to get a few days to be with my friends, the ones who really get me, the ones with whom i dont feel like such a misfit around, the ones who instantly invoke my inner 8 year old and set her free, the ones who understand and share ~ without even saying a word ~ the deep and soulful journey i desire in this life....

to have the opportunity to meet so many new friends...ones ive only known via this internet world, and the ones that upon meeting felt like they had always been a part of my life....

to get to explore my inner artist and not feel dorky or stupid or somehow not capable....

to be amongst the most amazing teachers who provided so much encouragement and support and opened a brand new door of newness for me...and to have classmates who offered the same sort of goodness at the same time....

to have the assistance of such an wonderful staff and volunteers who made everything run so smoothly....

to get to hear Jenny's story, and have it stay with me like an etching on my heart....

to get to see others play and rest and discover and strengthen their own truths.... and to see the gift of gentleness and love wash over their faces....

to be a part of Elizabeth's life ~ the only person i know who could make something this magical actually come true.... (how can i ever ever thank you for how hard you have worked?)

its just some of these things that make me feel like the luckiest person in the world and makes me wish everyone on the planet could have an experience like this, just once.

and if i didnt thank you in person, i want to thank you now. to every single person who showed up, you helped this beauty happen, each one of you provided something to make this all come together just by being there. you all matter so very much and i am so grateful i was able to share this time with you...