For me, this years photochicks was a much needed weekend. The stress of the months before left me needing a getaway. Time to recharge with my amazing friends, chatting, eating, relaxing and enjoying the fellowship of one another.
What truly happens at photochicks, stays at photochicks ;o)
We do always try to go out on a photo walk and this year I found myself only heading out for a little jont. I love being outside, I love the forest. Having grown up in the forest, and now living in the city I miss the sounds of nature. This year we were in a cabin, on the point of a lake, and surrounded by forest. It a was breath-taking, soul enriching location.
I’m nervous about eating around people, I’m also nervous about cooking for people. I think that it has to do with the binge eating disorder, but I always am afraid of what people say about what or when I’m eating. Leading up to the weekend, I have to admit I do get a little nervous about going for those reasons. Once we get there though, the mounds of food (mostly healthy actually) and knowing the ladies aren’t judging me, it gets a little easier each time. I can’t really explain it. I don’t know If they know that about me, but they make it very comfortable, it doesn’t mean the feelings go away, it just means I don’t get them so bad. I do have to confess (as part of the knowing about me and learning about my disorder) I did hide a big chocolate bar in my room where I would sneak off to and eat it through the weekend. Its something I know now why I did that, but at the time I didn’t really realize what all of that meant. Its embarrassing to put all of this out there, I know I need to turn that embarrassment feeling into self love and compassion.
The food though, is amazing, and everyone takes turns at cooking a meal. We have such talented cooks and I hope that we put together a photochicks cookbook next year. The recipes we come home with are super yummy and usually healthy. This years favorites for me were Kate’s spelt tortillas, Amber’s home-made pasta, Liz’s vegan stew and Christy & Holly’s Mexican night.
I learned about the game ‘cards against humanity’ and ended up buying this game for us for Christmas, I need to find some people to play it with me. It was hilarious fun.
The fellowship part of the weekend is amazing and everyone is loved and cherished. I think it’s unique that we have such an amazing group of ladies that have their own businesses, who would normally see them selves at competing, drop all that bs to love and support one another.
We cheer each other on, we offer up support and advice and we love to see each other succeed.
I love my photochicks. I’m grateful and honored to be a part of them and I’m truly thankful for each one of them in my lives. I don’t take for granted their special relationships and I wish nothing but the best for them every day.
They are my sisters.
To next years weekend, I can’t wait!
Here are some of the more artistic photos I took on my walk:
http://www.amandaleescott.com/project/rock-hard/
http://www.amandaleescott.com/project/essence-of-winter/