Here's to Share.

I didn't tell them that my car was being repaired, so I borrowed my Dad's just so I could come.  I didn't tell them that I had 3 alarms set on my phone so I wouldn't forget about the meeting.  Nope...I didn't tell them that the moment I walked in, I knew that we'd be friends.

There are a lot of things about my profession that I love...nights like these are one.  On Wednesday night, I drove to Chicago to meet up with a group of photographers in order to share and learn from each other.  A bowl of chips and a few pieces of pizza later, and I heard myself pouring out my strengths and weaknesses without a filter.  It's amazing what pizza can do. :)

These fellow photographers...who others would name competition, were anything but that.  I was absolutely blown away by their eagerness to help, support, and encouragement.  They reached out a hand in friendship and support to me; who was a perfect stranger not 2 hours earlier.  I was blessed...that's right, folks, I used the "real" word...blessed with a capital B.

I listened to their stories, their experiences...we shared strengths, weaknesses, and goals...and I was inspired by where they'd been and where I could see their futures.  Walking into that cute Chicago apartment, I was hoping to meet some fellow photographers, but I walked out with so much more; 6 new friends.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you that I've edited out a lot of the "gushy-ness" from this post, would you? :)  All I can say is that I'm excited for the next time we meet, and three cheers to my Share friends! It still counts if I toast with water, right? :)