Dream Conference Memories: Day Four

Monday presented another full day for me. In the morning I attended a talk by Bob and Lynne Hoss that connected dreamwork and EFT (emotional freedom technique). I have used EFT to great effect and therefore it was no surprise that I experienced healing during their presentation. Find out more about the technique here.

Next I attended the speech given by Robert Moss, one of the leading figures in the dream world and one of my favorite authors. If you ever get a chance to attend a workshop or talk by Robert, I highly recommend going. He is an eloquent speaker and a fount of knowledge. His new book explores the history of dreaming and he touched on several of the highlights from this book during his speech. I liked his presentation so much I decided to go to his workshop after lunch, even though I hadn't planned on it.

Speaking of lunch, that's when I had the chance to meet Toni, a woman I've known online for six years but had never met in person. That's her up top with her three boys, Nolan, Jackson, and Aaron. Needless to say, lunch with this bunch was anything but boring. We talked about planes, trains, and automobiles, the Chicago Tweet-up, the state of freelance writing, and whether or not the weather would hold up for the boys to play a little baseball. Toni's connection with her children was beautiful to witness. There is so much humor and love, and I felt right at home with them. I'm sad we only had an hour.

Back at the conference, I attended Robert Moss's workshop in which we used synchronicity to gain a message from the universe and did juicy dreamwork. Here again I got messages about attending to my health (okay universe, I get it now). I left the workshop an even bigger fan of Robert's work than I was going in.

That night I attended Victoria and Freya's dream group a final time, and then heard Barbara Tedlock, an author I admire, speak about the connection between shamanism and dreams. With my brain absolutely full to the brim, I retired to my room still buzzing from the excitement of the day. Of course, my most exciting day, the day I presented, was still to come.

Dream Conference Memories: Day Three

I awoke on day three with a big grin on my face because it was the day I'd get to see Penelope, a delightful woman I've known since 2003. We've only met in person three times, but we've had many meaningful phone conversations, and she illustrated my first published children's book. I have a big colorful room in my heart dedicated just to her (and it also holds her husband Colin and her wee one Veda). She is authentic, hilarious, supremely talented, and one of the dearest souls I know.

I love it when you see someone you haven't seen in years and it feels like you just saw each other last week. We fell into comfortable conversation over eggs and potatoes and continued with a trip to the pool. I got just four hours with Penelope and her family, but they were joy-filled hours. I hope I get to see her again soon.

As it turns out, I missed out on most of the dream conference on day three...all the workshops were going on while I was frolicking with the Dullaghans. That night I attended Victoria and Freya's dream group again and witnessed powerful dreamwork. I also connected with a photographer who is doing work connected with what I hope to do when I graduate, another happy coincidence.

After dream group, I attended the art show, a gorgeous display of dream art that inspired me to start creating art from my dreams. I've been thinking about doing that for quite a while, and this show, along with the artists I met, gave me the kick in the pants I needed.

Full

My heart is full to bursting.

You know when it all of a sudden HITS you and you realize just how freakin' lucky you are? When you stop worrying about your busy busy life and have a moment to let it all sink in and you realize that you are blessed because you have such amazing people in your life? I'm having one of those moments.

First, it was hearing from a dear friend, Denny, who is back in Pennsylvania trying to do what he was meant to do: introduce dreamwork to the East coast (or, at least for now, his part of Pennsylvania). He saw a Minnie Evans sculpture last weekend and read about how she became an artist. She "began creating art after experiencing a vision that compelled her to use her talent." He said the statement made him think of me, and the adventure I'm on. I couldn't stop smiling. He is one of my biggest supporters, and he was integral to me taking the leap with my art this summer.

Then, I heard from Penelope, one of the shiniest lights in my life. She's having a baby and I am thrilled beyond words that she and her delightful husband Colin are going to welcome a little bean in just four months (right around my birthday!).

And it spiraled from there. I thought about my friend Susan, who always always supports me even when our schedules get crazy and we can't see each other very often. She is amazing.

And my friends at school, Julieann, Lori, and Megan...who have seen me through quite a number of transformations and who keep encouraging me to go on, even when it seems overwhelming. I am such a better person for knowing them.

And then there's Lance, who is last here, but is certainly never last in my heart. He is the one who reminds me to slow down, who reminds me to take care of myself, who reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am endlessly lucky to be married to him.

I can't imagine a better life right now. I feel like I have it all.