More Birdsong photos are on their way. I'm kind of taking my time and enjoying the editing process, reliving the moments. And wishing I'd taken more. Luckily, there are pretty pics from friends too. It's always interesting to see the same event through different lenses. Tami, Mercedes, and Beth have all posted some that I've shared on Facebook.
When Picnic closed last year, I was frantic about what to do to edit my pictures. It has been replaced by many sites just as easy to use. My favorite is Picmonkey. Not free, but well worth the little bit that they charge. It's self explanatory and simple to adjust photos with. And boy, does it make a difference in a picture to take the time to edit it.
On Birdsong Eve, we had a little gathering at a restaurant downtown. All of my pictures were off color and too dark due to the lighting there. Once again, I wished I'd taken more, but I did make time to snap a few. But when I opened them, they all looked like this. Here is a before of Angie and Sugarwings.
With Picmonkey, here is the same photo. It has been cropped, lightened, sharpened, and then I used Orton Effect, and faded that.
This was a bonus gathering for our group, I asked if anyone was going to be in town the night before and wanted to meet up, and we filled the front of one of my favorite restaurants with a flock of 26 Peeps.
This photo is a bit beyond repair, but I liked it so much, I salvaged what I could of it.The evening happened to be my lovely friend, Angie's birthday and she baked cupcakes to bring. She was a vendor at our little shopping extravaganza and is always a welcome addition to any gathering. I hope she can attend classes next time.
Sugarwings passed out cupcakes to everyone, after not taking her eyes off of the beautiful display throughout her dinner. When she finally was allowed to have one, she didn't eat it, she politely asked Angie to take a bite of her own first, because the birthday girl always needs to go first.
Birdsong had ended up being a family reunion for me as well as an art gathering. Guncle Randy, Sissy, Bobbie, and Terry all came to be a part of it. For me, it was an opportunity for my family to see just what it is that I do. (I don't know if my husband has ever quite figured that out yet) It was wonderful to have them here and to meet my friends and be a part of my world.
And on the other side, it was very special to have so many friends come to see me and be a part of my family for the weekend. Birdsong is a homey, comfy event where all guests are family while they are here, not clients. I hope that they can feel that while they are here.
My family were all soooo helpful. Terry baked and baked and baked, her treats were the highlights of our meals. (and brought her husband to keep my own guy entertained on the golf course all weekend) Guncle Randy nominated himself "Parking B**ch" and directed cars, plus spread his charm around and welcomed everyone. Bobbie and Sissy were hauling trash to the curb and unloading the dishwasher non stop.
My son, Mr. Zen, cleaned up the yard and helped with a lot of prep for the weekend. Then, walked around the room to do some head and neck massage for those who were getting kinks from leaning over the tables and working on projects (and dealing with some of my not-so-great chairs).
Sugarwings had been as excited about the upcoming party as I was, and was constantly wanting to help get ready for it. She was very busy making plans for "Our Birdsong" and wondering what the "Birdsong Ladies" would be like. She was hoping they would show up in beautiful gowns, but we are a bit more casual than that.
When I took down the table that Sugarwings and Dewdrop had been working at all week to make room for the big tables for Birdsong, her little heart was broken. She'd been so sure that there was a place for her to be there and craft along with everyone else.
But, all the ladies made her feel welcome and Auntie Beth did some work with her out on the porch. She forgave me for taking her work table down.
I hope that our friends didn't mind all the family being included. It probably wasn't all that professional of me, but if anyone who knows me or reads my blog, they probably don't expect me to be all that professional.
Once again, I'll have to say how lucky I am that I was able to have the people I love here with me, along with so many kind and generous friends. I can't imagine a better weekend.
Karla, your family is the BEST! I would love going to Birdsong, some time, just to meet them. LOLed at Randy being the parking B@@ch.
~elaine
(aka:rozetta)
Okay, now *I* want to go to Birdsong! 🙂
You certainly have a way of making everyone feel welcome and at home, and I’m sure this event was no exception.
Hmmmm, wonder if Brad would agree to another roadtrip? lol
Karla, it was wonderful to have your family at Birdsong! Everyone was so welcoming and we were taken such good care of. I love to come back year after year because of how welcoming, how comfortable, and fun it is to be there. The food is plentiful, fresh and delicious too. Thank you again for all the hard work you do to make it a great retreat for all of us. Thank your family too. 🙂
I love seeing how grown Sugarwings is becoming. Much like my first granddaughter who is now 8.
Because, Id love to see you here again!
Hes such a charmer, he can get away with anything.
I thought it would be hard to watch her grow bigger and bigger, and not be my little one any more. But each age is more fun than the one before. Im looking forward to 8 as another fun age! Hope you are enjoying your little one to
A big thank you to your entire family! They were a huge part of making it a very special weekend, and it was a joy to meet each of them.
I love all of this but the part I loved most was about your finally being able to show your family what you do. And you rocked it!
Sugarwings was a little angel fairy all weekend. It’s been so fun to watch her grow over these last three years!
Those top photos of Sugarwings are sooo gorgeous! Just beautiful. I loved getting to meet your family, too. Karla, you did make us all feel like family! And *that* in my book surely does beat “professional” (whatever that really is!) every time!!! The atmosphere was so warm and inviting. I can never stop saying “thank you.” : )
Professional, smessional… It looks like everyone had a marvelous time, and I am SO jealous!!
Karla, I am a fairly new follower. I love your Blog because of YOU! I can only imagine the fun everyone had at Birdsong. Just like the creator, the title of the playshop, I mean workshop, alone is beautiful. Oh, how I wish I could join you ladies. I know that everyone loved all the attention they received from each one of your family members. It sounds as if everyone was well pampered and doted upon and who wouldn’t appreciate that special attention? And your family wanting to help? That’s wonderful. It is because you are easy to love. Thank you for sharing your lovely world and talents. It makes my day so happy!