Hello my friends,
I am here. But I' not sure that I am really HERE. Does that make sense? I feel like I am slowly finding my way back to where I left off. But it's been a tender process. There is still a big part of me back in California, soaking up the love and warmth and incredible goodness.
I have all kinds of words in my head. Each time I attempt to let them out.... I fail. But, I must try to share this with you all!
My journey to camp was BIG. I am so not a traveler. I am a total home-body. When I first heard the news of Camp Shutter Sisters it actually scared me. I could not imagine being brave enough to go. Yet, I could not imagine not going! That probably sounds kind of strange, but it's the total truth.
Anyhow, off I went to California!!
I landed in Monterey and was greeted by my beautiful friend, Denise, who flew in from the UK. It was a dream to meet her in person. We have been connected online for over a year, and we talk all the time. But to see her standing there. It was like, 'is that really her?'
It was amazing!
Denise Balyoz
We spent a beautiful day together, touring Big Sur! Wow....so good!! We had lunch at the yummiest of restaurants..... The whole day, was just so perfect. Thank you for sharing it with me Denise!
We arrived back at our hotel..... around 6!
Time to meet the SS Contributors. I have to say, I was really nervous about it. I had not met any of the SS women. And I really did not know them online either. I had no idea what to expect.
It was complete MAGIC. I felt the most beautiful connection with each of the women. It was truly mind-blowing right from the start.
Myriam created this dream-like evening for us. It was perfect. We sat around this beautiful table, talking and getting to know one another. They had the most lovely 'Trust the Process' Mugs for each of us...and the most awesome Shutter Sisters t-Shirts.
I still can't believe I am a part of this amazing group of women. Thank you Tracey!
And so it began.
Sunday was the start of Camp Shutter Sisters.
The 'campers' began to arrive around 2. And later that day, Tracey, Jen and Myriam shared a little welcome with us all. More magic.
Jen Lemen, Myriam Joseph, Tracey Clark
And from that evening on..... it's a bit of a blur. A blur of one awesome encounter after another.
Camp was full of discoveries.
My biggest camp revelation....
I am actually not a LONER.
I simply had not found the right friends. This discovery hit me HARD. It really was life changing. At camp I was surrounded by amazing women, who totally got me.... It was beyond! And I loved it!
I wish each of you could have been there. I really have no words to describe the experience. But I will say, it was one of the most incredible gifts of my life.
cozy corner of the 'living room'
This trip was so not about taking pictures for me. Isn't that funny? You would think a photography retreat would be all about pictures. But i found myself drawn to the women that shared so bravely that I had little time for taking photographs.
It was one amazing conversation after another. Women sharing right from the heart. Wow, it was completely powerful!
I could go on and on. And over time I do believe I will have little pieces of the experience to share here. But for now, I will stop and just say, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. And that dreams really do come true....Over and Over and OVER again.
Before I sign off, one last image, compliments of Chris. Here I am, with all of the beautiful SS contributors. Wow, what a blessing.
Kim Klassen, Jen Lemen, Kristin Zecchinelli, Paige Balcer, Tracey Clark, Meredith Winn, Tammy Lee Bradley, Xanthe Berkeley, Chris Sneddon
xxo,
p.s. I will be back with a short and sweet TT post later. I know I missed sending out your weekend texture. I will make it up to you. I promise.
p.s.s. My Art of Texture - Secrets Revealed class begins tomorrow. There's still time to sign up.....if you wish....
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