Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Reflections of BeadFest...it was so much more then I thought

I think I have been avoiding writing about Bead Fest, because I am not ready for it to truly be over.  It was so much more then just a show, it was so much more then just being with friends, it was so much more then just a goal met.
 
We were sooooo thrilled when we were there, and ready for business- a dream come true!
 
 
I feel like something came full circle last weekend.  I felt like this was a place a belonged in more ways then just selling beads.  These ladies, my friends, they mean a lot to me.  They are my inspirations, they are my laughter, they are my encouragement, and oh my gosh, are they fun to be around!
 
I think meeting Genea and Ricky was a huge part of all I am feeling.  Genea and I met through Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog party a couple years ago.  I truly hope she knows what that hop has meant to so many people (like us!!!)
 
Lori Anderson made it to Bead Fest, and it was cool to get our pic taken all together, since we may not have met if it weren't for her.  She is such a sweet person.  I wish we had more time to hang out!
 
 
 
 
Anyhow, we completely fell in love with each others beads- though we were not even partners in the swap.  She contacted me, or me her, I don't quite recall, but we quickly became friends, and swapped beads, and the rest was history. 
 
 
These were the beads I fell in love with!!!!  And her desert serpent hearts- and then I asked if she could make them even BIGGER!  and she did.
 
Soon after we traded, Genea thought we should do collaborative sets of our beads, and she took off running with that project....I could hardly keep up.  This girl is intense, and has ideas non stop.  She is so deliberate in all she puts out to the world, and I really admire that about her, because I- well, am a bit more laid back ( cattle prod may be needed ....lol).  So, we compliment each other, in many ways.
 

 
These were some of our collaborative sets
 
When we decided to do Bead Fest together it was a huge decision for us, especially her, since she had to come from Kansas!  I think towards the end of the preparation for the show we were talking on the phone at least twice a day.  Sometimes for hours.  Sooo much planning had to happen for them to get here, for me to be able to leave for four days.  We both had life throw us some curve balls before the show, and yet, we did it.
 
The very early morning that Ricky and Genea showed up at my house (they had just driven straight through- something like 20 hours!), just felt like family coming home.  I don't know how else to say it.  I don't think it was awkward at all.  Justin, Ricky, Genea the kids and I just all clicked.  What a wonderful feeling.  The kids couldn't wait to meet Genea- since they heard so much about her, and they weren't here long before the kids were fighting over who got to sit next to Ricky next!
 
Ricky, Genea, Collin and Julia
 Justin, Ricky Genea and Aiden
 
 
I am honored to have found such a great friend online, and that we took this on together.  We rocked it.  It was a great time and we can't wait to do it again next year.
 
Sorry to get all sobby like, but this was huge for me.  There are some days I feel like people just don't take time to care for each other anymore in this world.  Days I lose faith in humanity.  Days I hear of people doing awful things to others.....or taking advantage of peoples kindness.  But weekends like Bead Fest, they erase all that doubt.  There are no friends like artists.  Everyone one of them holds a special place in my heart, and I miss them dearly.
I promise tomorrow I will write a blog about the whole process, cause it was really amazing.  But I had to get my heart our here first. 
We had a great time together!
 
 
 
Tomorrow I will blog about details, the schedule, the set up, how it ran, the friends, the customers, the new friends.....it was all so amazing.
 
Sweet Dreams my friends!  I am off to bed.  

24 comments:

  1. Awesome post, Staci! You two look like such a great team. Isn't it nice when things just "click"!

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  2. What a wonderful story of how beads made a life long friendship. Glad you guys had fun.

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  3. Staci, we have never met but I really enjoyed reading your blog...what fun you guys must have had! :) thanks for sharing :) Judy boyer

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  4. I'm so happy that you two got to share this and it sounds like it was just wonderful. Love that!

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  5. What a lovely post. I'm so glad it was that wonderful!

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  6. What a beautiful post! It's so rare that we meet someone who shares our passions and complements our soul that it should always be celebrated! :)

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  7. What a great post. I did not realize that you and Genea just met in person at Bead Fest. Sometime I feel crazy for having such strong connections to friends I have never met and this validates that for me. It was great meeting you both and what a great time at Bead Fest. You both are very talented artist and I love your work individually and in collaboration. I hope to collect more.

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  8. I love hearing beautiful stories like this.

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  9. You two are such the dynamic duo! you might have just met in person, but it seems like you've been friends forever... what a wonderful thing that is

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  10. What a fantastic post! Gorgeous people, all round :-)

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  11. That is such a great story. As artists we work alone and though we need to be to create and put out what we do there is a danger in so much time spent alone. I am envious that you have found such a wonderful partner for these journeys...I used to have as assistant when I lived in Springfield that was not only my helper, but at her young age the best spiritual advisor I will probably ever have. Your story has inspired me. Thanks for sharing and I will be waiting to here 'the rest of the story'......

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  12. This is such a great story Staci! I know exactly what you mean about loosing faith in humanity sometimes but every story I have heard from Bead Fest attendees has been so positive, funny and fun! What an incredible group of artists and genuinely good hearted people. I love that Lori went to BF and the picture of the 3 of you is adorable! Love, love, love the necklaces you and Genea have on in the last photo (and your pin is fab)!! Looking forward to your next post.

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  13. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story! Bead friends really are the best kind! ;) I can totally relate to losing faith in humanity and then all it takes is for one act of kindness, a beautiful moment or a special friendship and it is once again restored. So glad you and Genea had a great weekend at Bead Fest. I hope both of you will be there next year as well!

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  14. I'm so happy you got to meet up with these amazing people. In today's fast paced world it seems as though people go about their own way and doing their own thing. Many days, despite all the social media opportunities, we only have short conversations and have lost connections with our friends. Like you, I have lost faith in this world as it seems everyone is only thinking about themselves. I feel like we are becoming our own little islands.
    Thank you for sharing as it was a great reminder there are wonderful caring people out there.

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  15. Oh Staci, my sweet, sweet girl. Where would I be without you? What an amazing journey it has been together! This weekend was a huge life event for me as well in many ways. I have so many thoughts to get out in my blog as well! I love hearing your side of our meeting and journey. Did you know I still have our first message on Etsy? <3 Thank you and Justin so much for inviting us into your hearts and home. We just adore your family. You made us feel just like family the second we stepped in the door. After that long trip Staci offered me coffee and made me eggs! It is such a wonderful gift for someone to prepare food for you :)It is I who am so honored to call you my friend and to have shared so many special memories with you. Doing Bead Fest is only the beginning of many more artful adventures together! Love you girlie! xo Genea

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  16. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful, special time with us. Since I couldn't go this year, all the great posts and pics make it feel a little like I was there. Of course, I have no beautiful beads to fondle, so not quite the same. :) I love how special friendships come about in our world, and I'm thrilled to get to see yours and Genea's.

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  17. Wonderful post, and great pics. I'm so glad that it all went well for both of you.

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  18. So wonderful! My thoughts exactly, except about Bead & Button. And my friend Heather Powers. It is rare to find those souls in the world that truly match yours, those that get you, that you don't have to explain yourself around. I am so glad that Genea is that type of friend for you! Thank you for sharing your experience. Now it makes me really want to get to BeadFest one of these years! Enjoy the day. Erin

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  19. Great post and not sappy at all. These kinds of emotions are great and wonderful to share. I feel happy for you. Next year I plan on being there too! Posts like yours make me want to make it happen even more! Thank you for sharing your story and your feelings.
    ~Ema

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  20. What a joyful post. Thank you for sharing.

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  21. I felt honored to meet two women whose beads/jewelry I own and love. To know the BSBP had a part in getting yo two together makes me a bit giddy!

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  22. Beautifully written ans shared. I have always admired how you two show the world that artists don't need to be in competition but can collaborate. Really sweet to witness the connections you made through your blog. Thank you for sharing all the gooey behind the scenes goodness!! xx
    Emily

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