I've been trying and trying to formulate my experience from last week at Altitude Design Summit into a somewhat intelligible post for a few days now, but I'm sorry to say I haven't managed too well (as far as intelligible goes). What I have pulled together is a sampling of some of the little bits and pieces that made up my incredibly amazing trip. Pictures and words can't really do it justice (and I didn't take too many photos anyway - too busy having my mind blown)...but here we go anyhow.
The first thing that I discovered upon arrival (after wiping the stars out of my eyes at the sight of our amazing Grand America Hotel) is how ridiculously warm and friendly everyone was. Not just smile-and-wave friendly, but big-old-bear-hug-you-like-you're-a-long-lost-sister friendly. I don't think I've ever felt so welcomed by a group of people, ever. Of course this is a theme that continued throughout the entire conference. The genuine care and comradery between everyone was electric. It's really indescribable.
One person that exemplified this energy was Erin from Design for Mankind. I just love this girl to pieces! Before Alt I knew Erin from her blog and a few phone conversations we'd had...but Erin in person is 10000% more awesome that the Erin you know and love online. I don't know how she does it, but somehow she manages to help and brighten the lives of everyone around her. She's like a miniature whirlwind of joy and goodness. For example she grabbed a group up us in the hotel lobby for a "resource party" - a quick (but life changing activity that involved each of us going around the circle one by one and naming one thing we wanted to have in our lives this year. As each person took their turn, you would call out if you had a way to help make their dream a reality. People dreamed of trips to Paris, television shows, book deals, making a $100,000 income, etc....we dreamed big, and you know what; by the end not one single person was left without at least one person who was able to provide a resource for making that dream happen. I mean how amazing is that! I never realized just how strong we can be if we stand together. It was truly eye-opening and such a gift. I think Erin touched everyone's life during Alt. I know I'm forever bettered because of her. :-)
{Awesomeness in human form: Marisa, Erin, Amy, Deb, Mondo, Christine, Laura, Ben. I'm not photogenic at all - now you know why I live behind a computer screen.}
I can't talk about amazing people without at least a little shout out to my two amazing roomies: Amy and Deb. These ladies were kind, generous and kept me laughing throughout Alt. Within 3 days I felt like I made friendships with these two that will last a lifetime. Then there was Marisa (such an amazing genuine spirit who taught me so much in such a short space of time), Jamie who cracked me up and inspired me in equal measure, meeting Mondo (who was even more gracious and warm in person than on tv), my amazing fellow panel members (who all put up with my mumblings during our talk), my silly bloggy sisters (links below) who I had the best time goofing off with (and there weren't even drinks involved), and everyone else who welcomed me so warmly and made me feel like we were all a part of a big happy blogging family!
{My silly bloggy sisters include (they might kill me for posting this - even though it's just to prove how awesome they all are): Natalie, Melanie, Marta, Christine, Marisa, and Danni.}
Of course there was so much to learn at Alt too: 
{Shots from my tabletop photography class with photographer Nicole Gerulat's (sets styled by One Charming Party). The class was amazing...my photos of it, not so much.}
The classes were amazing and the all around generosity of everyone attending was incredible. All the tips and tidbits I picked up will be trickling onto Creature Comforts over the coming months. I can't wait to share them with you and see where this year will take Creature Comforts. The common themes I picked up on were "be original, be you," "be transparent and genuine," "don't let negativity get you down," and "don't be afraid to follow your passion." In all honesty I'm still trying to process it all, but I couldn't wait to share a few tidbits from my trip. If you have the opportunity to make it to Alt next year, DO IT! You will not regret it. And lastly (for now) I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who made Alt possible (the sponsors, coordinators, and visionaries behind the scenes, and all the amazing bloggers who I can now truly call friends). You guys rocked it!
Amy from Old Sweet Song wrote a brilliant post titled Eight Steps to Get Over Post-Alt Depression - I think I'm going to be stuck on step one for a long while:
{Getty image from Amy - Old Sweet Song} {All other photos by me, Deb, and Alt Design Summit}