Reflections of BeadFest...it was so much more then I thought

I think I have been avoiding writing about Bead Fest, because I am not ready for it to truly be over.  It was so much more then just a show, it was so much more then just being with friends, it was so much more then just a goal met.

 

We were sooooo thrilled when we were there, and ready for business- a dream come true!

 

 

I feel like something came full circle last weekend.  I felt like this was a place a belonged in more ways then just selling beads.  These ladies, my friends, they mean a lot to me.  They are my inspirations, they are my laughter, they are my encouragement, and oh my gosh, are they fun to be around!

 

I think meeting Genea and Ricky was a huge part of all I am feeling.  Genea and I met through Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog party a couple years ago.  I truly hope she knows what that hop has meant to so many people (like us!!!)

 

Lori Anderson made it to Bead Fest, and it was cool to get our pic taken all together, since we may not have met if it weren't for her.  She is such a sweet person.  I wish we had more time to hang out!

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, we completely fell in love with each others beads- though we were not even partners in the swap.  She contacted me, or me her, I don't quite recall, but we quickly became friends, and swapped beads, and the rest was history. 

 

 

These were the beads I fell in love with!!!!  And her desert serpent hearts- and then I asked if she could make them even BIGGER!  and she did.

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/127775399?

 

Soon after we traded, Genea thought we should do collaborative sets of our beads, and she took off running with that project....I could hardly keep up.  This girl is intense, and has ideas non stop.  She is so deliberate in all she puts out to the world, and I really admire that about her, because I- well, am a bit more laid back ( cattle prod may be needed ....lol).  So, we compliment each other, in many ways.

 

 

These were some of our collaborative sets

 

When we decided to do Bead Fest together it was a huge decision for us, especially her, since she had to come from Kansas!  I think towards the end of the preparation for the show we were talking on the phone at least twice a day.  Sometimes for hours.  Sooo much planning had to happen for them to get here, for me to be able to leave for four days.  We both had life throw us some curve balls before the show, and yet, we did it.

 

The very early morning that Ricky and Genea showed up at my house (they had just driven straight through- something like 20 hours!), just felt like family coming home.  I don't know how else to say it.  I don't think it was awkward at all.  Justin, Ricky, Genea the kids and I just all clicked.  What a wonderful feeling.  The kids couldn't wait to meet Genea- since they heard so much about her, and they weren't here long before the kids were fighting over who got to sit next to Ricky next!

 

Ricky, Genea, Collin and Julia

 Justin, Ricky Genea and Aiden

 

 

I am honored to have found such a great friend online, and that we took this on together.  We rocked it.  It was a great time and we can't wait to do it again next year.

 

Sorry to get all sobby like, but this was huge for me.  There are some days I feel like people just don't take time to care for each other anymore in this world.  Days I lose faith in humanity.  Days I hear of people doing awful things to others.....or taking advantage of peoples kindness.  But weekends like Bead Fest, they erase all that doubt.  There are no friends like artists.  Everyone one of them holds a special place in my heart, and I miss them dearly.

I promise tomorrow I will write a blog about the whole process, cause it was really amazing.  But I had to get my heart our here first. 

We had a great time together!

 

 

 

Tomorrow I will blog about details, the schedule, the set up, how it ran, the friends, the customers, the new friends.....it was all so amazing.

 

Sweet Dreams my friends!  I am off to bed.