I am a new woman. Tired, but somehow renewed and transformed.
I spent an extra-long weekend in Oregon with a group of incredible ladies who I met through online art classes! I still can't believe that it actually happened; that we were all really there in person! It started with the idea of how fun it would be to meet a friend who was travelling from England to stay at a friend's in Central Oregon. From there the idea grew, and as the numbers grew, so did my anxiety...to the point where I panicked and defaulted to my usual "I'm not going". This is where the transformation began. After much discussion with my husband and friends, and much self-inquiry, I realized that this was the *only* chance I got. This was it. If I didn't go, I would never know, and I would never have another chance like this to meet people who I had grown to love. So we found a way to make it less panic-inducing. Hubby did the driving and we had places to stay. We had a plan!
The twelve-hour drive was split to make it manageable and before I knew it I was walking in to the "Art Party" into the arms of my friends! Wow! It still seems unbelievable. I had never met anyone there in person, and some ladies I didn't know at all, but I don't know that I have ever entered into a room so filled with love and genuine caring. Talk about empowering! It was a gathering of such like-minded individuals; every single person there was a kind, caring, and generous spirit... as well as incredibly talented! We talked, we shared, we created, and we laughed...we laughed a lot!
Through this experience I am reminded of the power of women and the importance of community, and I thank all my "Art Party Sisters", and especially our hostess, for giving me this opportunity. Once again the Universe demonstrated that the *WOW* in life exists just precious steps outside our comfort zone, and the if we stretch ourselves the reward is immeasurable.
