Sometimes God allows the stars to align, the universe to collide and a moment happens in time that gives you chills. It echoes into your core and envelopes your soul. To say I was incredibly blessed to have been a part of this moment doesn’t do it justice. There are no words.

I spent this past weekend in humble awe as I fellowshipped with some of the most inspiring and talented entrepreneurs, influencers and creatives to celebrate and promote the newest issues of Magnolia Journal and Darling Magazine. These magazines are more than just a collection of articles and illustrations… they are a tribe, a culture, a belief system… a way of life. They are a celebration of women and an honoring of the GOOD and POTENTIAL in humans. They have aspirations and goals to create something bigger than themselves. To affect people, to encourage people, to inspire people. Not only did I find myself rejuvenated but I found myself driving away from Waco with a PURPOSE. With a DRIVE and INTENTION that I’d been desperately searching for. And I hope through The sTORIbook I can share this beautiful occasion with you. But not just share the event itself but also through God’s glory allow all of this beauty to reach and AFFECT my readers. I want YOU to be a part of this too – for you are MY tribe.

In this post I want to give you a peek in to the weekend and everything it included and then I look forward to a series of posts going more in depth into the heart of this event.

Leading Ladies

Joanna Gaines

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Sarah Dubbeldam, Darling Magazine Editor-In-Chief

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These events wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of these two ladies above. If you are as big of a Fixer Upper fan as I am then you will recognize the iconic Joanna Gaines who has grown Magnolia into an empire of home design, bakery, Target line, magazine and so much more. I keep saying that Joanna was everything I could have wanted her to be. She was kind, gracious and inspiring.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Dubbeldam, the editor-in-chief of Darling Magazine. Sarah was not only uplifting but she had a rare vulnerability that many people aren’t brave enough to share with others. She shared her previous battles with overcoming anxiety and what she has done to battle it inspiring all listening. More coming on this!

Magnolia Silos

We arrived Saturday evening and were spoiled with private access to the Silos and Magnolia Market after hours. It was my first visit to Magnolia and it just felt like the Gaines have created a little haven. The grounds consist of Magnolia Market for shopping, an outdoor lawn perfect for families to enjoy games or have a bite to eat at one of the fun food trucks. There is also the Magnolia Seed + Supply with it’s beautiful garden and Silos Baking Co. for other yummy treats.

Magnolia Seed + Supply is filled with everything you might want if you have a green thumb. Gardening tools, flower growing kits for children, garden supplies and much more. There is a picturesque garden right out front with seasonal produce and flowers growing. I wish my garden always looked this perfect!

I didn’t get to go in to the bakery but I’m sure it wouldn’t have disappointed. Note, during normal hours there are lines so be prepared.

Magnolia Market

After touring the grounds we got ready for some much anticipated shopping in Magnolia Market. It is an interior decorator’s dream come true and you can see Joanna’s vision throughout.

Magnolia Table

Magnolia Table is Joanna and Chip Gaines newest venture and it’s a perfect fit for their next endeavor. They have been restoring one of Waco’s most famous restaurants called, “Elite Cafe.”  It is a truly gorgeous restoration and Chip and Joanna have put thought and consideration into every corner of it while maintaining the restaurant’s original features. One of my favorite parts of the restaurant is a wall that says, “Where everyone has a seat at the table.” That just resonated with me. I actually would love to incorporate that in my kitchen somehow.

The tables were impeccably decorated with beautiful dishes, flatware and greenery. During the cocktail hour and dinner is was wonderful to begin visiting and getting to know all of these amazing people that the two magazines had brought together. If I wanted to put together a group of people who could truly make a difference in this world I would choose these people. To be included among them was beyond an honor – I felt unworthy but so very grateful.

The Art of Letter Writing

Following a cocktail hour and dinner we all joined together for a very special workshop called, “The Art of Letter Writing.” I so wish that I could say that I was a natural but I have to admit… I’m kind of awful! I had so much fun though and want to start setting aside time to practice. I have to say that my favorite part about this workshop was the message about “intention.” There is just something special and intent about writing a letter. It’s actually a goal of mine for 2018 to write more of them!

Darling Brunch + Renovating Imagination

Day 2 we woke up feeling inspired and excited for another day filled with amazingness. The day was devoted primarily to Darling Magazine as they hosted a brunch at Wildland Supply + Co. (which must be the most stylish boutique in Waco).

If I had one word to describe Darling Magazine I would choose EMPOWERING. Just read their mission…

Doesn’t that just stir your soul?! I feel like everyone needs to read those words.

By now many of us had gotten to know each other so the smiles, laughter and conversations were blooming. It was beautiful seeing all the new relationships developed and people truly connecting. I had a special treat getting to see a delightful fellow blogger that I met several years ago in Houston. Above is Alice from Lonestar Looking Glass. She is simply precious and her smile is contagious.

And  below is someone who I’ve been following for YEARS! This is the famous Promise Tangeman who has the most gorgeous web designs on the planet (not to mention some seriously good hair).

Following brunch we participated in a “Imagination Renovation” workshop that I found to be powerful. It wasn’t an easy dialogue and many of us had to set aside fear and discomfort in order to push through it but a true dialogue came about. I’m planning a separate, more in depth blog post on this workshop because I really want to dive in to it with you. It gave me an entirely different perspective on myself (as well as made me want to renovate who I think I am / and want to be).

Photo courtesy of Darling Magazine.

No matter how hard I try I still feel like I’m failing to capture the essence of this weekend and the true depth that it had. I think we all left filled with a spirit of change. A calling to change ourselves, those around us and even the world. Prepare yourself world… #magnoliaxdarling has fanned the flames I can’t wait to see what comes about from this weekend.

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