Is it really Friday already? Where did the week go? I have been everywhere else but in the CLE these last few weeks…can’t wait for a weekend around home.

Last week started with entertaining my out-of-town family. We hit up some local hot spots including the new Horseshoe Casino, Cedar Point and South Bass Island, also known as Put in Bay. As soon as their visit came to and end I dropped them off at Hopkins that afternoon I turned right back around and went back in order to hop a plane to Philadelphia.

In Philly I was able to reconnect with a CLE friend who had moved to PA for a new opportunity. We visited Terrain; an organic housewares and plant shopping experience. The UrbanOutfitters owned sprawling compound of little buildings were filled with delightful fauna and flora fancies. They even had a little cafe to which we enjoyed sparkling eldeflower faux cocktails and ginger scones as we shopped.  Catching up with my friend and exploring this historical city was so much fun; besides Terrain I especially enjoyed Constitution Park, Love Park, Jim’s philly cheesesteak and exploring the little brick paved streets. If you’ve never been than I suggest a long weekend road trip.

From Philly I traveled by way of Amtrak to the big apple for the 2012 Blogher conference.  As a newbie to this conference I was wildly excited to meet some of the women bloggers that I regularly read. I learned about tips and techniques for better tweeting (watch out!) and I also scored a first row seat to the conferences keynote speaker, Ms Martha Stewart. She truly was amazing.

The best bit of advice from good old Marth that I had to bring back and share with everyone in the CLE and especially to all my fellow bloggers was the following quote.

“I LOVE having a voice and sharing it with others. I also like to make connections with people and their communities and THAT is why I like to blog” (referencing her blog )

During her talk, at that exact time when she said those words I had a wonderful feeling come over me. Martha had once again summed up my thoughts exactly.

Our city is growing and flourishing like crazy. Every street, every old building, every thing old is new again Cleveland. We may fall down but we pick ourselves up with style and grace. We have so much to be proud of not only with the brick and mortar developments but more importantly the relationships we have nurtured, cared for and grown into lasting friendships.

It’s not just the cool new brewery, the incredible music museum or Lake Erie that draws people in or makes them stay…it’s our people. Our mix of aspiring entrepreneur’s, artists, families, students, adventurers, and visionaries is what makes those of us want to BLOG about our love for this city.

So as we get ready for another wonderful summer weekend in the midwest reflect on that little quote by Ms Stewart and perhaps just that little statement will bring a smile to your face, a little spring in your step and maybe even a bit of inspiration to connect your friends, and businessesses to each other making our community an even stronger place to live.