The conference is over and tomorrow I head home. Utah has been amazing--the people, the scenery, the inspiration, the hospitality, the sharing...I could go on and on. I had the kind of response to my workshops that every presenter dreams of: good listeners who asked thoughtful questions, participated actively, and shared generously.
Then there were the keynotes. Noa Baum spoke about diversity and reminded us that to truly know and understand each other we must listen without prejudice or judgment. Kevin Kling took us with humor, insight, gentle wisdom and tough honesty on a quest to understand grief and loss, and the value of stories and storytelling in life's difficult passages.
Friday night's concert with Kevin and Andy Offutt Irwin was a laughfest spiced with clever wit and wise truths. It has been a long time since I laughed so hard. It felt wonderful! Then finally last night the last hurrah: a concert featuring eight of the conference presenters. I enjoyed hearing the others as much as I did presenting my own part of the show. After the concert a few of us gathered to swap ghost stories.
I was late to bed but up early for a special treat, a trip to see and hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was glorious! Such music in a stunning setting!
Then it was time to start saying goodbye as some tellers left for the airport and the conference staff members went back to their lives. I was lucky enough to be able to stay overnight so that I could see a bit of this unique part of America. Clearly there is much more to see, and I wish I could stay a week and just explore.
I will post more photos when I get home. Tonight I plan to get to bed early so I will be rested for the long flight home. I will be carrying back memories of happy faces, snowy mountains, and the joy of being part of the magic that is Timpanogos.
Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.
You seem to have had a good time. The lack of photos had me worried; thought you'd lost your phone again!
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of relatives in Utah, so we visit a lot. Glad you got to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and it sounds like the conference was terrific.
ReplyDeleteWe have hiked Mt. Timpanogos and especially love the caves.
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Midwest folks are just pretty amazing . . . hospitable, welcoming, down to earth. Can't wait to hear more stories. Hope you are home now, safe and sound.
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