It is not lost on me how cool it is that I get to wake up each workday and decide what I want to do.  Some of that is dictated by deadlines and commitments to clients, but since 2008, I’ve been able to jump into working on my house, refinishing a piece of furniture, doing a photoshoot, writing a blog post, or painting at the easel.  In addition to getting to do creative work as a profession, I have been invited to do some pretty amazing things over the years.  I’ve been to New York City twice for guest appearances on TV shows; I’ve been a mainstage speaker at the Toronto Home Show and other home & blog conferences, and I’ve been able to teach creative workshops in Italy.

And a few weeks ago, I received another exciting invite – to be a part of a speaking panel at the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY.  I’ve always wanted to go to the fair, and now I have a good reason to actually make that dream happen!

Mom and I will be driving up to New York, which should be beautiful this time of year, to attend the fair.  I love a good mother/daughter road trip!

The panel I’m joining is RETURN TO CRAFT: The Joy of Analog Pastimes, which perfectly dovetails with my book Move Slow & Make Things. The panel will be on the main stage Friday, October 2, at 11:00, and will last approximately 45 minutes.  I’ll be available for a book signing after the panel in the Horticulture Barn.

Despite having a business that is based online, I am passionate about analog pastimes, hobbies, arts, and professions.  I mean, what am I going to write about, photograph, and share if I’m not doing things, making things?  I’m excited to answer questions and explore this topic further with the other members of the panel – Amy and Sarah Blessing, founders of Loop Canvas; Mariana Barran, founder of Hibiscus Linens; and Kristina Schnepf, director of Green Door Folk School.  I haven’t met any of the other participants before, but I’ve enjoyed digging into their businesses and Instagram feeds.

I’m also excited to meet some vendors I’ve known or followed online for years who will be selling at the fair.  It should be an amazing weekend (hopefully we have beautiful early fall weather) for doing some browsing and shopping for antiques.  Of course, I’ll take lots of pictures and share about the event here and on social media.

If you’re in the area and able to make it, please stop by to say hello!