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Blogger Meet-Up Proves Vancouver’s Got Talent

A group of over-40 fashion bloggers pose for a photo together.

I’ve been watching old America’s Got Talent clips on YouTube recently. It’s been a balm to my weary soul in these darker times. The earnestness of the people on stage who make themselves so vulnerable draws me in like a moth to a flame. It soothes something deep down inside and gives me a glimmer of hope for humanity.

The audience’s reaction is part of this as well, as are the families and friends who support those on stage. I’ve noticed that when someone is really putting their all into something they love, humanity rises up in support. It’s beautiful.

One of the videos I watched recently was of a young man from England–this was on Britain’s Got Talent. He was so nervous. He started singing but his voice quivered and I could feel the fear coming off him. In the middle of his song, Simon Cowell stopped the music and asked him to sing a different song. That would have caused me to crumble completely but the young man soldiered on. And up in the balcony, far from the stage, the cameras cut to his friends, there to support him. They were cheering him on, literally crying for his success.

There is still love in this world, I tell myself. I see it on that stage and in that audience. Watching this show relieves my worried mind just a little and helps me see how I experience that level of love and support in my own life. That goes a long way in lifting me out of the darkness I see elsewhere so I can actually function and do something to make the world a little bit brighter.

Vancouver’s Got Talent

And speaking of bright spots in the world….

It’s been nearly a month since I traveled to Vancouver to meet up with the small group of talented women pictured below.

A group of over-40 fashion bloggers pose for a photo together.
The Fab Five Fashion Bloggers from left to right: Suzanne, Mel, yours truly, Sue, and Patti.

This is the second year I’ve made such a trip. Both times I came away filled to the brim with creative inspiration, deep intellectual ponderings, a sore belly from laughing so much, and perhaps most importantly, a feeling that I belonged there. It’s like a more personalized version of what I feel when I watch America’s Got Talent. Each person in the group is both on-stage performer and audience support system. You might say we have our very own Vancouver’s Got Talent.

To experience the talents of these ladies first-hand, visit their blogs:

  • Sue from A Colourful Canvas writes a sewing blog. Not only are her creations inspiring to this fledgling sewist, she has a talent for witty, conversational writing.
  • Mel from Bag and a Beret is what happens when a bold, artistic soul hits midlife and takes the bull by the horns to overcome the invisibility plague that happens to so many of us. She is art, comedy, and fashion all wrapped into one.
  • Patti from Not Dead Yet Style demonstrates the art and necessity of lifting people up rather than tearing down and she does it with a rockin’ sense of style.
  • Suzanne from SuzanneCarillo.com dazzles with DIY projects, teaches how to care for vintage garments, and unveils wondrous vintage treasures she finds on her thrift outings. She is also the owner of the Vintage By Suzanne Etsy shop where fans can actually purchase her vintage finds!

Sherry’s Got Talent?

And then there’s me. Even though I am the newest to blogging and have the fewest followers, these ladies cheer me on and lift me up as if I am one of them. That makes it a whole lot easier to create fun things that cut through the darkness, like the videos below.

The first video is four minutes long. It’s sort of a movie in a movie in a slideshow. I call it “Lady in Pink” or “Bloggers are a Girl’s Best Friend.” If you want to see what we wore in Vancouver, this is a good place to take it all in. We all took turns taking photos and video. Be sure to have your volume on.

The second video is much shorter–just 40 seconds. It focuses on our thrift shopping habits when we get together. Suzanne took part of the footage featured here and Mel took the video of us shopping at Talize Thrift just outside of Vancouver. Volume is also a good idea here.

Mel’s video rocks so much I have to share it here as well. It’s like you’re getting three features in one! I love seeing how differently we used the same footage. You’ll not want to miss the music she paired with her video, so again, turn up the volume!

The Light Keeps Shining

Thanks to all this beautiful, creative light in my life, I’ve been busy working on blog posts just for you, dear reader. I’ve got a Bewitched-themed post coming very soon (complete with outfit magic!) and I have another Seattle designer to share with you in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, enjoy the nourishment of one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver. Her poem, Wild Geese always warms my weary soul. If you are hurting, I hope it brings comfort to know you have a place in this world.

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.

Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
Over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.


Affiliate link disclaimer: Please note, some of the items linked above may be affiliated with companies I am associated with. By purchasing from these stores, I receive a small commission and you support the work I do here. Thank you for your support! 

About Author

Freelance writer about food and fashion. Obsessed genealogist and history nerd. New to sewing. Love all dogs and one hubby. Seattle

(15) Comments

  1. […] You can see in the photo below how I styled it for a cool, cloudy day of thrift shopping with my blogger buds in Vancouver last […]

  2. Marilee Gramith says:

    So very impressive Sherry!! Your videos reveal some major talent for capturing the mutual love and respect that you all have for one another. The spirit of easy cooperation and joy come through loud and clear. As Melanie said, “a keepsake post”
    I think Simon’s new role as a father has mellowed him.

    1. Thank you, Jude! My creative energy gets boosted whenever I’m around supportive women–and that includes you!!

      Miss you so much!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

      PS: I think you’re right about Simon and fatherhood. Plus, he loves dogs! 💕

  3. First, I watched the Britain’s Got Talent and it really made me teary-eyed! The power of support and talent, wow. And then onto our meetup – excellent segue. Hahaha. Your videos are awesome, Sherry. Oh yeah, you’ve got talent! You take little snippets and weave them magically into coherence. Amazing. You summed up my feelings about the weekend perfectly. Thank you for this keepsake post.

    1. Right??? The power of support and talent is just tremendous and moving. It’s exactly how I feel about our group and I’m so thankful.

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  4. Shybiker says:

    Glad you had fun. That’s a creative, fun group.

    1. You know firsthand just what a creative, fun group these ladies are. I’m so glad to have gotten to be a part of it!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  5. The BGT video was awesome. I love watching them too. I found it interesting…I’m not an expert when it comes to singing. At all. I was enjoying Griff’s performance very much. Yet when he began to sing the second song I literally got chills up my spine. Basically that 10 minute vid was as good as 90 minutes in a darkened theater watching a favourite feel good film. I had the tears and the laughter and…as the youngun’ say….all the feels. And…what’s up with SImon? He used to have a pretty sharp edge when it came to judging…yes, he’s brilliant at recognizing and drawing out talent…but he was tough. In this video he was so kind and supportive. It was nice to see.

    You. You’ve got TALENT too! You are a boss video maker. An artitst! Loved seeing your artistry and loved reliving the weekend!

    We have a lot of Canada Geese in the Vancouver area and there is something so majestic about them. As the poetry referenced the geese, I could really feel the imagery. Lovely.

    1. You said it, Sue! Sometimes a little dose of AGT/BGT/etc. is as good as a long movie. I’m not sure what happened to Simon but he is beloved now. Every season of AGT they do a whole “Everyone Loves Simon the Best” package and it’s hilarious. He can be tough but never in a mean way.

      Thank you for cheering me on always. Thank you for your kindness too. You are a part of what keeps me going, gets me excited about projects.

      Oh yes! Canada Geese! There is something completely majestic about them. Mary Oliver’s poetry always has such imagery painted in words and that imagery nearly always evokes a feeling in me. I love her work.

      Here’s hoping you’re having a great weekend! Miss you mucho!

      Hugs,
      – Sherry

  6. Oh my goodness, you gals are so much fun! Your videos made me smile and giggle. Thanks for sharing your adventures! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

    1. Thank you, Amy! I’m so glad the videos made you smile and giggle. That’s what I was hoping for!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  7. So many great memories were made on that trip! This showcases them well.

    I agree with Jodie…you are an editing wizard and a fabulous all around person : ) I consider myself very lucky to have met you.

    That poem is quite lovely.

    I’m glad you are finding ways to cope and continue to turn your face towards the sun.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    1. Thank you, Suzanne! I totally agree about the memories. There are things I think about nearly everyday that come out of our weekend in Vancouver. The creative spirit we nurtured during that time will be with me for a long time as well.

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  8. Jodie says:

    You always know how to create laughter and smiles, Sherry!!
    The longer video was fabulous with all that editing and music!! You are amazing!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. Thank you, Jodie! It took me a while to get there but it was fun when it finally came together. Now I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate video more often in my posts–but it’s a lot of work! Ha ha! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Sherry

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