Job doesn’t want to go to bed, and I really, really want him to. Evidently bedtime got pushed forward several hours while I was out of town. No comment. I’m too grateful that I was able to make this Edel trip to complain. I can always count on Jonny to erase all routines when I am gone, but more importantly, I can trust that he will keep our babies, both big and small, safe.
I returned home from Charleston last night, completely exhausted. I am not a good out-of-town sleeper. Plus, I did more talking in one weekend than I typically do in a month. I was nervous about this trip, nervous about being with so many women, afraid I wouldn’t quite fit in. I spent my growing up years feeling the misfit, and typically always found myself on the fringe of any group that I attempted to be a part of. I am grateful to have a truly wonderful group of friends in my life now, and two of them traveled with me to Charleston. (We brought a third friend in laminated form since she couldn’t attend. Flat Eve was the life of the party.)
In the weeks before Edel, as attendees, including myself, began worrying over things like what to wear (I spent way too much time worrying about that), Hallie and Jen, the organizers, reminded us that this was about community, about coming as you are and being loved “as is.” They preached friendship and acceptance, and I think their vision for this conference came to life in all of our hearts. There was no judgement, and everyone “fit in.” I met so many sweet women, and had an incredibly fun, albeit over-stimulating, time. I wish I could hold on to the pure joy of being in a room full of dancing women (some wearing babies), cheering on their friends as they sing karaoke. To giggle on the sidewalk with new friends while they smoke cigars, just for the heck of it. Because while we love our vocation, we relish a break from it, and love to celebrate in silly ways.
I had a truly joyful weekend and I am so grateful for that. Thank you, friends.
And now I leave you with some completely random quotes from Counting by 7s, because I just finished reading it, and I loved it:
“A few people have complained about the bees. But it’s impossible to please everyone.”
“I will call Lenore and say that the cat is a therapy dog.”
“He said that the cat was a therapy dog.”
“I feel something wash over me when I hear the words. I think the feeling is acceptance.”
“Does saying good-bye matter? Does it really end something?”
“When you care about other people, it takes the spotlight off your own drama.”
“The girls next to me starts to cry when she sees the sprinkles. I’m wondering if she’s worried about the long-term side effects of consuming artificial food coloring. It’s a valid concern.”
“They speak to me, not in words, but in action. They tell me that life goes on.“
You take such beautiful pictures. I have been reading your blog for about a year now and always love seeing them. And wanted to take this opportunity to say that if I had been able to go to Edel I would have been knitting with you.
Hi Ginny!
I must say I’m usually annoyed at my small bladder since I’m always going to the bathroom too much, but after meeting you at Edel in the ladies room several times in a matter of a few hours, I am grateful for not only my small bladder but also having the opportunity to meet and chat with you! 🙂 I find it quite ironic that your first of many beautiful photos in this post as a bathroom sign in it. 🙂 LOL! It was a fun weekend that I will treasure always! So glad you were a part of the memorable time!
So glad you had fun! Did you end up doing any dancing? 😉
What a blessing! Hope they do it on the west coast next year! Looks like so much fun. Although I would feel like you and probably try to talk myself out of it because I would so nervous! lol
“I spent my growing up years feeling the misfit, and typically always found myself on the fringe of any group that I attempted to be a part of.” ~ Well, I resonate to that. I’m finding more and more that I think many people do.
It looks like you had a a very fun time. So happy for you.
Good friends are a blessing. I’m thankful for several close friends whom God has blessed me with.
I absolutely love the sixth picture down of the church. The angle is amazing and awesome.
Beautiful Ginny! I’m so glad to have shared this weekend and to have met you! Such a pleasure!
The cut out Eve is the best! Looks like a wonderful time.
Oh Ginny, I don’t know if I’ve ever been in a more strange/uncomfortable bathroom up and down 95 than the ones at South of the Border. Brave woman! As an adult I found out why my parents would never stop there 🙂
It was such a grace for me to have this time with you. Such a grace my friend. Now I will have to make time to come your way and meet those kids and see the goats!! I pray the signal graces continue to flow from this weekend for a long time to come. Hugs friend and thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
I would love for there to be something like this for Orthodox mamas. It looks like wonderful fun and fellowship.
I am so glad you had this time! the routines and schedules will get sorted out again and it sounds like the kids had a really special time too! 🙂 God bless you all and give you strength!
I loved seeing your photos of this event and all the fun that was being had. I thinking making time for conferences and women connections is so dang important and wish more families made this a priority. The laminated Eve is the best 🙂
Wish I could let my self attend these events but it warms my heart to see your photos and hear all about it and know so many wonderful women are out there!
I couldn’t agree more……Edel was wonderful! I don’t think I’ve been around that many wonderful, amazing, and unbelievably kind women in all my life. Praise God for the gifts of Edel ❤
I am so happy you go to go to Edel! Way to go Jonny! And … no wonder, all those quotes sound just like something you would write!
I’m glad you had a wonderful trip Ginny. It’s important to get out of our comfort zones, to challenge ourselves and grow. I wanted to bad to make the 45 minute trip to see you, but just could make it happen, one day for sure.
I love looking at all of your pictures! It looks like you had an inspiring time amidst some very good energy!
I agree, I think I will have to read that book too.
Dear Ginny, I live in Europe and I most probably never will get to meet you. Though I so much would like. You are completely opposite of me. Yet we ave one similarity: I don’t quite fit in mass and am always frightened of the mass. However, in order to be accepted during my teen and collage years, I have overwritten that part of my personality and became completely different person then what feel ‘right’ in my soul. With the help of my husband (whom I miraculously met only because of the fake me – but who loves the real me) have I learnt to accept and love who I am and have allowed myself to do the step back and started moving into embracing myself. You seem to have taken much more honest and harder way, without rewriting yourself in order to be accepted. I truly admire that.
Love, Katarina
Community is so important. What a great event and such happy pictures!!
Dear Ginnie..I am old enough to be your grandma. I am not a Catholic tho. I respect your faith so much. My babies are way grown, but I just have to tell you how much your space here brings me joy, how very much the love that you share with your family and friends warms my heart..and how very much your caring and loving soul brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. What a wonderful gathering you had. Those memories will settle clear down in your heart and bring you so many moments of pure joy. Good for you!
I listened to “Counting By 7s” a couple months ago. Knowing the title was familiar but having completely forgotten I “read” it, I cued it up the other day and two sentences in I realized I had read it. Ugh! I really should just listen again. It was worth it.
Glad you had a great time, and who could not love you just as you are? They wouldn’t be worth knowing!
Love it Ginny. I could write 1,000 more words and couldn’t express the joy any better. Every picture is smiling and radiance. What a selling point for the power of community! So happy to have met you friend!
I’m cracking up of that picture of Christy and the cigar. Makes me happy to see some of my favorite people in these pictures and I’m so glad you had a good time! x
I am going to have to read that book.
Thank you so much for being just *you*, Ginny. 🙂 You are so sweet and absolutely wonderful. It was a thrill to meet you in person, and thank you for taking the lovely photos! Also, you are totally funny.