilliance. And how did I not hear about this before now? 🙂 Miss you!

  • Always Home and Uncool


    Momo, you are joyous and alive. I witnessed it many times over the weekend.

  • Out-Numbered


    Interesting. I have the same photo of you in my wallet. Now how did that get there?

  • Aunt Juicebox


    Oh, that's just lovely! I like how you can see all the little strands of hair blowing back.

  • Tom


    It's so refreshing to meet people like that, who make the world better just by being there. Great picture!

  • Blogging Mom


    That's such a fantastic shot! I am glad you had a fabulous time at blogher. I guess meeting people who inspire you is an added bonus! Thanks for sharing.

  • Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah


    Beautiful!

  • Oscar


    What a wonderful picture of you!!! I screams happiness!

    It's great you had that opportunity!

    Wish i knew you were nearby!

  • Di@PowderRoomGraffiti


    You look lovely – and it was great to meet you at BlogHer. Margaret at Nanny Goats in Panties just sent me a pic of us partying – you look beautiful – and I look certifiable.

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