Reflecting

I had a moment on Sunday, after the show was over and the crowds were gone, to saunter up to the Boys' house and snap a few shots. I tried to capture the spirit of their home in the small vignettes they have designed in every nook and cranny. And as lovely as they are, I can't show you the whole room or house, because that is their place. I feel like it would be an invasion of their privacy to do that. Hopefully these photos here convey the spirit... the mood... the overall sense of repose that their home embodies. It captivated me. It just.....well, it spoke to me.

Indeed, it spoke to me so softly and sweetly that in one split second I went from leaning in to snap a shot of something amazing to needing to immediately sit down and breathe and let the tears flow. I was awash in appreciation for the chance to be there at that moment, fresh from the success of the previous day's show and sleeping in a grassy meadow. Sitting here was restorative, relaxing, and inspiring. It calmed me, yet stirred within me the energy to be more expressive in my own home's decor. Every item within the very walls here express Joe & Jermonne's personalities.

I was overwhelmed with the realization that I am surrounded by people who dream big dreams, who 'change their stars' (as Heath Ledger's character's father said in the film 'A Knight's Tale') and who manifest those dreams into reality. And I realized again that I am one of them. And that unlike in the past, I don't have to be scared that my big dreams won't be realized or that someone can take them from me. I needn't make excuses or be ashamed or belittled or misunderstood or laughed at any more for my big ideas and dreams and visions. Why? Because the people who are in my life NOW are people who also do this, and understand it, and know that life can be a passionate adventure. Joe and Jermonne are definitely those kind of people.

I was overcome with appreciation and gratefulness that people like Joe & Jermonne exist in this world. That they not only possess incredible talent and creativity, but that they share it so openly and generously with their friends & family - a family of genuine, caring, funloving people that they have gathered, drawn together, and continue to expand. That we were invited to participate in this show, and were welcomed into their lives, home, and circle is just such a blessing to us. We never felt like 'newcomers' to this world, but like old friends returning for a reunion - just as Jermonne predicted. I think Kim said it best when she tearfully, and very genuinely, expressed her gratefulness for this island of friendship and acceptance of anyone who enters. Like-minded spirits connect here in this circle (whether it is on the BarnHouse farm or not) and that is a remarkable experience for us all.

What a wonderful time. A beautiful setting. A resplendent event. And an altogether delectable gathering of people who inspire and delight my senses at every turn. I am still weepy over the magic that dances within my soul and the joy in my heart that blossomed this weekend. I am truly blessed to live this life.....