Paddington Goes To BritMumsLive

One Upon A Time there was a bear.........Not just any old bear................A nervous but friendly bear called Paddington who came all the way from Darkest Peru.

Once Upon A Time there was a woman.........Not Just any old woman...........A nervous but friendly woman called Sam who came all the way from Darkest East Sussex...................................................I felt just like Paddington as I stood outside a bar in Central London on Friday afternoon waiting to be claimed by 3 lovely ladies called Suzanne (3childrenandit) Sarah (apartyofseven) and Sarah (thevoiceofsarahmiles). All I was missing was a little sign around my neck saying "PLEASE LOOK AFTER THIS BEAR" and a pot of Marmalade.

As I pretended to look like I knew what I was doing I peered across the road to see the smiling faces of my brand new real life friends waving at me. As we entered the bar we met more lovely people and within 20 minutes we were all chatting like we had known each other for years, well I suppose we had known each other for years but only via Twitter.

We were all there for one reason and one reason only..............................Brit Mums Live 2013...........................We had planned, coordinated and chatted about this amazing adventure and now it was finally here.

I have never felt so proud of myself as I pulled up my big girls pants, took a deep breath and entered the venue with a big smile on my face. Squeals of delight rang out as people suddenly realised who you were and arms were flung around each other in delight at finally meeting this virtual person for real. I was warned that I might spend most of the day staring at other peoples boobs and this was true.....................................Except that I didn't have my glasses on so almost had my nose in their cleavages as I tried to make out the names on their badges..(Sorry to anyone that had to experience this).

It all went so quickly and the highlight for me was definitely the talk given by Katie Piper who gave the most moving, inspirational and emotional speech I have ever had the privilege to listen too. No longer will I moan about being overweight and short and never again will I whinge when my hair looks crap and I my clothes don't fit. She has changed me not only as a person but as a mother too determined to teach my 16 year old daughter about positive body image.

As we went to another session it struck me that I was miles away from home and as close friends will know that is not something I am a fan of. I tried hard not to dwell on this thought and suddenly felt a bit of a wobble coming on....................Then.....................A set of arms were around me and another squeal followed of "Ooooooo its you.....I cant believe we are finally meeting" all my anxiety vanished and I smiled a knowing smile that I was fine and amongst friends.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed my weekend in London with 500+ amazing writers (no longer know as bloggers according to the very funny comedienne Viv Groskop.) I feel so proud to be part of this fantastic community and have loved meeting each and every one of you gorgeous people.

Lessons learnt for next year are....

1. Do not wear Pop Socks (no matter what you mother says about blisters) this will result in hot flushes and much wafting of the agenda to keep cool.

2. Do not look like a crazed stalker as you smile and wave at someone in a session ,sorry Aimee Horton (passthegin).

3. Do not get stuck in the loo with your massive bag in front of a famous celebrity (Katy Hill). Thank goodness she was busy chatting and didn't notice me squeezing through the loo door behind her.

4. Do drink much wine..................It helps with any nerves.

5. Do turn your mobile phone off during sessions............( this ones for you Jodie Aka Mothering Frights) .........So funny. xx


Thanks again to everyone who made it such a fantastic experience.

Lots of Love
Me
xxxxx