I have written two lengthy blog posts about this experience. Oh you can’t find them? That’s because I deleted them. It has been so hard to put in to words all that happened. I’m sure whatever I say here will fall short but I’ve decided I am not going to stress about it. After this weekend I have decided to banish the word anxiety from my brain. It no longer exists. I don’t need it or want it. Add to that: I found it obnoxious how many times I said, thought, and felt it. I was in danger of letting it get in the way of this experience. After spending some much need time with my husband and children (they recharge my batteries), I am now finally able to sit down and digest some of it. This will be the 3rd and finally blog post, so without further ado I’m just going to get freaking started!

There are so many parts to this weekend: The students, the creativeLive crew, and the SUPERCRAZYAMAZING Tamara Lackey.

Tamara … what can I say? When we hugged good-bye, I thanked her from the bottom of my heart. I know that saying thank you is the smallest expression of my gratitude for the gift that she has given the students (both present and on the interwebs). I wish everyone could see the time and care she put in to creating the presentation she delivered. It was meticulous and brilliant. My non-photography brained husband watched the class and said “Any business could profit from watching that class.” True Indeed! I walked away with an overwhelming amount of information but the ideas that have affected me the most, have changed not just my thinking on business but my life as well.

~ I will not let fear rule me or stand in the way of what I want

~ I will not get overwhelmed by the enormity of things (I will just start – somewhere – anywhere)

~ I will not get comfortable. I will push forward and make things happen

If you take step back and think about how you can apply those things to your life it really is just amazing. Try it. I promise you, it will not steer you wrong.

Tamara, I am indebted to you. I appreciate not only the gift you’ve given me but I value who you are on so many levels. I’m sure I am only one of many who are so grateful you are here in this world. Hope you got plenty of snuggle time with your little ones.

creativeLive … Seriously? I don’t even know where to begin. What you do and how you do it is just plain extraordinary. Walking into the studio is like walking into someone’s home. The atmosphere was just so welcoming. You can tell within five minutes of being there that not only do you all care so much about what you’re doing but you all care about each other as well. I became a fan every single person I came in contact with and only wished I could have spent an hour with each member of the crew, just to talk. You all make it so easy to support what it is you’re doing. Special credit to Celeste! When it was all said and done I just wanted to high five her! I can’t wait to hear/see more about the hats she makes. Susan & Kenna!!!!! They are THAT cool in real life. They are both so easy to like. I’ll tell you, it’s a trip to turn your head and see them chatting with the internet. I have been “the internet question submitter” so many times before hoping they’d pick my question. Craig … I adore you and loved hearing more about your family. Anytime you need a creativeLive alum for anything, just let me know. I’ll get my rollerskates ready. 🙂 Oh man! There were just so many people … a really lame but heartfelt THANK YOU to the entire crew!  I’ll be waiting to hear from a few of you. You know who you are. 😉

My Peeps …

I’m going to do a quick shout out. I was so sad to say goodbye to you all. Two days really just wasn’t enough and yet there is so much to say about you guys …

Donovan AKA REKANIZE!!!!!… You are as talented as you are sweet and hilarious. I am a HUGE FAN of all the unique things that make up you and I can not wait to see how your future unfolds. 60k per session right?  One of these days I am going to make it down to New Orleans and you better hide yo t-shirt collection. I’m just saying. Looking forward to your photographic study on Rap Bounce. You better go to WPPI or I will hunt you down.

Courtney … My Homegirl!!!!! I cannot wait to get together again! You are like sunshine on a gray day. Does that sound cheesy? Just go with it! You make it sooo unbelievably easy to like you. Thank you for letting me lean on you, talk, laugh and just plain get to really be me.  I have never before made a friend so easily and if it had to be anyone, I’m glad it was you. Do I even have to mention your business? You fly. You know you are. Rock it Sista Girl!

Carolyn … How crazy was that!!!!!????? We met at WPPI last year and then got to go through this thing together! There is so much more I got to know about you just going through this experience! How funny that we both grew up on Staten Island but we met in Vegas and hung out in Seattle? You have so much to share and give. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that you’re going to get it all organized and put together. In fact, it’s been like a day and I wouldn’t be surprised if you already are! I’m still sad you didn’t miss/abandon your flight. Next time you’re in town I’ve got a cold Mountain Dew waiting for ya. I’ll be sure get Motrin in liquid format too. 😉

Jesse … “Why so serious son?” It was my goal to make you smile all weekend. I’m not sure if I ever did but you certainly made me smile. I watched you from time to time and could see the wheels turning as you took everything in. I just know that whatever you do it is going to be wonderful. This is not internet fodder or me trying to be nice. I truly believe that. Believe in yourself. YOU are awesome. Really, need I say more?

Erika … why on Earth did we wait until the last day to really connect? By the time we REALLY got talking you had to leave! Luckily for me you live not too far away. We should schedule regular get togethers in Bellevue Square. I loved hearing you talk about your little boy and I’m with you on everything having to do with marriage and family. You saved the day & kicked butt when my brain went haywire on the role playing with Tamara. You have a lot of creative and innovative ideas. I can’t wait to see your three Erika words come out in your business brand. Remember … don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy! You are fantastic! I am so glad to have met you and am looking forward to getting to know you more.

I really hope that we don’t lose touch! This has been an amazing and inspiring experience for me and I am so happy to have gone through it with everyone!

Kelli