I've been travelling so much (great problem to have, I know) that I have not had time to sit down, rest, and catch up. I've been catching up on things around the house and at work.
But now, I can share my Los Angeles/Orange Country trip. I have been so excited about this trip for several reasons. The reason I went out is to attend the annual Christian women's conference. I've been going since my first one in 2006. It's like an annual feast of soul food that sustains me for the year to come. The speakers are always dynamic and are pretty internationally known which adds a fun dynamic. This year, Beth Moore was there. I've watched her studies for years so I was not going to pass up the chance to see her in person with some of my closest friends. The conference was called GodChicks but is now called She Rises. The name comes from Proverbs 31:15, "She rises while it is yet night." I love this. All of the messages are about rising up in adversity (night). It seemed so fitting this year with the night that has fallen all around us. Some of my closest gal pals with whom I grew close at NewSong were there. I can't even describe how good it was to be with people who know me, and I mean really know me. I so long to be known in St. Louis but you know that takes time to develop. I had finally found it in Orange County after years of searching and building a foundation, and it was the hardest thing to leave. We had a blast! What better way to spend a birthday if I'm not going to be home with my husband? It was a gift. I had already cried every morning the week leading up to the conference. Tears came from excitement to see them again and from the loneliness that creeps us from time to time.
I worked half a day on Friday and then headed to the airport. I had a burrata salad and glass of wine while waiting by the gate at Vino Volo (LOVE their burrata salad). I always wanted a job requiring travel but I changed my mind after May-July travelling.
I arrived in LA at 3:30 and my friend April (who had just flown in from Florida for the conference) picked me up. I arrived at LAX and walked into what felt like ants scattering everywhere! I have gotten so used to the sparse spacious St. Louis airport. I had also forgotten about LA traffic (repressed memories)....we took side streets from the airport to the airbnb and it took 1.5 hours. =/ However, we were welcomed by California Love on the radio.
We arrived just in time to meet the host, throw our things in the room, change and walk down to the Kodak Theater (where they have the Academy awards). The doors opened at 6 and the conference started at 7. My friend Mee Hee was already there and it was almost more than I could stand to see her again WITH her pregnant belly!
It's really cool being in the Kodak theater for this
Beth Moore spoke that night and it was just amazing. 
She is such a tiny powerhouse!
By the end of the night, I was exhausted from the travel, the goodness of the night and seeing friends. We walked back and crashed. Well, we might have made a quick stop at Mel's Drive In along the way. A girl has to eat right? No, the food's not great but when you are hungry....it's delicious.
We woke up Saturday and hit the coffee shop on the corner. We were lucky to be right by a great café, Rise and Grind. We got coffee, brekkie and headed down to the conference. I love walking Hollywood Boulevard early in the morning before the traffic and tourists fill up the street. Louie Giglio spoke and it was fantastic.
Louie Giglio
At lunch, we walked over to an Italian place at Hollywood & Highland. It meant the world to sit with these favorite ladies and chat and catch up. Amy bought a bottle of wine so that they could all give a toast for my birthday. It's those moments around the table that are the true gifts.
After the afternoon session, we ended around 7 and went our separate ways. April and I went to dinner on the way home at Smoke's Poutinerie. I tried the Philly cheesesteak. We were so exhausted after so we soaked up the air conditioner in the apartment and went to bed.
Philly Cheesesteak poutine
Sunday already?! MY ACTUAL BIRTHDAY! We woke up early to walk around and take some photos of Hollywood Boulevard, my old stomping ground. I remember walking these streets weekly, marveling how a small town Mississippi girl made it there. We walked and had coffees before heading back to shower and check out. April dropped me off in Orange County.
I had so many gifts that day spending time with FRAMILY. Friends came over and spent hours with me. We had Hawaiian food, bubbly and chocolate cake. It was golden.
I did get some hysterical "granny" gifts
That night, we headed over to the beach to see the newest addition, The Strand. We stopped by In-n-Out on the way home so I could get my fix.
Monday, I woke up and went to Cornerstone, my previous agency. This place was like life and professional boot camp for me. I learned so much and met my dearest friends there. I saw so many faces that I've missed for so long. It just felt good "being home."
The rest of the day was spent running around getting lunch at my fave restaurant, Shik Do Rak, and getting items I needed to bring back (also, an extra bag b/c I underestimated the return load).
This was a heaping amount of love and comfort to my soul. Just seeing old friendships, family, familiar places was like rubbing balm on a wound cut by loneliness. We enjoy St. Louis and being near family, but I won't lie, it's lonely. I haven't felt like this in years. This LA weekend was enough to bandage me up to trudge onward!
Cheers to a new decade!
Danielle
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