thoughts on inspired.

i don't know what to say. i had the best time. really, i did. i wasn't sure what to expect. i just knew that an event titled inspired was sure to be a good one, and was it ever. donna, thank you so much for inviting me, for allowing me the gift of observing scrapbook world when it's blended with mixed media world. thank you, too, for introducing me to a whole new crowd of dear dear women who are sassy, talented, and so so kind. thank you, also, for challenging me to keynote at your event - it was remarkable, life-changing, and i learned that i really do love speaking about our shared stories. our possibilities. our intertwining connections. it was so so fun. ps - it's true. i'm just like you :)

here are a few photos from my time in north carolina: 

me with donna. she's much funnier in person. and tearful, too (but in the best of ways - tears of joy)

this is a horrible shot, but i wanted to share it. i stood up from my seat and snapped this shot just before i went up to do the keynote. i was nervous, but once i started speaking (and after i took my shoes off), i was totally calm and felt like i was exactly where i needed to be. these dear people (about 300 total) stood up for me at the end. they must have known i needed a good cry. and they must have known i had just done something i never thought i could do, too - what an honor. 

here's another blurry shot (my camera and i had issues on this trip), but i had to share. meet paolo. photographer, dear heart, funny guy. how fun it was to spend time with him and i can't wait to meet his girl and hang out (they live here in seattle - yay me!).

in addition to lounging, cocktails, and new friends, i had the opportunity to get henna'd. it was my first time with henna and i loved it. 

i have arrived home inspired, full of ideas, full of enthusiasm, and ready to keep going. thank you to everyone i met, for all of the encouragement and kind words about Taking Flight and my artwork. i loved hearing your hopeful stories, your triumphs, your determination, and your laughter streaming all over the hallways of that hotel. i will never forget it. 

xxxo