Squeal Fest 2012

I'm not sure how many of you have ever witnessed or even participated in a "Squeal Fest" but I will tell you, just in case you haven't....

It is ALL manner of fun.

It also may involve meeting someone in real life you have loved and prayed for and wanted to meet for a very long time. When you finally have the chance, you may actually find yourself running across the parking lot of The Varsity in Atlanta, Georgia squealing like a teenager who is about to meet her best girlfriend in front of the skating rink. Honestly. We may have made a scene.

I had a little business trip to Atlanta recently and decided that it was high time that I meet my sweet blog buddy in real life.

Please meet my beautiful friend Paige from Simple Thoughts!

Paige is also one of the speakers for the upcoming Pearl Event and you all are going to fall head over heels in love with her!

The blog world meets real life is such a special thing.
For years you read someone's heart and get "to know them" so to speak.
Then to have the chance to meet that friend in real life....to put a voice with the words and the humor and the personality you have come to know and love in the blog world....

It is really wonderful!

Especially when that person exceeds your expectations.....

I somehow just knew she would....

She is a lot like Edie, in that, she is even better in real life!!!

Let me break it down for you in a few words and some really special pictures.

Paige is every shade of awesome. 

She looks just like a movie star and has the boots to prove it,  but is so genuine and authentic and gracious and kind, she puts you right at ease.

She is really, really beautiful. Matched equally in heart, spirit and personality. I loved her....

She also just so happens to be a hugger! Thank goodness! That makes five huggers speaking at The Pearl Event! Check. Check.

I may have to get them matching t-shirts for the big weekend....

I also finally had the chance to meet Dan! I heart Dan:)

I think much of blog world has a crush on him! He is an absolute sweetheart ! If you haven't already, you will enjoy reading the stories about how he has loved those four girls as well as Paige over the years... get the Kleenex.

Beautiful recompense.

I met "Little Bit" as well! Oh my heavens. I loved her! We talked about all things ballet, girlfriends and Justin Bieber. Apparently a close friend of hers has his phone number.....:)

                                                 Little Bit's twinkle toes....sweetness.

                                              My girl and her dream gumball machine.

 

 

I hope you will join us for the big weekend on March 10. We are so looking forward to meeting you and spending the day together. Edie and her sweetheart will be there, as well as Paige and Dan. Two of my wonderful real life friends Sara and Jane will also be there sharing their stories and encouraging us that day as well! Just 52 more days or about 7 short weeks!

We are also planning on a blogger/reader meet -up on Friday night, March 9 at the Opryland Hotel for those of you who are interested.  So I will share the details about that once we get it worked out on our end!

Thank you so much to all of you for your love, prayers and support about the event.

Grateful me.

Counting down the days sweet friends.....