Coffee Dispatch Vol. 4
JUNE IS ALMOST OVER!!! How tf did that happen? It’s been a very busy month of traveling for me and I’m so thankful for the opportunities, connections and new friends I’ve made. I’m trying to cull together all of my choppy content into highlights on my Instagram now that I’m back too. I’ve also realized how out of practice I am with traveling and what my limitations are at this stage of life. I can’t schlep like I used to and I need to learn how to pack a suitcase again! But all that aside, it’s been a great month and I needed it.
PolaCon was EPIC!!! No other way to describe it! I was set to present Friday from 5 to 5:30 so I took the train up to Brooklyn that morning I which was pushing it especially as I sat in my uber in Friday afternoon traffic. But we got there in time, and I was really proud of myself for just diving in. Everyone was SO NICE! It was a super welcoming atmosphere and the vibes were HIGH. I got there 30 minutes before I was to present & had people expressing interest even before I started, it was amazing. By the time it as over there were probably 30 people gathered around & we had some great interaction which my teacher side appreciated. I received really positive feedback and a lot of interest in possible on-line courses so that is definitely something I’m looking at more seriously now. Thank you so much to PolaCon, Brooklyn Film Camera and the Instant Film Society for the opportunity.
The event was on the top floor of an event space that gave us an open air set up with presentations in the corners. Thankfully my teacher voice came in handy. I was so thoroughly impressed by the range of presenters, artist, knowledge and willingness to share. It was so refreshing to witness all these super talented people just offer up their skills and support each other. The panel talks were fantastic as was, again..the level of talent. I left with such a refreshed sense of my own place in this welcoming world as well as new connections with some super cool people.
I managed a quick overnight to see my dear friend, Emily and her mom in Staunton, Virginia on June 14th. It was a well-timed day away from the chaos around DC and I was very impressed with the turn out to the No Kings event there. Gives me an ever so slight glimmer of hope when I see remote parts of this state speaking out about the state of things, something by the way I will never stop talking about.
Wednesday, I returned from a retreat at my new friend Gina’s house, otherwise known as Shabby Creek Cottage on the interwebs. I’ve been involved in smaller retreats that were art-focused and more education-centric so this group of witchy intuitive powerhouses was EXACTLY what I needed after years of trying to keep up with some ludicrous expectations academia perpetuates. This was magical. The atmosphere at Gina’s house alone was as you can see quite magical itself. I left last Thursday and split the trip in 2 legs staying at a few cool places along the way (the shot on the right is at the GunRunner Boutique Hotel in Florence, Alabama which was absolutely gorgeous and a WILD spooky ride but that’s a story for another time!) The event was to allow for some time to play and reflect on personal limitations that affect your life and in my case, my creative practice. With the various sessions she offered we were able to tackle both the hard stuff and the fun stuff. Suffice it to say we felt so tended and safe in her space and the whole experience was so powerful I left SO completely inspired I’m already working on some new pieces. I’m so happy I went and thankful for the amazing women I met I can truly call friends now. Needed.
I think the most amazing part of all this travel has been the connections that I’ve made that have widened my circle. It’s an interesting experience to shift your life and make new friends as an adult but it is possible. I’m so glad I did it all and have a TON of photo’s to go thru and share so that’ll happen on IG over the next few weeks. And since I’m grounded for the next few months by choice I’m digging into my webshop on my site as well as preparing classes for the fall at the Workhouse and if I can swing it maybe something on-line, we’ll see! OH, and my Etsy shop is growing too with camera’s and things if you’re interested.
As always thanks so much for being here, I’ll be in the studio more now that I’m able to stand still for a bit and look forward to hanging out with anyone who stops by, so say hi if you can.