Last year I participated in a year long online photography class called, NowYou. The class was open to women only and would guide us weekly to produce a self portrait based on a themed prompt. I had already taken a 6 week class from the instructors, the amazing duo that are Kristin Zecchinelli and Meredith Winn – but there was push to take a year long course. I had planned to start my journey on a self portrait 365 (one self portrait a day, for an entire year) settled it. I signed up. I had already made some incredible connections in the first course and I knew that things would only grow from those seeds that were planted.
Fast forward to 2014. I mention online that I would be moving to Tacoma, WA. I received a Facebook message from one of the women I had met in the NowYou community. Deb was so excited to hear I would be nearby, to share her love of the Pacific Northwest with me, and then she invited me to come for lunch in her home located in West Seattle. But it got better. Two other women who were also in the Now You Workshops with us would be there, too. I am not sure I can really explain the connection I have made to people via photos and typed words, but it is truly something special.
The class and the women who participated held space for one another. There was a level of trust, a safe place for us to be ourselves. And now, I would get to meet some of my sweet friends in real life. If you blog, or are in other social media networks where you have been able to ‘find your people’ you may understand a little bit more about the excitement of the day.
Deb’s home is a beautiful, elegant space, yet is filled with so much whimsy and comfort. I felt at ease helping myself to something in the fridge and my kids took things one step further by instantly bonding with her five year old and playing circus in the living room. I was horrified and yet, giggling that I had found friends who had a similar believe about a house, it is where we LIVE, not a showroom.
So, imagine three friends gathering for lunch who haven’t seen each other in a VERY long time. Imagine the goofy squeals and giggles that happen when old friends reconnect. Even though we had never heard each others actual voices, I really did feel as if I was coming home to old friends. There was delicious soup and salad, bubbly water and yummy dessert.
Spending time with fellow creatives is pretty amazing. Thanks again to Deb for hosting such a lovely afternoon and to Cathy and Tonia for making the drive. It was a really wonderful afternoon and I am still smiling thinking about getting to laugh with all of you lovely ladies.
i understand the connection.
oh, yes…i do. xo
Oh I know ya do. And one day, we are gonna meet up.
I’ll have to try and make it up for an encore. 🙂
Yup,we are SO holding you to that!
ani, we will hold you to that!
So many things to discuss:
1. I love your website, Van. It’s gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful.
2. Deb! – Your house is stunning. Vanessa, you capture the essence that you spoke of. What a grande place to meet.
3. Thanks for sharing this meeting with all of us. It’s so wonderful to see you all together. Man, I wish I was closer. Your smiles make me smile. Love to all of you wonderful women.
smiling and feeling the warmth of this special gathering…
i regret not posting here earlier….!! what a wonderful post, v. such gorgeous pictures… i love that i get a sense of what it was like to be together and what deb’s beautiful home is like, too. what a special special treat!! xo
It was such a joy to meet these women finally! And Deb’s home is absolutely fantastic.
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