Remember my blog a couple weeks ago all about the upcoming, Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk?  Well, this past Saturday was the day–and it was a gorgeous one, at that!  Myself, and about 30(ish) other walkers, met up at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis at 9am.  It was a cool, but sunny–so, it didn’t feel terrible.  We took a couple hours and made the trek from the falls, to the river, and back again.

I can’t say enough about my walkers.  It’s such a diverse group–single, young females all the way to older, married, couples–we all come together and make it something unique, and special.  The conversation was flowing and new connections were made.  I never get the chance to really talk, talk, to everybody–though I wish I could.  I also hate that we always get so spread out during our walks–I don’t always get the chance to even say goodbye to everyone at the end.  I realize that we’re all adults though, and that no one comes to a photo walk to have their hand held; I also realize that everyone has their own schedule–we always just start off to ‘together’, and leave so apart.  I’ll keep working on that…maybe a big chain next year?  😉

Anyway one other observation I want to make is regarding the one other thing about my walkers that really connects us; however, it’s also the one thing that always divides us, and keeps folks away from joining us, in person, when they may really want to.  There is something different in all of us that makes us want to create…it’s that same something different that also makes us afraid to get out and partake in something like a photo walk.  I’m the first to admit I get huge anxiety before doing anything like this.  I think of every excuse in the book to get out of doing it, up until the very last minute (ESPECIALLY at the very last minute, in fact)…but, ultimately, I realize that it’s better for me TO get out (also, I couldn’t think of a good enough excuse).  I know though, that there are a lot of folks out there that can’t talk themselves into getting out–despite really wishing they could.  (That was me once…and, may be me again someday.)

Whether it’s anxiety, depression or something else in your mind that paralyzes you all together–I realize that the folks who made it out, may have overcome something huge to be there, and, may have been on the verge of not coming at one point.  I also realize that you may be fighting something while you’re there–in your background.  I always hope that, when you leave, you’re happy you came though.  I always hope that when you leave, knowing that you were able to get out this time–may help guide you out the next time, too.  I always hope you create something you’re proud of, and something that you find some strength in.  And, I always promise you…that I’m glad you came.  Thank you for coming–it means so much to me that you love your art enough, and trust us all enough, to venture out, and take the walk with us.  Thank you.

Oh!  And, P.S.–Check out the great article that TwinCitiesMedia.net did on the walk!

Here’s a couple more cell shots, btw…