[image: cards on the fence at the YMCA. Can't get over how beautiful these were]
I’m awake in the hotel room before the alarm goes off, my stomach slightly tight, stretching over the little flip-flops going on inside. My roommates are awake too, reading the paper, taking a shower. Getting ready for the day. I am… nervous? I feel like it’s the day of the big field trip that I’ve been looking forward to for so long.
That surprises me, a little. We are here for a conference that I come to almost every year; you would think it would be old hat. For the last few weeks I’ve been busy getting ready for a big celebration at my church. I haven’t had much time to even think about this trip. And then, suddenly, I’m here. We drove up yesterday, two friends with me, a long road punctuated with occasional conversation. These are the kind of friends it’s okay to be quiet with.
Today I will hear teachers I’ve listened to for many years, and ones brand new to me. I will experience art. I will come into an experience like the ones I help to create weekly and I won’t be responsible for overseeing any of it. I will be surprised, because I don’t have the plan in front of me ahead of time. I will be amazed, and awed, and grateful.
I will sit in a room with other people who do what I do, who speak my language. I will be reminded that I am not the only one, that I am not crazy for trying to create. That art is powerful and real and life changing and worth every bit of time and risk and hope and tears and love.
I can’t wait.
so good. have a wonderful time my friend, letting the wonder and love and creativity burst in your heart like pop-rocks in your mouth.