There’s nothing quite like the synergy among a group of folks with the same passion and ambition to do something and do it well. This weekend was no exception at the first ever Gleek Retreat, held in Holland, MI at the beautiful and cozy, Into the Woods Retreat Center. It was a delight to be among 35+ amazing bloggers, their ideas and insights in tow. As I look to launch mollymadonna.com into a space where readers feel welcome, included, safe and informed, I’m so grateful to have had the privilege! A few highlights:

-getting the chance to glean from some amazing, well-versed bloggers-extraordinaire, including Melissa Summers, Donielle Baker, Katie Kimball and Courtney Velasquez

-Hearing from Neil Chase from Federated Media

-Speaking on a panel with Melissa and Neil about working with companies and PR

-Spending the night as a “sleeper” and enjoying all of the amazing camaraderie and food (thanks, Second Floor Bakery for the yummy midnight snacks!) that went with it

-The INCREDIBLE swag bags, provided by a great number of dedicated sponsors (my personal favorites include my new, shiny red Eco Usable water bottle, gift certificates from Canvas People and Uppercase Living, the latest Eric Schrotenboer CD, and tomatoes and a cookbook in sweet packaging from Red Gold). I was also excited to win a french press, coffee (Tulip Time Blend:) and a mug from the one and only JP’s Coffee

Did I mention that I learned some practical and helpful tips and tricks of the blogging trade (so good for me as someone re-entering the blogging world and hoping to do so on a connected, effective level)? The sessions and breakouts were fantastic!

One last detail not to miss about Gleek Retreat ’10…its beautiful and intelligent creators, Jodi Schaap and Stacey Heneveld. These two were brilliant for coming up with the notion to gather bloggers together in West Michigan as they did, and they arranged every last detail to the hilt. Kudos, ladies, on your determination and all of those late nights planning and prepping. We’re grateful!

All in all, my first experience as a “Gleek” was one for the books. Great people, great info, great food, great location, and…great new motivation for me to be back and blogging again. As the weekend winds to a close, I’m all kinds of inspired and re-energized. May mollymadonna.com be all the better for it!

gleek on 🙂

mm