Conferences are fun times not only for the participants but for the vendors as well. I was able to enjoy meeting up with old friends (we're not OLD we still think we are in our twenties!).

In case you do not recognize these amazing women...they are in order from left-to-right... Valerie Bendt, Debbie Strayer, and me! (I'm normal they are amazing.) We attended the Tampa conference this past weekend and I reminded both women how they were my mentors.

For example, I attended a packed room to watch Valerie tell us how easy it was to create unit studies for our families. That instead of giving each child a different book and workbook we could enjoy family life (and not over stress grading so many different levels) and teach them together with  a "theme" or "topic" uniting us. Wow! I had never heard of the concept and bought every single book she had at her table! I was hooked, so much so that a few years later, about four, I was writing my own Unit Studies based upon Science, and joined the ranks of published author. I did tease Valerie that her daughters, dressed in period costumes depicting historical times, were a bit of an intimidation for me! (I hot glue, my mother sewed!). No matter, she was an inspiration to me then and continues to be today.

As for Debbie, what can I say. I learned by sitting at her feet … literally. Another convention, another packed-sold out room…and there I was on the floor by the front with my notebook not wanting to miss a word. This lady was telling me all about teaching Language Arts and the ways to do it using real books. Really? I didn’t need a text book and workbook with a teacher’s guide? Wow! (Of course I purchased all of her books as well.) As she spoke a man entered the room to set up a projector and screen (pre-power-point and computer days, people!). The screen almost toppled on her head and while all this was going on, Debbie kept right on talking and making us laugh. She quipped something about reminding her about teaching the kids at home while juggling household duties. My friend sitting next to me on the floor leaned over and said, “Felice, she sounds like you!”

Who me? There was no way I was getting up in front of a gazillion people and teaching on any educational topic. After all, I had left the hallowed halls of academia behind and I had joined the ranks of homeschool mom, wearing it proudly on my shoulder. The only time I brought out the “I was a teacher” line was when someone questioned my ability to teach my children at home. When you shared the teacher-bit with other home-educators the awe was definitely missing. It was a you versus them mentality for some.

So, where are we now? Ah, the new ages of homeschooling where vendor halls such as the one I attended this week end are sparsely populated by moms and dads. Why? Because, in my humble opinion the internet is the new information highway where parents can jump on, connect, learn and can buy books at a click of a button. Just let me say this, there is no substitution for talking to the author and gleaning the knowledge, they have to impart. These authors love teaching, know their stuff and want to share this knowledge with you. I hold both of these women in the highest regard. I learned from them, and while a late-bloomer compared to their accomplishments they inspired me to share my knowledge as well.

Check them out!
Valerie Bendt: http://valeriebendt.com/
Debbie Strayer: http://debbiestrayer.com/products/default.asp

If you hear of a convention in your town, take a few hours and head over to say, “Hi.” You will be so pleasantly surprised that you did. Many of us think, “Oh, I’ve been doing this so long I don’t need to go.” I loved going just to meet up with these and other friends attending, as well. We all need inspiration and these ladies inspired me, once again. This time by their friendship, their dedication to the business of education, and continuing on by attending conferences such as this one, because they care about you!

What is your favorite conference experience? Please share it with me.