One week from today I will be at the beginning of what promises to be a creative adventure that will challenge me in new and different ways and expose me to new creative processes and push me farther out of my own comfort zone than I have ever been before.
I am looking forward to it.
I am nervous and excited at the same time with a healthy dose of anxiety on top.
Outside of a few trips I made by myself for my job, way back in the day
I signed up for Camp Shutter Sisters Oasis about 6 months ago. As soon as I completed my registration I immediately had anxiety, palpitations and nervous energy. I had just reserved a spot at a resort in Palm Springs with 80 people I didn't know. A few days later I actually tried to cancel my reservation. After expressing my fears and concerns with my family they immediately put my mind at rest and insisted that I should go and told me to cancel my cancellation.
I cancelled my cancellation. The reservation was confirmed. I was going.
It's not really 80 people I don't know. It's 80 people I've never met in person. I have known most of them for at least a couple of years through Tracey Clark's on-line Picture classes. This group of photography enthusiasts has banded together to encourage and support one another through various other online classes and flickr groups. We have shared pictures and stories of ourselves and our lives. Happiness and sadness, success and failure, we have shared all these things. This group has always been available for a virtual ear, virtual hug and virtual pat on the back.
The internet has made it possible to become friends with people who live far away. Sometimes it is hard to actually meet these friends in person. This camp makes it possible. People from around the world will be there.
Next week is full of promise and possibility. It will be fun and it will be over too soon.
I'm glad I'll be there!
Now I just need to lose 20 pounds before Sunday!
Have you stepped out of your comfort zone?
xo,
7 comments:
So sweet, so honest and so much what many people are feeling about this adventure right now! I remember all those same feelings last year and how happy I was the second my feet walked in the door at camp, was wrapped in a hug by everyone I "knew" from online. I felt immediately accepted and a part of this amazing group and I know you will feel the same. But this year I am the most excited for the six of us from FOL to finally be together. It's going to be awesome! See you on Sunday!
Oh, Linda! You have written my story!!! Everything you wrote goes for me, too. I'm going to post more about it on FOL next Monday but oh, yes! The swirl of conflicting emotions, the fear, the excitement, the trepidation, the nerves. All of it ... I have it all! I hate to travel alone and seldom do. I keep telling myself, "I'm a big girl now."
We shall see in just a few short days.
xo
Oh Linda, you have expressed yourself so beautifully with this post. But there is nothing to fear, we are sisters, and this is going to be a "one of the best of your life" adventures. I just can't wait to meet everyone, and talk to everyone, and hug everyone.
PS I am not afraid to fly alone, done it many, many times...always on the front row, stick with me kid...I will open some new doors for you. But I must admit, I am a wee bit nervous, but nerves keep us from falling apart sometimes. See ya Sunday!!!
Well, sufice to say I am already missing you all. BUT!! i am certain that you will all have enough fun that you will send us not participating TONS of photos. You will have a blast because you have so much to offer.
Dont sweat any of the small stuff... breath and drink in all the wonderful people and images around you.
Hugs my friend.
Claudia
I know you're in for the most amazing time together! I have serious envy, but then again I'd never get up the nerve to do something like this! I can't wait for you to post about your experience!
I just typed a comment and it disappeared. If I re-create I hope you don't get two.. anywho, Linda, I am not buying you as quiet and in the back of the room! You must be reaching way back for that image, because here at fol you have a dynamic personality. We already love you from your prompts. So go and think about friends and fun and time to concentrate on your passion with like minds. Have a great time, and then have a great time again for me! You are going to love it!
Wise and emotional words! Now I really wanna hear all about the experience :) I have so enjoyed my visit in your wonderful blog. I love it (and you as well :)) ♥
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