When I first started this blog I gave it the title Chasing Joy Or Maybe Just Running From Boredom. I knew I needed more joy in my life but I also was thinking maybe boredom was my problem. You know how they say an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. I thought I had too much time on my hands and was filling it with negative self talk, self pity, and depressing thoughts. Well I’m happy to say boredom is definitely not the case.
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| Nervous before the party |
Since starting Chasing Joy I have been amazed at the places it has taken me. I have been invited to more and more events. Who knew all of these things were happening in and around my city. Did you know that right now in we are in the midst of Philly’s 17 Days of Fashion?
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On my way to the party.
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Neither did I until I got invited to the Kickoff party by my bloggy buddy Your Chic is Showing. I met Your Chic is Showing at Blogging While Brown. See, you meet awesome people at blog conferences who then invite you to stuff 🙂 I really enjoy her fashion blog and Your Chic is Showing is one of the sponsors of The Joy of Giving, Chasing Joy Charity Event. So I quickly accepted her invitation to the kick off party.
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| Me and Who is Urban Buttafly |
Before the party I was really nervous. If you are a frequent reader you know Chasing Joy is not a fashion blog. While I occasionally touch on the fact that putting our best foot forward appearance wise can boost our confidence and thereby increase our joy, I do not give any real fashion advice. I was hoping I’d pull together a look that was fashionable enough to fit in amongst this crowd. I posted pictures on Facebook and my peeps ensured me that I was looking good. On top of being worried about fitting in wardrobe wise I was more nervous when I discovered that the R&B singer Genuine would be at this event. This indeed was an A List crowd and I was included. Butterflies were fluttering at olympic record pace.
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| Me and the Lovely Ladies from Bellanor Boutique and Short Curvy Fierce |
All of my nerves were for naught. The event was great. I fit in and had people to talk to. In addition to Your Chic is Showing (who was looking very chic) other friends at the party included my model friend Short Curvy Fierce and two other Joy of Giving Charity Event sponsors Who is Urban Buttafly, and Bellanor Boutique (make sure you show all of our sponsor’s some love and visit their sites).
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| Me and the sketch artist Veronica |
In addition to catching up with those girls I did meet a some new people. There was a sketch artist (Veronica Marche) who was really cool! She photographed me and then drew me in really good detail in about 10 minutes. I loved the sketch!!! I also chatted with the caterer, Chef Rashaun. He had a really beautiful display out. I did not eat much because I have yet to master the art of balancing my cocktail and my food while standing looking pretty in heels. But what I did have was on point!!!
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| Chef Rashaun and his beautiful spread! |
Another highlight of the event was when I arrived and got checked in I was given a press pass. This was my first ever press pass. Did you know bloggers were considered press? Well now you know 🙂 I did not really need the press pass as people were eager to talk about all of the up coming events. But I did feel important having it. I also felt even more important to find out that the entire event was invitation only. For a girl who was never really part of the in crowd it is pretty cool to have made the list.
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| My press pass!! |
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| My sketch! |
For all of you Genuine fans, you will be happy to hear that he did indeed attend the event. It was not one of those deals where an celebrity’s name is used but they don’t show. He was in the building. He even said a few words during the thank you address.
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| Feeling Fabulous at the party!! |
I am so glad I did not give in to my nerves and stay home. This was a great kickoff for the 17 days of fashion. I’m sure all of the other events will be great as well. You can check them out on the Philly 17 days of fashion page. Of all the events I think I’ll only make it to one other. I plan to be at Bellanor Boutique for Fully Loving Me, on August 29th. One event I wish I could attend but can’t because of a prior engagement is The Curvy Closets Plus Size Fashion Showcase on September 1st.
Which of the 17 days of fashion events have you or would like to attend? For those of you who blog, has blogging opened up a new social scene for you as it has for me?
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Love the sketch! I'm excited that I get to watch you grow.
Your press pass is gold. I remember the first time I got one a few years back for freelance writing with a particular magazine. Life has never been the same since…
And it's great that you didn't let nerves get the best of you and attended the event. The situation reminds me of two of my favorite quotes: "On the other side of fear lies freedom" and "Opportunities multiply as they are seized."
Arlett, firstly can I comment on how gorgeous you look, no need for you to worry about fitting in with the a listers. Sounds like you had a great time and what a great sketch. Thanks for sharing your special night.
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I love this article. I am new to blogging. One of the things that blogging has done for me, it has forced me to open up and really discover the person that I am. I don't mind tell people that I did not have a perfect life. It always seem to be a burden to keep that secret. I am in England right now so it has not opened up in a social doors for me yet but I am hoping that it will when I return to the United States in 9 to 10 months. I am looking forward to attending conferences and getting to know people.
I wish I was in the states right now, I would definitely trying to make the four hour drive up from Maryland to catch some of the events.
I am a new follower and can not wait to read more from you. Thank you so much for putting your site out that for me to find.
Cynthia
http://richlymiddleclass.com
Great post about following your path! I am glad you had the opportunity to experience a thrill- the press pass. It is nice to see people chase joy and find it in wonderful ways.