Shine 2018

After the incredible experience at last year’s Shine conference, I was really looking forward to returning. And I got really nervous when 1) my broken pinky finger; 2) Tim’s travel; and 3) Danny’s health all threatened to get in the way. Fortunately none of them did, and it was worth the logistical gymnastics!

I think the highlight this time around was meeting so many of my team members in person, and truly develop friendships with them. Team dinners, sitting together at sessions and more was truly special.

Of course, hearing directly from, and speaking directly to, the artisans was also so special. This year I met Mercedes and Faustino from Peru, and Roopa from India. All of them are working so hard to create opportunities for so many in their communities, and it’s so inspiring!

My single regret from last year’s Shine was that I didn’t take a photo with Jessica Honegger, the founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection who is every bit as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. If I’m being honest, I’d say it’s most likely her beauty that intimidated me enough last year to skip the photo request. This year she looked me in the eye and so genuinely thanked me for coming. A reminder that it’s *always* rewarding to be brave. She has challenged me to step out in imperfect courage this year, and I can’t wait!

Seven is Super

Laura’s seventh birthday arrived on the heels of a bit of drama. Namely, on New Year’s Day her mom tripped and broke her pinky finger while out for a run, while her dad simultaneously got diagnosed with a case of strep throat. Fortunately, her amazing Grandma and Grandpa were on location and helped salvage the situation. So her highly-anticipated sleepover and day of fun with Meghan stayed on track.

Laura loves balloons and decorations, and I happily stocked up on those things on New Year’s Eve. She had luckily already decided she wanted a cookie cake from Publix, too, so my inability to decorate a cake was not an issue.

The only major change in plans was not being able to go ice skating, because the girls would have needed me on the ice with them. Laura swiftly came up with an alternate request: Build-A-Bear. You got it! Donna and I ventured to the mall with the girls and watched them happily pick out bears (or cats, as the case may be) and outfits for them. Our plan was to follow that up with a movie, but evidently that was a popular plan and the movie was sold out. Not to fear: he girls were more than content to get candy from the Dollar Store, lunch from McDonald’s and watch a movie back at our place. 

After that, they played before we trekked to Mellow Mushroom for dinner and back home for cake. In the end, the girls spent about 27 hours straight together, and though tired from a lack of sleep, they were sorry to see it end. A sweet friendship that kicked off Laura’s 7th year just right!