Mudd Lake with MckMama & Friends

October 10, 2009 at 6:07 pm (Uncategorized)

This way for new friends

What a treat we had last night! I love to meet and greet new people, especially those I admire. So when MckMama said she was hosting an event nearby, I jumped at the chance. I had recently fallen in love with her blog, her family, her writing, her humor, her authenticity and photos … oh my – the photos. Being the wife of a professional photographer, I appreciate really great pictures and she never disappoints. Plus, I find the way she writes to be comforting, unpretentious and real.

Truth be told – before twitter, I didn’t know about McKMama. I saw a bunch of tweets about praying for Stellan. “What’s a Stellan,” I thought? Is that a person, a situation, a company? Being the nosy curious person I am, I clicked on her twitter account, then onto her blog and immediately found myself stalking following the stories and the faith and the conviction. So, of course, actually meeting her was a huge thrill. And, can I just say she’s as witty and genuine and welcoming as she appears to be online. She gathered us together – us faithful blog readers and some friends who, dare I say, didn’t even know what a McKMama was (GASP!). It was casual and she let us naturally do what women do best – meet each other, share our stories, ask questions, be silly, laugh and forge new friendships and connections. A lot of us were taking photos – can you imagine a room full of bloggers without an equal number of cameras?

MckMama & Mela - sounds like a name for a duet

We immediately began girl talk with the other attendees, some traveling great distances to be there. We stepped in and out of conversations. We laughed and ate and salivated over the beautiful surroundings at Mudd Lake Furniture. Even on the coldest night of the season, it was warm and relaxing – we lingered and lounged and stayed past our bedtimes. I don’t know if MckMama knew what big fans we all were, or if she’s just used to that by now. But, I can honestly see why people want a little time with her – she’s charming, speaks humbly of herself and prefers to ask questions rather than answer them – though she did plenty of that too with grace and a non-chalantness that was quite lovely. She made us feel like old friends and for that, we’re grateful.

Bob Kratch - the GIANT of generosity

Bob of Mudd Lake was a delight – just fun and engaging and very hospitable. He’s a GIANT of a man – in size and heart. What a great story he has. He’s an ex NFL player – for the Giants (hence the silly pun) & Patriots. He now runs Mudd Lake Furniture out on his stunning property in Watertown, Minn. and welcomes in all different kinds of groups, for gatherings and events. He hung around with us, answered questions and made us feel really special to be there. He cooked for us, set out a generous spread and even sent my friend Chris Ann home with his famous sauerkraut. Look for more about that on Lovefeast Table soon. My friends and I had time to reconnect, to share what’s happened in our lives lately and then to meet some new, really neat people. We didn’t know what to expect, but I think we left with lots of ideas and connections, but most importantly, with a sense of gratitude for friendship and community. Thanks, MckMama for making that possible.

Be Blessed

~ Mela

www.melakamin.com

Kelli, Elena, Kari, Ali and Chris Ann

Kelli, Chris Ann, me, MckMama, Jessica & Sarah

Me, Janelle, Kelli, MckMama & Chris Ann