
So that's where I was.
Two years ago I didn't even know what a blog was. One year ago I started my own. Today I have friends from all over the world that I know through blogging — some of them I've met. Over the weekend I met some more. All of them artists. All of them blow me away with their work.

Saturday the group you see above went junking under the guidance of Karen Cole First stop: the Barn Attic in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.
I've never seen so much stuff, so well organized . . . ever!
Their business card claims that they carry 40,000 pairs of earrings. I can believe it. And I bet that the owner knows the story — and the location — of each pair.
Next stop was The Archive — 10,000 sq. feet of used and antique books, magazines, newspapers and paper collectibles. Oh my! We spent almost four hours there and came away with some wonderful finds.
You are probably thinking that it can't get any better than this. But it does!
A few phone calls between blogging buddies, and 24 hours later, the very talented and very gracious Judi Riesch and her husband opened their home to nine artists (well, eight artists and me) on Sunday. Not only did they feed and entertain us, but Judi also gave us a tour of her artwork and collections that are displayed beautifully throughout the house.
When Judy W. pulled out her fabulously giant piece of art The Twelve Tribes of Israel, we were all engrossed by her explanation of the work and the reasons she used the elements that she did in the enormous book. I have been a huge fan of Judy's since I first visited her site. Not only is her work beautiful and powerful, but the knowledge and detail that drive her leave me in awe every single time. So, meeting her and seeing this work in person . . . touching it . . . well . . .

Saturday the group you see above went junking under the guidance of Karen Cole First stop: the Barn Attic in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.




When Judy W. pulled out her fabulously giant piece of art The Twelve Tribes of Israel, we were all engrossed by her explanation of the work and the reasons she used the elements that she did in the enormous book. I have been a huge fan of Judy's since I first visited her site. Not only is her work beautiful and powerful, but the knowledge and detail that drive her leave me in awe every single time. So, meeting her and seeing this work in person . . . touching it . . . well . . .
(Pause for squealing and happy dancing)
And THEN, Bee Shay brought out her work. I fell in love yet AGAIN. Beautiful organic work -- right up my alley. Wouldn't you know that when my May/June copy of Somerset Studio arrived today, there was Bee's journal -- the one I'd just seen -- on page 37!

I'm still pinching myself.
Blogging. Who'd have known?
Leslie - I just read Susanna's post and now yours! How fun to see the story of your weekend unfold. What a terrific day it was - I adored meeting you!! Lifting a pretend glass filled with bubbly and pretend clinking toward you - until next time!
ReplyDelete(thanks for letting me use your photo on my blog!)
Hey Sweet Leslie,
ReplyDeleteWe miss you - shopping without you is not the same!!!
Thanks for being such a wonderful friend, hostess, photo journalist ........ I will miss you when I am back in Sydney - i so wish we lived closer but you never know - hehehhehehe. I really cannot say thanks enough for being such a gracious hostess - to me - I feel so lucky and blessed!!!
xoxx
Congratulations on your first blog year :)
ReplyDeleteWow Leslie!
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience, ALL of you such amazing artists and women. I cannot even put into words how blogging has changed my world so I understand your wonderful time here.
You east coast ladies are an amazing group!!!!
x...x
Oh.. Lesley what an INCREDIBLE gathering of like minds and hearts...
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing you very soon.. my friend!
warmly,
Tracie
oh my - what a wonderful time you all must have had - I am in your back pocket Leslie - such a wonderful post and so much joy and friendship oozing all the way up here to Vermont - see you soon...
ReplyDeletexox - eb.
Wow, Leslie what a weekend you had! I'm so very jealous. Next time I wanna come!! Looking forward to meeting you in person at A and S.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Susan
PS I want to gobble up Kiran!!!!
I had such a great time with you gals, too! It was inspiring to be with so many creative women. I hope we see each other again soon, Leslie. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like heaven Leslie!! I'm so happy you all got to connect!!!
ReplyDeletexox
Constance
Great to meet you as well Leslie. What a wonderful weekend. Have a good time in Va, you're gonna' love it!
ReplyDeleteJoy
wow! Can I hook my Wagon to your star?????????????????????
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you all...to have had such a meaningful time together...seize the moment seems to be your motto from what I can see here.
I have to "second" Traci's comment and also say that these are the types of connections I have been needing for myself for quite some time. I guess we all need connection really....
The blog world truly does open up a whole new dimension does it not?
My real dream is to get ahold of some of the ladies from Europe (say, Beryl Taylor etc.) that have planted themselves over here to offer a week or two guided trip to all the flea markets of England, France, Italy etc. Wouldn't that be something?--my dream European trip! And, the fun we would have all being together!
Anyway..we all must have a dream!!
See you soon!
Love,
Elise
yippee for all you guys!
ReplyDelete(Pause for squealing and happy dancing)
:-)
it makes me happy
just to see how the world unfolds
and brings folks together...
blogging is like the magic of our times, i am thinking...
avon presidential perfume bottles?
isn't life GRAND!
Such fun! Sounds absolutely delightful...
ReplyDeleteI will be with you and sis in my heart next week.... have fun!
How wonderful to be able to meet with friends and have a really good time.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Paz
Wow! Looks like a great time! What fun to see photos from your time together!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible amazing adventure! Thank you so much for sharing the fabulous details and pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful time you all had it is so precious these days to find something that brings us together the love of art and creating breaks all barriers.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories for you all
Jen