voices of 2014 // online masterclass

So a while ago, I received a rather surprising email from the lovely team at Kidspot, telling me I was to be inducted into the Voices of 2014 Hall of Fame. Yes, I read the email twice to make sure I understood it correctly. Ridiculous and wonderful at the same time!

This online community we are a part of, really is something else. It gives us so much, in so many ways. A sounding board, a voice, a strangely inviting big black hole to empty all our overflowing thoughts into, simply lightening the load - whether anyone reads it or not.

Above any awards or praise littered along my short journey, I take away the many wonderful people who have been brought into my life because of that one day I decided to write my first post. Connections, links, relationships and opportunities have come my way - yes, because I was open and brave enough to spread my arms wide and invite them in - and sometimes, simply because I was in the right place at the right time.

The girls at Kidspot recently asked me to contribute to this year's online masterclass. Umm.. I'm sorry, whaaattt?

Since beginning this little blog, opportunities have presented themselves and I have said yes. Even when I didn't want to; when my initial reaction was instant fear or a desire to run in the opposite direction. But for the last few years, I remember this quote I once read by Richard Branson..

If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later.

So that's what I do. I allow myself those few minutes of freak out and then my brain goes back to normal and I say yeah, of course!

I've never done anything like this before.. so of course I hope it all goes well and that those joining the masterclass this afternoon will take something from it. Chatting with Kidspot's tech man, he has said the video file has lost quality when being compiled with the rest of the masterclass.. which makes me really nervous that what I submitted may not be what people will see.. but it is out of my control and I can only hope for the best. Should the quality be less than satisfactory (for my Virgo driven high expectations), I will post the class here later tonight.

So if you haven't heard about it..

Voices of 2014 Online Masterclass
Today - Wednesday 18 June at 12 noon

There will be a live Twitter chat going on at 8pm this evening under #Voicesof2014, which I won't be a part of. Because I'm not on Twitter.. so lame, but really, I struggle enough with the few social media platforms I use already! But I think there will be a Facebook question time set up for next week if there is anything you would like to ask following the masterclass. I'll keep you posted.

I hope you can make it - I know the Kidspot team have worked really hard to make it the best it can be. I'll be sandwiched between two blogging greats, in the fabulous Katrina Chambers and one of my absolute favourites, Lexi Kentmann of Pottymouthmama. Pinch me.