Over the course of the next 36 hours, we talked of business, creativity and of decorating. Sometimes the dialogue was very specific, sometimes metaphoric to life.  I was always such a poor student in school, so the notion that my words were worthy of note taking, was humbling to me.

While the conduit to bringing this wonderful group of women together was the world of Shabby Chic and myself, the energy took on its own life once the workshop unfolded. It was powerful and real, and I thank every person who attended.

Towards the end of Saturday, all had the option to hang with me and Sarah (my Shabby photographer) for more behind the scene moments or go into the local town to shop, mainly at the Junk Gypsy store and Lizzie Lou. Those that opted to stay for the photo shoot were put to work.  We were shooting a couple of collections from Simply Shabby Chic at Target.

Our day ended with amazing family style BBQ that was made with love for our Shabby group from The Back Porch BBQ Restaurant.

An amazing band from Australia showed up on the Prairie doorstep, The Heart Collectors, like fairies and magically entertained us……

This evening couldn’t have been more magical. I had such warmth for everyone around the table. The world of Shabby Chic was a special place to be...

After dinner there was the option to watch a movie together, specifically "Saving Mr. Banks". This is a movie about the writer of Mary Poppins.  I specifically chose this, as to me it’s a perfect vehicle to demonstrate the passion of woman, wanting to tell her story, as she needed it to be told, and not to compromise, however wonky she was…….. Some ladies felt the need to go outside into the fields and have their own little shabby sisters party (music by way of their iphones)

……only some blurry polaroids remain …….. The next morning, our last, we talked and talked and talked and talked and talked, and still we ran out of time.

I had my emotional moment. This shabby journey is one that was never planned and one that gets it's fuel from all that love it.  I have a vision and passion to continue telling my story, but it’s the world of shabby chic, and all that live the shabby life that keep it going…… And as with everything it takes a village...

The workshop was magical because of the village that helped make it happen and all who attended……and all those who couldn’t make it but sent messages and connected to us all as we went along.  Lucky us that we have this community…….thank you all. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet...