i now know what generosity means

I am back from Omaha, where another Silver Bella event was rich and rewarding.  I did something this year that I have intended to do every year but never stepped outside the flurry to do it.

In our teacher kits, Teresa gave us these lovely little blank books...and I knew when I saw it, it was just the thing.  I passed my little book around in each of my classes for my students to sign.  Those were my instructions...just sign your name and maybe a bit of contact info.

And I have no idea why I expected less than what I received back.  Ribbons and sketches and lovely little cards and sweetest of notes, charms and trinkets.  If you could have seen me, on that last leg of my plane ride home.  As I flipped through the pages, I just couldn't stop crying.

To my sweet precious students at this event, I am a blessed woman because of you.  I miss you already!  You are lovely, soulful, amazing, yeah a little chatty, organic, authentic and more than anything, you are so very generous.  I watched as you shared with each other, you shared bountifully with me--your art, your stories, your secrets, your supplies (I could go on and on).  Girls, I love you.  You just don't know how much I love you.  Even after several years, I am humbled and surprised and so very honored that you still make your appearance in my workshops.  Especially when it was long ago obvious that most of you have a talent level far beyond my own.

I wish I could name each of you by name here so the world would know you as I do.  I can say from the deepest part of my heart that you have forever made an impression on me, and I cherish you.  You are each one golden to me.  I hope our paths cross many more times, and I hope at each crossing you will sit and share a little part of who you are with me once again.

  

Comments

[andra]

Rebecca,
And your class and you gave back to me...peace and comfort, relaxation and inspiration at a time when the year has not been so kind and happy.
Smiles your way, Andra

[Dawn]

Happy for those who had the opportunity to share such a weekend!

[amy]

I so enjoyed being in your creative midst - the cigar box class( or in my case - a tin with a tree!) was inspiring and joyful!

Take good care and I,too hope our paths cross again.

Amy

[Sue]

Your gentle style of teaching is so inspiring. You are always there to offer encouragement and have such kind things to say. I felt very blessed to take both of your classes at Silver Bella this year. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us.

Sue E.

[Marcy]

Rebecca, I love to hear stories like yours today. There is something so amazing that happens when people share their art, their hearts, their passions. It's what, I think, God intended us to experience when He gave us spirits that long to create and connect. Such a wonderful, good thing!

[Karen B]

I wish I could've joined your class. Don't you think that moments like these are little glimpses of what heaven will be like?

Karen @ Elderberry Street

[Robin]

I cannot express what it means to follow someone's work, their blog, own a piece of their work, then be able to meet them and learn directly from them. And by "them" I mean you. Willowy, demure, shiny, talented, dear you.

Thank you.

[debe]

I remember at 08 SB when I was in the elevator with you several times before I took your class and being afraid to even speak. Then I was in that class and you were the most gentle and encouraging soul. I am a fan forever. This year that impression was confirmed! I just love sitting there creating and I ADORE my cigar box! Thank you for another memorable event!

[Courtney Walsh]

What a beautiful gift... I am sure your students feel like the ones who received the true gift, though! :)

[Jemellia H.]

This post makes me want to cry, but, I am too tired from Silver Bella. You are an amazing person who has such great spirit. I hope that our paths do cross again. I felt honored to take both of your classes this year.

[elyse]

gulp. what a wonderfully heartfelt post.

tales of silver bella just amaze me. maybe next year?

xo

[sharron]

So happy that you touched so many lives and were rewarded in turn........:)

[hope]

I loved seeing your book both in the very first class, with just a few people's notes, and then again in one of the last classes brimmng full. And I was so happy I took both of your classes, I am delighted with my projects, and I just love your energy and good spirt - so wonderful to be around.

xo hope

[Gina]

Dear Rebecca,

You are a gift to this world, and SO GENEROUSLY share yourself with others. Your classes bring out the best in everyone. Every project I've made with you is a treasure. I feel so lucky to be able to learn from you! You deserve every ribbon, trinket, charm, accolade and blessing you received and more.

Gina

[kass]

What a beautiful surprise Rebecca! You should not be surprised though, even through the internet, all the way here in Australia, I can sense the kindness and talent you exude. I just wish I could take a class from you! Also, congratulations on the piece in Somerset Studio - it was stunning!

[Sheila R]

Dear Rebecca,

I truly enjoyed taking your class and creating the cigar box! You are a beautiful, gentle soul that continues to speak to my heart each and every time. You have and continue to make my dreams come true... being able to attend your lovely classes at SB the past 2 years and now to own your Santuary collage. Thank you for continuing to be you and allowing some of my dreams to come true. You are a true gift!

[Shirley Pando]

What a precious gift to you. I am betting you truasure that forever. I so wish I could have been there. :D

[Marcie]

What goes around comes around. You do make a difference in this wacky world. God is good! I hope to be blessed with a class from you one of these days.
Happy week to you!
Marcie

[paige]

i would give anything to one day be a student in one of your classes, stumble into you at a nashville bookstore, or meet you at silver bella.
YOU inspire me more than you know.

beautiful entry rebecca
xo

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

How sweet! Thank you for writing to/about us. Lucky me, I participated in 2 of your classes this year & 1 last SB.

When I stated in class, that your blog is the one I run to when I need inspiration, I truly meant it. I love, love, love your style. Your artwork is amazing and I always feel lucky & refreshed after getting to spend a tiny amount of time in your world.

I hope that you will be amongst the amazing line up of instructors next year. I look forward to taking many more classes from you. big hugs, Joanna

[susan gilman]

Oh I love this post and all the comments and I so very much wish I could be at Silver Bella to be in ALL of your classes!! Some day, some day!

Thanks for sharing. That book looks SCRUMPTIOUS and I am sure it was a treasure to read on your flight home....you deserve it for all you give...

[aimee]

your students are so sweet and thoughtful. what a treasure.
blessings,
aimee

[Alison Gibbs]

Rebecca, it seems like Silver Bella certainly brings out the best in everyone. You are all so lucky to have the event. Just wish we had it here in Melbourne Australia
Alison

[JSELEP]

Wonderful entry. Now I really want to take one of your classes.

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

That little notebook is amazine, Rebecca. I sure hope you will be there next year when I finally get to go!