I was recently at a Chicago Library Foundation event that recognized writers and artists here in Chicago, and although it was not a "conference" with that free-flow of artist ideas and energy, it still fed my soul. I must admit, most conferences now to me, (either through my own changes or the conferences' changes) don't have the same wonderful familial energy anymore, the way you felt it in Youngstown. That's tremendous. Happy to experienced that and to know that same energy still exists. Where I find it these days is in the classes I teach — eager, artistic minds searching for their voices and their stories. That really puts purpose into my work and of course, more importantly, theirs.
Thanks, David. Honestly, I think there's something special about efforts that are not too big yet. It felt so heartfelt and open. More like a gathering with just enough structure to get us from point A to point B. So happy your students have that energy, and I think that's a reflection of your mentorship.
In the midst of artistic community, feelings of purpose and well-being flourish. When I was running marathons, I found the same kind of joie de vivre. Affiliation has a strong pull. Thanks for this post, Jen.
Lovely to meet you and absolutely a privilege to read with you!
I was recently at a Chicago Library Foundation event that recognized writers and artists here in Chicago, and although it was not a "conference" with that free-flow of artist ideas and energy, it still fed my soul. I must admit, most conferences now to me, (either through my own changes or the conferences' changes) don't have the same wonderful familial energy anymore, the way you felt it in Youngstown. That's tremendous. Happy to experienced that and to know that same energy still exists. Where I find it these days is in the classes I teach — eager, artistic minds searching for their voices and their stories. That really puts purpose into my work and of course, more importantly, theirs.
Thanks, David. Honestly, I think there's something special about efforts that are not too big yet. It felt so heartfelt and open. More like a gathering with just enough structure to get us from point A to point B. So happy your students have that energy, and I think that's a reflection of your mentorship.
Very nice you to say. Ihoeyiu had more experiences like that one!
In the midst of artistic community, feelings of purpose and well-being flourish. When I was running marathons, I found the same kind of joie de vivre. Affiliation has a strong pull. Thanks for this post, Jen.
Ah, yes! And with running you get those endorphins, too.