Artfest Part Two - it's all about friends.

As mentioned before, there is just not one word that describes this amazing experience. The beauty of Fort Worden was incredible, and the classes were fun and taught me a lot. But what made the most impact on me from the week, was definately the friendships nurtured and made.

First of all, my dear friend Ali. She is an amazing woman with amazing talent and a humble heart. We talked so much on the drive up to Portland - hardly able to contain our excitement for the destination that was ahead. She was even game to stop in Salem at my favorite Goodwill outlet thrift store. Everything you purchase, you pay for 'by the pound'. We found some great old books to use in our classes, she found a fun globe bank for Simon and I came away with a bit of lace and a great brown jacket from CJ Banks.  Here is a photo of one of the bins,  (you have to be game for digging through junk in order to find treasures),  along with the price chart that hangs from the ceiling.

After leaving Salem, we headed up North to the Portland Airport to pick up Dona. I had never met her, but she and Ali are friends. We immediately went to lunch at Red Robin, and the beginning of a new friendship was created. Dona is an amazing artist and faithful journaler as well as a great photographer. I came to admire her over the weekend for her talent and commitment in all of those areas. 

I loved seeing how her classes fit her and the amazing art that came out. Her paintings on clay canvas were simply beautiful. Dona - I can't wait to go again next year and laugh as hard as we did this time. If laughing burns calories, I think I burned thousands over the weekend.

The only photo I have of Dona is the three of us on the beach the day we were leaving.

Next are my new friends Janine, Morag, and Amy Lee who happen to be my room mates. The thing about signing up thinking that you are going alone (I didn't know Ali was going when I sent in my registration) is that you put yourself out there and vulnerable by choosing a shared dorm room. I really had no idea what this meant, other than I would be sharing a room with a person or people I didn't know. There ended up being 4 of us to a room with 8 bunk beds. We each got a top and bottom bunk, which was wonderful for our extra class supplies and luggage. When I came in to the room, all other roomies had laid claim to their beds, so I was right by the door. I didn't mind one bit. I think they took one look at my pink luggage, pink rolling tote and pink bedspread and wondered who in the world this crazy for pink lady was. They immediately nick named me 'pinky'. What they thought was so funny though, is that I never actually wore pink clothes, except for my pj's. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other a bit through lots of talking and giggles on the first night. Again, I think I burned a thousand calories that night. I wish I had gotten a photo of the four of us, but the week got away with out it. I am so sorry you guys - hopefully we will all return next year and snap a photo. (BTW - Morag is from England and brings Cadbury Chocolate - so we'll be fighting for her next year as a roomie !) You were all a delight to meet and share the space with.

And then Stephanie. My first forever friend who I met on the internet. Who would have known that one little e-mail would start this amazing friendship. I knew from the moment we met that we had a kinship - something that brought us together. It's so hard to explain. Like a long lost sister or best friend. I immediately felt like I could tell her my life story and she'd love me like we'd known each other for years.  She had originally posted on the message board that she was going to purchase towels and bedding in Seattle and then leave it at the fort since it was too large and bulky to bring on the plane. No way -momma Jill wouldn't stand for that. So i told her I'd be happy to bring an extra blanket or two and some clean towels and to save her money. She was the inspiration for making all of those ephemera packs for trades. In return, I received a lovely package of papers and millinery flowers perfect for me. There were sheets on old banking ledgers and bank records as well as some other goodness. It will be hard to use it. I can't wait for our paths to cross again in blog -land and at Artfest in the future.

And then Amy (from Texas) who happened to be one of Stephanies roomies. I didn't meet her until one of the later meals, but from the beginning, she too was a woman I knew would become a friend.

And Debbie - my coffee girl. She was so sweet to offer fresh pressed Starbucks with cream and sugar every morning. I was so blessed to have met her as a dorm-mate. She makes amazingly good coffee and art ! I loved the lamp shade she made in her 'gut instincts' class.  Yep - she made it out of guts.

And Julie - another dorm mate who I got to know a bit during meals and in the hallways. A beautiful woman with a big heart.

In the photo below, there is: Julie, me, Stephanie and Amy.

And certainly not least, I had the opportunity to meet the talented and wonderful Emily. She is hilarious ! and she brought part of her beautiful family with her (mick and yindi). What a delight it was for me to be able to see and touch some of the art she made and was so passionate about. And again, I forgot the photo opportunity we had, so it will have to wait until next year. (or until they visit Eugene - hint, hint)

There were other women I met and friends made that I will never forget, but these are the 10 women who made the biggest impression on my heart from the weekend.

This was truely an amazing weekend. God Bless you all.

Jill

Comments

[Heidi Woodruff]

Note to self: Find out about this ArtFest for next year.... TOO MUCH FUN is what I'm seeing! Plus a weight loss program by laughing? Sign me up!
*Heidi*

[Stephanie T.]

oh golly, just then i think there were no more tears...
having severe separation anxiety here...no one understands pink like you do!
love you dearie...miss you big time!
ps
drove morag and julie to the airport..OMG! what a hoot we had alllll the way there!

[Janine]

How did we not get a picture??? It just went way too fast. I felt blessed to have you lot as room mates. I love my book you made me and the art history book. Next year, we get a pic!

hugs,
Janine