I threw open my front door this past Saturday and welcomed friends old and new into my home.
I wasn’t the only one, either.
Now just between you and me, a whole lot of my to-do’s for this shindig went undone. I didn’t mop my doggy streaked floors, place freshly laundered rugs and hand towels in the guest bathroom, make my mushroom appetizers, or arrange crafts and ice breakers. I did hang a few Chinese lanterns, fill vases with daffodils and sunflowers, prepare a couple goodies {guests kindly brought everything else}, and set a tea table pretty enough for Princess Kate but laid back enough for us non-royals.
Basically, I prepared things I find fun to prepare while forgetting a lot of the rest. And wonder of wonders, no one seemed to care a lick about all the things left undone.
It was the real (in)RL, where the come-as-you-are philosophy shows up not just in sentiment but in real life. Every heart needs a home to rest in, and who rests amidst polished and perfect?
To those who came to my home: I had loads of fun, and I hope you did too. Thanks for the relaxing conversation and abundant laughter and for listening to my Rambly McRambles self go on and on about crazy stuff. That’s what you get with me.
In real life.
I just love you. I love your humor and transparency and the beauty of this REAL meet-up. I think you are so right. Everyone needs a home to rest in, and who can rest amidst the polished and perfect! So SO true. What a lovely time you must have had in REAL life community. Just beautiful, friend 🙂 xoxo
MUAH, Jacque!
Popping over from InCourage link-up…the pictures look lovely and what a blessing you are to have hosted. The meeting I’d hoped to attend was cancelled and at the last minute I was unable to travel. I watched online and gleaned so much from the women I now call friends. Must have been a ball to share with a group. will make sure I attend a meeting next year. be blessed!
Bravo to you for tuning in and watching, even if you couldn’t do it with an entire group.
Wonderful to meet you, Lisha! Have a wonderful day.
Thank you for sharing your (in)RL story! I’ve enjoyed reading them. I was fortunate to attend a meet up this year and was so blessed!
I liked this…”Basically, I prepared things I find fun to prepare while forgetting a lot of the rest. And wonder of wonders, no one seemed to care a lick about all the things left undone.” of course they wouldn’t care..when you’re surrounded in true community these “things” are of no concern. I have to remind myself of that all the time. enjoyed your words/work on inRL this weekend. a fresh clear, voice and a sweetly frank perspective.
Kristen,
Wish I lived closer that I could have joined in your group!! Your home, from the “Welcome Wreath” to the table decorations and scrumptious looking food said “C’mon in, you’re welcome here!” Thanks for being an inspiration!! Keep on keepin’ it real!
((hugs))
Bev
I wish you lived closer too, Bev. Really and truly.
And thank you ~ you are a light, you know that?
It was a blast – and I certainly did not come away with a list of all the things you didn’t do. More like a really long list of great memories. Your open heart spoke through all. Thanks again
Your comment is *so* gracious, Maureen. Thank you. And I feel the same way ~ great memories made.
Kristen, Thank you for sharing. I know those that attended where surely blessed by your kind heart. I was unable to attend the meet-up in my area as I was attending a leaderhship conference at my church, but I was able to connect with the host and other lovely ladies that were attending online and we are hoping to gather over the summer. I feel as though I was blessed by new friendships even though I was unable to participate in person. Lots of hugs. Beth
Awesome, Beth. Love hearing that!
Kristen – I had a great time! Thank you so much for hosting, you have a lovely home and you make a wonderful hostess. I’m sharing this post on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/HappyAndBlessedHome Thanks again!
Monica
http://HappyandBlessedHome.com
Monica, it was so wonderful to meet you in person! Thank you for sharing your heart and enthusiasm! You are joy.
It was FABULOUS. 🙂 I came away feeling so blessed and refreshed! I’m already looking forward to next year’s inRL!
Sounds like fun!! What state did you host in?
Colorado! It’s snowing here today, but thankfully Saturday was 70 and beautiful. 🙂
I love this 🙂 Your ears might have been ringing last Saturday because we “may” have spent a decent amount of time talking about how wonderful you are and how we all just love how you speak with such kindness and joy. You are authentically “you” – exactly how God created you, and it’s fabulous. You’re fabulous 🙂
Oh my, Crystal. I’m not sure I deserve such a generous comment. But thank you still ~ thanks for shining some of your megawatt light on me. I really like you! xo
I’m glad you had such a good time, and you are amazing for hosting one. I opted to curl up in bed and watch. Fairly anti social of me, don’t you think?
Oh my word. Look at you. Look.At.You! You throw your doors wide open and make sisters feel so welcome. How I love your heart!