i took no photos of people.
it's probably a nervous thing….right?
all the pictures in this post are of things i saw this weekend and have nothing to do with my words because that is the only option here!
well… as almost all nerve wracking, fear of the unknown situations are….everything was fine.
like all of YOU knew it would be.
it was me who was doubting.
i really don't like being the new girl.
the one that no one knows….or in this case the one who knows no one else.
i was walking into a weird and new experience for me.
but it was GREAT!
everyone was SUPER nice and kind and friendly.
(side note: dont you think this couch could not be more perfect for the craft house????)
i had FUN roommates.
we laughed the entire time.
it was such wonderful girl time for me.
lindsey, jeannett and maggie were even better than i hoped.
the entire conference was done so well.
we were entertained….spoiled….and taught.
i was so impressed with all of it.
i looooved the Queen Bee Market!
it was my first time to get to see so many of these handmade products that i love online….in person!
my session was with jeannett and ethan and moderated by amy.
i felt like it was just right.
i spoke from my heart.
and as always….i cried.
only in the beginning.
it was a relief to be actually speaking the words i had been going over in my head for weeks…months.
to get them OUT and not have to worry about messing up any more.
speaking them out loud brought my passion alive again.
fanned the flame.
getting to share what is deep in my heart felt awesome…like it was stuck inside and then released!
God sent so many women to give me words of encouragement all weekend.
they were all so kind and gushingly sweet.
it was humbling.
they made me feel so good all day long.
i got to meet blogger friends in real life…
mique, kami, tauwni, jess, andrea, heather, alissa, patty and kim to name a few.
the sponsors were generous!
our swag bags were extreme.
this was about a quarter of the loot…seriously…they rocked it.
so….my thoughts on what i got out of the conference.
1. it was a wonderful break from the everyday of mommyhood.
2. meeting bloggers is awesome.
3. speaking makes me nervous and yet i really LOVE doing it.
4. girlfriends are such good medicine.
5. i was reminded again of what i am in this corner of the internet….and i like it.
i first realized it first when i was in Atlanta for the coca-cola social media conference surrounded by big
bloggers filled with business mindsets and big goals and plans for their blogs.
at the end of the day….i just want to glorify God.
in my words, in my photos, in my home, in my relationships and definitely on my blog….every day.
and that is a work in progress.
it's a journey.
i still mess up a lot.
i still react poorly sometimes often….i am normal.
but i am here in to serve God with JOY and do my best every day to let His Light shine through me.
i loved SNAP.
it was awesome to be asked to be a part of it!
they know how to throw a party!
hey….how about if YOU were at SNAP and you took your picture with me….send it to me!
i have no photos of you or me.
it will make a great post. :)
pleeeease.
thanks!
Brittany Shea - I am in love with this blog. What exactly is SNAP and I need this couch in my life. Does anyone know where I can get in touch with this vendor???
Tauni - This is a bit late, but I love you…That is all. xoxo
Patty Palmer - Nice meeting you in person, Meg! I saw that sofa as well and knew straight away that I don not have nearly enough color in my house. Great photos of Snap!
Kelli @ Lolly Jane - MEG! You rock. Loved chatting with you at SNAP. Our quick convo put things in perspective and made me feel better about saying no to a sponsored trip to NYC. Thanks girl!
ps: See Sandee Prince up there? My sister! She’s your stalker…in a good way. Love her 😉
Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Soo.. I got an email last night saying that I was randomly chosen to come to Craft Weekend.. I had the same feelings that you were having about SNAP. Nervousness, fear of the unknown.. But you know what? I am COMING to Craft Weekend! And I am so excited!! I know I would have kicked myself, had I not accepted the invite.. See you in August!! 🙂
Christine Ishmael - It was great finally meeting you Meg! I wish I could’ve heard you speak because as soon as you were done, my friend (who was there) texted me and said it was so good, she was bawling! Keep up the good work! Christine of This & That Creations!
Brooke - the red/pink tulip picture is BEAUTIFUL! Do you sell your photos? This picture is the perfect jumping off point for my toddlers new big girl room!
Meagan - Oh my goodness, you NEED that sofa and all it’s pillows for the craft house. Absolutely. It’s perfect. I’m so bummed I missed SNAP this year. It would have been great to see you again.
kami @ NoBiggie - I’m so glad I got to meet you! I just sent you a pic of us.
That lace necklace is so pretty! I wish I had a full day all by myself to take in the Queen Bee Market, so many pretties.
Amy - Well said, Meg! Our sole purpose in life is to bring glory to God. It’s amazing when we strip everything else away and simply see life through that purpose. I needed that reminder today. 🙂
ko. s - You made me tear up! I love that you were speaking at Snap this year! What a source of creative strength you are! I may just have to see if we can fly you out for our Women’s retreat!
Suzanne - First, of course you did wonderfully! Second, couch = a.maz.ing! Third, thank you for being who God made you to be! Glorify God and be joyful in your life. What an amazing outlet you have to share in!
Lorie - I barely took pictures of people either! Too much going on and too many great people to meet! I never made it into the Emporium to shop, but that couch is amazing!
Jessica Johnson - i knew you would do great! also, i see you on instagram! kim and i need to fly out for a tutorial.
Stephanie - I was not at snap but I feel the same way that you do about blogging. I want to honor and glorify God with my life. With the thoughts that I think, the actions I do and the words I say or blog. I definitely fail but glorifying God through everything, the good and bad, is the most important thing.
And- completely random but I had a dream that I was at one of your craft weekends! I have seen the pics on your blog and it looks like so much fun! I may have to come one of these days! 🙂
I love your blog!
Lea Carter - ” i am here in to serve God with JOY and do my best every day to let His Light shine through me.” and that, my dear, is what it is all about! Love your blog and your heart!
happygirl - Your images are beautiful. I love turquoise and brown combination. Why is that such a gorgeous combo? You are so brave to go to things like this. I have no courage for meeting new people.
Lori Austin - Love the tulip picks. Glad all went well. I’m sure you looked super cute in those fantastic outfits 🙂
Sarah Wolfe - Would have loved to have been there to hear you speak… What did you talk about? Sounds like a great weekend… 🙂
Jamielyn@iheartnaptime - What beautiful pictures! That couch is to die for! I’m saving up for one of your craft weekends. How fun would that be?! They sounds AMAZING! I really enjoyed meeting you Friday night. You are so sweet and down to earth. Plus your outfits were fabulous! Wish we could of chatted more. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep in touch! XOXO
tyranid - I’m glad that you had a great time with your room mates. You give your house a new color by doing your crafts and share it with others.
Kerry - so happy to hear it all went well meg!! And that COUCH!!! Good grief – its to die for… 🙂
Knew you’d rock your sesh 🙂 Kerry x
Kate B. - Andrea from knittybitties is the one that made the little walllet I sent you a while back! How fun to meet her in person!
Marie - It was so fun to meet you in person!! Bummer I missed your session, sounds like it was a gooooood one!! And great photos, even if there isn’t any of faces!! I loved that handmade market!
Becky - It was so great to meet you and chat at the queen bee market! Now I wish I had asked to take a picture with you. I was too embarrassed to ask 😉 you are awesome! Someday I will come to craft weekend… where did you find that couch?!
-Becky Blood
Krissy - So glad you had a good time!! And I totally love your blog, you’re the only one I really read because I feel I can really connect with you! Loves and prayers coming your way! <3
Jenna@CallHerHappy - wow wow wow! what cool pictures! if i was at snap, i would be thinking, “man, meg would love this!” glad you got to go 🙂
sandee prince - you know I will have my little sis send the pic of you and her…. the one she sent me that I made her get with you……a little creepy I know 😉 lol She is at the hospital helping her twin push out her baby boy RIGHT NOW!!!
Check LollyJane later today and I am sure there will be a sweet little blessing on there for you to go ga ga over. Can’t wait to meet my newest nephew!
Karen Gerstenberger - I’m glad to hear that it went well and was fun (& re-energizing). Blessings to you!
jen - that is so awesome you go to be a part of it. glad you got something out of it.
Tina Jacobsen - That couch is amazing!! Glad you had a great time!! I love your blog and how you use it to glorify God!! I always smile when typing megduerksen.typepad.com!!
Tina
Kristy Call {DavesWife} - Meeting you was DEFINITELY a highlight for me! I LOVE your little corner of the internet, and how you use it to inspire us on a daily basis. ♥ DavesWife
Katie - Just keep posting photos and writing something as always and we will keep coming back! God does show through on your blog
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I wish I could have gone. It would have been fun and probably the encouragement I could use. Your words have encouraged me today. I’m kind of in a blogging slump 🙁 Not really knowing why I’m doing this and then I read your words and I’m feeling better about my little corner of the internet too. You rock Meg! Glad you had a great time. You deserve it!
Flower Patch Farmgirl - People were tweeting quotes from your speech (that seems like the wrong word. whatev.) like mad fools!!!
From what I saw, you nailed it. And I would have cried, too.
Jen Brandt - Beautiful post, Meg. Congratulations! I’m glad it went so well.
Dani - So glad you had a great time.
I saw that couch and immediately started trying to figure out how I could make that and how I could talk my husband into letting me put it in the living room.
Jill - I am so glad you went and had so much fun! It is awesome to be refreshed in the Lord and have our focus renewed isn’t it. You have been a true blessing to me from just reading your blog, in fact, it is one of the few tabs that pop up when I sign online. I don’t expect perfection from you – just honesty and from all that you are – encouragement. Thank You for taking this opportunity for yourself so that you can continue to allow God to use you for folks like me.
Love and prayers!!
Kirsten J - I love how much clarity you have. Your focus is maybe why I adore you and your blog. And, really? You got to spend quality time with that WIWW cutie Lindsey? Happy you got a fresh spark –
Terrie - I heart your heart for God! I’m sure you rocked it!
Glad you had a good weekend!
Heather | Cookie Mondays - I bet you have fabric scraps to start piecing together a slipcover for your couch 🙂
Kimberlee Jost - To God be the Glory great things He has done…and what more will He do?
🙂
Jenny Joy - I’m so happy to hear that you got a chance to share your passion with all those amazing people! Sometimes, there is no better medicine in the whole wide world than being surrounded by like minded people who share your vision.
Oh… and we all knew you could do it… the speaking engagement, I mean. Rock on with your bad self!
Jenn - It sounds like you had a great time. I would love to be able to meet other bloggers.
By the way, I love your blog. It’s the first one I check every morning.
Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - Starting a piggy bank in hopes of attending next year — maybe we could be roomies! : )
xoxo
ML
Wendy - So many cool things! Do you have any info on the couch? It’s fantastic! 🙂
Kristen Duke Photography - I enjoyed SNAP as well, my sentiments are the same–enjoyed meeting and making new friends that understand this bloggy world. I hadn’t heard of your blog before the conference, and I sadly didn’t get to go to your panel, but now I’ll be checking in. Funny you have non people pics, I have WAY too many in my just published post! I wish I took a few flower pics, those tulips were amazing!
ellen keeton - how fun!!! could’nt agree more about the couch fr the craft house!
Megan - I’m so glad it went well and that you loved it.
I love your honest heart and the way you strive to honor God in all you say and do!
Melissa - Oh, how I wish I could’ve been there to meet you and all those other amazing ladies!!