Susan~Sporran Posted June 11, 2013 Report Share Posted June 11, 2013 I am back from the 2013 convention feeling renewed connections with my GALS SiStars and a reignited passion for what we are doing. First it was so good to see faces that had been absent for a few years, especiallyl Jill, Dawn and Issy. It was so great to have Sam and Lynn Childers along with Paige and her beautiful daughters there this weekend. Aaron Hendra again provided the most uplifting and amazing music and this time brought along his gorgeous wife Tiffany and a couple more bandmates. All of them just melded right into the group in no time at all. Having Aaron and Irwin bring their guitars and beautifully blended voices to The Shade Tree on Saturday was a special treat. Tiffany's workshop on Compassion, Connection, Confidence and Courage on Friday made me want to learn more from her. Chris Mann sang my favorite inspirational songs - including stepping off the stage for the most incredible barely accompanied Alleluia without a microphone. The MGM Grand is a gorgeous hotel, having just undergone major renovations just last year. It is the 3rd largest hotel in the world and there were times I felt that (I think I walked about 10 miles over the 5 days I was there). I want to start searching for other women in my area - like-minded groups who believe in having a great time and also making a difference in the world for others. I think something grassroots like that can help us grow our numbers in the future while also giving us the opportunity to make a difference right in our own communities while building those new connections. I've traveled a bit of a bumpy road this past year, and some of the shine had tarnished, but it feels all polished up again now. I am going to put together something fun to help everyone see how easy it could be to save up for next year. One less Starbucks a week would cover the fee, one less fast food lunch per week would cover a room for 4 nights shared with 1 roomie (think how much easier if you had 2 or 3 roomies). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NordicGirl Posted June 11, 2013 Report Share Posted June 11, 2013 Inspiring words! So happy for you! Hugs from me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnywhit Posted June 11, 2013 Report Share Posted June 11, 2013 So glad to see all my Sistars also. It seems each convention is always better than the first, of course each has it's own special memories, I think it is just I get to know all the "gals" a little more each time. I would not miss it for the world....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swansong Posted June 11, 2013 Report Share Posted June 11, 2013 So nice to see you here, Susan. Your post made we want so badly to attend the convention next year. If money were the only thing keeping me from attending, I would find a way-but in my case it's not just the money. I watched and listened again this year via Holly's video camera. Guess it will be the same next year. Glad some of the old school GALS were able to attend again this year. Swannie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Elissa Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Seven years ago today, I became a GAL. I was made to feel very welcome, and soon had made several new friends. In the Fall of that year, I met Suzie, Dee, Libby, and Binkie at a screening of "Beowulf & Grendel" in Austin. When the second convention was announced, I was determined to go. I had such a good time, and made so many more new friends, I knew that, God willing, I would go every year. I've attended every Con since then, and each one is better than the one before! If you've never attended, please consider coming, if at all possible. You won't be sorry! And, to those who've attended in the past but weren't able to attend this year, please come back! We missed you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 I always feel so uplifted when I return from Vegas, and this year is no exception. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so much a part of this wonderful group. I hope we raised lots of money for Angels of East Africa and The Shade Tree! Aaron Hendra Project was fantastic as usual and Tiffany Hendra is as beautiful inside as she is outside. You should all follow her on the Sanctuary of Style page http://sanctuaryofstyle.net/ or Facebook or Twitter. Chris Mann was a true delight and was so gracious to stay to sign autographs and take pictures. What a blessing to have Sam Childers and his family with us again, as well. Of course, Gerry's video was a wonderful surprise. He really does appreciate what we do and our support of his career. Thanks, again, Susan for the ride to TST and to Suzie and Elissa for the ride to just about everywhere else and anyone who gave me a push when I needed it. Danya, Jenni, Katie, Holly, KB, Cheryl, Susan, Lisa and all your helpers, you should be extremely proud of what you accomplished this year with the transition to Rising Phoenix CF. I pray that whatever challenges life throws at all of us, that somehow we will find a way to be together again next year. Hugs Sara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MareksLadyD Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 It was so wonderful to see you all again too! Susan you went above and beyond as usual. I too feel a recharge and a sense of purpose. TST will always have a very special place in my heart and I will continue to support it as well as Angels and Sam, but I feel the need to work locally and from there grow just as you said Susan. And thank you to Gerry for the VERY upbeat message! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discoveringme Posted June 13, 2013 Report Share Posted June 13, 2013 Thanks for starting this thread, Susan. I'd love to keep the fun from convention going as long as possible. My soul is very full from being able to hug so many folks in person. I had such a tug on my heart to go this year, I couldn't explain it. But I knew I just had to be there. Throughout the weekend, I would find a little moment and think "Oh, this is why I needed to go." And then something else would happen and I would think, "No, this is the reason." But I realized that it was ALL of those moments put together that made it what it is and why I needed to go. The laughter, the smiles, the recognition of the blessings in my own life that I forget some days, the feeling of being accepted no matter what...all those things matter. Sara, each of things you pointed out were all some of the very special moments for me as well. Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to make this convention happen. It isn't easy trying to herd all the cats sometimes but you do and the time and effort is greatly appreciated. Love to all, Jilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NordicGirl Posted June 13, 2013 Report Share Posted June 13, 2013 *boobsquishing Jillybean* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discoveringme Posted June 13, 2013 Report Share Posted June 13, 2013 *boobsquishing Jillybean* :hearts:/> Big Hugs right back to you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerrynutsnap Posted June 13, 2013 Report Share Posted June 13, 2013 Again this year was filled with precious memories and re-connections. I for one will be starting a gals fund adding a monthly payment to help with next year. I can understand why some people do not attend but on the other hand what you receive from the event far outweighs any reservations. I just wish people could experience it so they understand, its more than a girlie weekend, it's healing and nourishing to the soul. Love to all Snap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discoveringme Posted June 13, 2013 Report Share Posted June 13, 2013 ....its more than a girlie weekend, it's healing and nourishing to the soul. Love to all Snap It truly is. :hearts:/> So awesome to see you this weekend. Big hugs. Travel safely when you head back home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabeau Posted June 14, 2013 Report Share Posted June 14, 2013 LOL! You beat me to it, Susan! I started a POST-VEGAS thread too! Issy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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