Last week I headed to NYC and then PA for The Big Harvest Potluck blog retreat. Going to New York wasn’t part of the retreat, but I caught a bus from the city to PA to join up with a group of fabulous bloggers. I haven’t been to many blog conferences in the five years I’ve been blogging, but after going to The Big Traveling Potluck this past spring I knew I had to make it to the next potluck gathering.

I mean, look at these bottled mixed drinks…yes…please.

Besides the absolutely stunning setting, the carefully crafted meals with gluten-free options galore, the A+ lineup of speakers, the fun drinks, and so on, my favorite part was that the entire weekend felt like a warm + cozy reunion with your best friends. I swear it’s not [just] from the booze.

[iphone photo]

I feel so fortunate to have been able to go on this trip and connect with my peers. Many of whom are in a similar point in their life, trying to accomplish similar goals, wanting to connect and finally meet in person. All the texting and g-chatting in the world can’t compare to actually talking with someone face to face. It’s when the real connections happen.

[iphone photo] The best ever gluten-free pizza on the left, courtesy of Smith Bites. I raved about the pizza I ate at Risotteria in NYC and then two days later I ate this and it blew Risotteria out of the water.

For me, it wasn’t about networking, it was about connecting. I wasn’t there to spread my name or get more social media likes. I was there to engage with others and hear about their lives, how they make it all work, what they struggle with, what their goals are, projects they’re working on, etc.

And eat some really good food.