. . . because I must be dreaming. Want to hear my story?
While lying in bed Thursday night an idea came to me: try to get sponsors in order to attend Photoshop World next month in Las Vegas. A dog-eared copy of the conference brochure rests in the bottom of my book tote and I’ve pored over the class descriptions; however, I’d never given any serious consideration to the possibility of attending.
My blog design business is a financial blessing to our family. It paid for my camera. Mostly it pays for shoes, phone bills, sweet tea, supper at Moe’s, or any of the other expenses of a family of ten. It doesn’t cover trips like this; however, attendance at this conference would be a huge boost for me, education-wise. My design training consists of reading books on Photoshop and Dreamweaver, online tutorials, and a one-day Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour.
I don’t know where the thought originated, but it sneaked in and settled in a corner of my mind. On Friday morning it was still there. I called my husband and explained this wild idea. He didn’t laugh or discourage me in any way. That’s one of the many things I love about the man: he lets me dream.
Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing answered my sponsorship questions all day long. She is one of the bloggers whose full trip to BlogHer last month was covered by corporate sponsors. The difference here is that companies were looking for bloggers to sponsor for BlogHer. I don’t think companies are looking to sponsor people for Photoshop World.
Who to contact? I started emailing people I thought could help me with sponsorship ideas: Shannon, Melanie, my fellow HSBA team members . . . Scott Kelby.
I’m not sure what gave me the nerve to contact the man himself to tell my story and see if he had any sponsorship ideas. He left a comment on my photoblog a couple of weeks ago, which was the unquestionable highlight of my 2+ years of blogging. That made us buddies, right? Well, no, but it proved my theory that he is a really nice guy who cares about his readers.
Not only did he email me back, he prayed for my neighbor, thanked me for sharing my story, complimented my photography . . . and personally sponsored me to attend the conference and a pre-conference workshop. If that gives you chills and a big lump in your throat, join the club.
Now I need to find sponsors, and find them fast! This Friday is the deadline to reserve a room at the hotel. I need airfare, hotel, and probably food – I don’t think it’s included at the conference, and I imagine it’s not cheap at a Las Vegas hotel.
Are you affiliated with a company or know one who would be interested in sponsoring a blogging, Photoshopping, blog designing, homeschooling, SAHM-of-eight to attend Photoshop World? If so, please leave a comment or email me. Thanks to my new buddy on the other end of the NAPP Twitter account, I found out about ChipIn and created a page there (see widget below).
I’ve added a Sponsors’ page link in the left sidebar. If your company sponsors me, you’ll have a link there.
Thanks for listening to my story and my dream. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’d appreciate it if you’d spread the word to any company you think might be interested. Email, stumble, kirtsy, etc. links are at the bottom of the post.
Thanks!
I hope you get to go! Then you can teach me your tricks. I wish I could go with you! 🙂
sprittibees last blog post..Update on Beemama and some Links
WOOHOO. I got to be first! But I owed you the 25$ anyway. 😉 So that doesn’t count, does it?!
sprittibees last blog post..Update on Beemama and some Links
I can’t sponsor you myself, but I can help spread the word. Good luck!
oh Dawn I can’t wait to see the provisions come in!
xoxo
Steph
I wish all the luck! I hope you make your goal!
chiliheads last blog post..How do I back up my blog template?
A wonderful idea, good luck!
happyathomes last blog post..Warm Biscuit Giveaway Monday Giveaway!
Congratulations on the first step!
I’m sure you’ll get there.
Happy learning!
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..Now on Video — Meet Our Going Green Managing Editor, Arianne
Girl…yo can eat pretty cheap if you want to, there. We went a few years ago and it was amazing how inexpensive you could get along if you wanted to….
I hope the $ comes in…I’d go with you if I could…no time now that schools starting!
You could alwyas “owe” yourself and pay afterwards with all the backlog of blogs you’ve got waiting for a blog design???
How exciting! Best wishes on finding sponsors. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity.
I just had to come check out the blog of a fellow McD’s sweet tea junkie. Then, to find out that you also are a fellow Rocks in My Dryer reader? Well, it’s just too much. 😉
I love your blog. You have a fantastic, awesome talent of which I am trying not to be too deeply envious.
I pray that God will provide the desires or you heart in ways that you can’t think or imagine. And, I’ll be adding you to my Google reader so that I can watch and rejoice with you when He does.
Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolerss last blog post..Carnival of Homeschooling
Hi Dawn,
We would be honored to give $100 toward your trip. We pray that it will be a blessing to you as you are such a blessing to us.
Love,
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Dawn,
We just contributed $100. You definitely deserve this trip! We love you!
Amy and Amy
Heart of the Matter
Oh, Dawn…this is WONDERFUL! I know it’s where you want to develop your skills…and though I’m FAR behind you, it’s something I’d love to eventually do.
Congratulations on your progress so far, and I can’t wait to her ALL about it.
I’m so proud of you for taking this ginormous leap of faith!
🙂
Robin (PENSIEVE)s last blog post..A picture of love
Thanks for the reminder! I just sent you some money! I hope you make your goal. So exciting!