I?ve been quiet on this, because my California adventure has not ended and I?ve been very busy with family and without instant access to the internet, but I?ve been following everything that you all have said. I echo the sentiments of all above. It was truly an extraordinary weekend, and my only complaint would be that it was too short. It just flew by. How could you explain to anyone outside PG what it was like to spend the weekend with so many people you admire and respect and enjoy, but have never met. And then to admire, respect and enjoy them even more in person! Jeremy was an outstanding, amazing host who gave and gave and expected nothing in return. Meeting Marianne, so quiet on the forum, but so full of life and kindness and pearl wisdom, awesome. Being surprised by Nerida?s attendance, learning to say her name correctly, and feeling like I'd known her forever and knowing that that just might become the case. Meeting Blaire-the-amazing (and Octavia) face to face and actually feeling shy, like when you meet a famous person. Caitlin, so pearl wise and young at heart, with Kether, a pearl of a daughter. Donna, who blew me away with her big smile and her knowledge of the jewelry world. Pattye, my friend and fellow Etsian, who I absolutely did not get enough time to talk to one on one (next time). Boo, who was my old friend that I had actually met, and our adventure in the gem fair world. Steve, who was kind and gentle and quiet in the midst of a tornado of females with his beautiful wines and pearls. Having real time to spend with Sarah, and finding a bond that is as amazing as her pearls. Josh, a little out of his element in LA, but totally at home at the pearl gathering, wonderful, funny and a good scotch drinker. Sheri, beautiful and dramatic, so herself with her amazing pearl creations and her fabulous ink. Ashley sweet, but feisty and a very interesting limo companion. And my co-convention-conspirator, Mike, who kept the ball rolling through all of this, even funnier in person than on the guide, patient beyond belief, and an amazing man in the midst of all the hussies and probably in the midst of anything. New friends from old acquaintances, amazing pearls everywhere (dripping with pearls), so much info and informed conversation, incredible venues, food, wine, and open hearts at PP, just a really amazing weekend. And for those of you not in physical attendance, believe me, you were there in the conversations, everyone?s thoughts, stories that were told, and in the fact that none of us would have been there without everyone because that is what makes the Pearl Guide what it is ? all the people! So next year ? stand by. Here are my Sunday pics. Not a lot of photos from Sat. because our hands were full, and the wonderful Natalie was snapping away.
