So, I’m kind of free-falling now, feeling adrift.
Word of Art 2 has come to a close and a very dedicated three months of my life has passed.

As with the weddings and receptions and graduation parties and reunions and basically every other thing I’ve ever focused on from conception to completion, I’m torn. They are awesome experiences, and yet, once they’ve come to fruition, I’m wishing I could go back and make changes. Do something different, start sooner, contribute more, talk to a person (or twelve) that I didn’t get a chance to catch up with during the chaos that is execution. I want to be less nervous, more relaxed, less sweaty, more cool. You know, cool.

I love the planning stages. I love theme. (I am the Queen!)
I love being creative. I love the freedom to pursue an idea and see where it takes me. And I love the support I receive.

By the time the DEADLINE arrives, I’m toast. Toasty-toasted toast. (Useless.) And that is when the SUPPORT becomes my favorite thing in the entire world. Loved more than even Diet Coke and Doritos.

Despite the successes, and Word of Art 2 was a wonderful success! I miss it. I think most people have a sense of accomplishment, that feeling of “yes!” immediately following. But me? I seem to need to mourn the passing first. I’ll get there, I know I will. It was a fabulous event, it is a fabulous collaboration. I admire the participants who pushed their own boundaries, putting themselves out there artistically and triumphed! The pride (and tears) in their eyes and voices as they spoke of the struggle to put the right words on the page, to create the ideal image inspired by those words– and the contentment that the author or artist “got” them–it’s a magical relationship. Being witness to these exchanges is the best.

You probably think I’m overselling, and maybe I am, but in the week since the reception, I have been bombarded with appreciation and kind words and maybe my process of acceptance is spilling onto the screen.

Yep, pretty sure the glow is kicking in.

Ah, that’s the stuff.

 
The party may be over, but what a party it was.