Turning dreams into plans...Amber Housley Inspired

a doodle from yours truly

This past Thursday and Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Amber Housley Inspired Workshop (or AH Inspired).  I have been so excited about this workshop for the entire summer.  As the days got closer and closer to the start date, I got more nervous.

I don't know why, but the nerves were present!  But they didn't last long.  As soon as I entered the adorable venue plastered with pink and orange, I felt right at ease.

no detail missed - everything was absolutely perfect!

Have you ever been in a group of people and just felt like they "got you"?  Well, that's how I felt for 2 days.  For 2 days, I was in a room full of talented and driven gals, all chomping at the bit to unleash their creative potential.

And I felt like I was at home.

this quote - yes!

Sometimes, well most of the time, it's scary and intimidating to have your own creative business.  You're putting yourself out there through your "product" - whether it be baby clothes or stationery or event styling.  You are allowing yourself to be open to criticism, praise, good things and negative things.

All at once.  

day 2 - breakfast...again, perfect!

 You could decide to just keep it all in to yourself and save many tears and hurt feelings.  Or, you could put yourself out there.  You could make all your dreams come true - despite how others may try to make you feel.

notes, notes, notes....

 That's what I really learned at this workshop.  Amber took 3 amazing gals and let them tell their story.  And I learned something wonderful from each of them.

myself + Jessica + Sara

From Sara, I learned that no matter what you do in this life, your family always comes first.  Always.

From Jessica, I learned that you can take an unfortunate situation (i.e., planning a wedding with a tight budget) and make it relatable and inspirational.

From Courtney, I learned that you can make your biggest and wildest dreams come true...with a little work, you can make BIG things happen.

And from Amber, I don't think I can even summarize what I learned from her.  She's amazing, y'all.  If you ever have the chance to attend one of these workshops in 2013, do it.  You won't regret it.  Amber is a wealth of knowledge and kindness, and she's an all-around classy lady.

I have lots of ideas for this little space of mine and for a particular business that I adore called Mattie Mae Designs.  The look of things will be changing here, but I'm still the same ole Lena.

Just a more gutsy, I've-got-my-dreams-down-on-paper Lena.

the entire AH Inspired - Nashville II group

And I hope you'll stick around to see some of those dreams turn into plans.

She decided to start living

the life she always imagined.

She turned her can'ts into cans. 

and her dreams into plans.

She took the leap and

grew her wings on the way down.