On Saturday, I sat in the warmth of sunshine while admiring sculpture and reflecting on what I’d just heard during the opening talks of the World Domination Summit. I was outside the Portland Art Museum, and a security guard approached my husband, Casey, and I. He wanted to know what the event was about. He said something like, “What is the World Domination Summit? We were trying to figure it out from the website.” We proceeded to explain it as a conference like event for creative entrepreneurs. I’m not quite sure that really does it justice.

The event reminded me of a conference/reunion/seminar for folks looking to use their passions and make a living. I found myself grasping to accurately describe the event to strangers we met on the MAX train while traveling from our Inn near the airport to the Portland Art Museum. It was actually unlike any conference or seminar I’ve ever attended. Overall everyone was friendly, ready to strike up a conversation and full of their own creative ideas and projects. Not everyone, mind you, but most. It was really amazing to actually sit and strike up a conversation with someone from Trinidad and get positive feedback about my new found passion with this here blog. People attended from several countries, and all over the US. We almost felt like cheaters having only driving about 180 miles from our home for the event. But, we can’t help being strategically located in Seattle!

Hello, My Name is…

Looking for dinner during the Starlight Parade: Star Wars guys who let me pose with them:)

The week before this trip, I had a Dentist appointment at a new Dental Office. I got the two most common questions about Who and What I am:

At the end of our introductions, the Dentist asked me, “What Are you? Are you Asian?” I get this question about every 6 months. Seriously. One time it was from a young Asian guy accepting my donation at Goodwill. To quench your curiosity, I’m not Asian, just an odd mix of Native American, Croatian, Norwegian and a dash of English, German, Finnish and French Canadian. Funny that my odd looks garner such quandary.

The Dental Hygienist asked, “So, you’re a Stay At Home Mom?” Yes, I get this question a lot because, I am. I usually put, “Home Maker” down under Occupation. To my positive confirmation at her question, she remarked that she’d lose her mind if she didn’t work 3 days a week. Good for her to know herself that well. But, I love being home with my kids. I know we’re all different, but I feel singled out so often because I get to stay home and choose to be a housewife. I feel the title is limiting and doesn’t fully express all that the job entails, the creativity, dedication and exhaustion that it brings.

This was good practice, I thought, for the upcoming weekend meeting strangers.

What I learned

Everyone is unique, but can bask in the glow of each others passion for life. I met people from all over the world, and some from my own part of Seattle.

Bloggers are People too: It’s funny to finally see and talk with bloggers I follow. They take on a mythical like status, like old authors I love to read. At least, that’s what it’s been like for me. I loved seeing famous bloggers and folks like me plugging away at their own little niche. What was cool was feeling like an equal to each one of them. It was really neat to be able to chat with some of my favorite bloggers and discover new ones. My new Seattle favorite, is over at Seattle Homestead – I have literally passed their house dozens of times while driving to visit my Aunt and Uncle this past Spring.

It’s a Big, Small World: Everyone is unique and each holds a voice waiting to be heard. If you’re a writer with a dream of being published, for example, you can do it yourself by publishing an ebook, or using an online service. The world is full of alternative options now.

Following your passions = Being Alive: We are culturally wired to feel safe in the routine. Finding your passion often requires new experiences, and facing fear. Do it. Life is short. Personally, I already knew this, but it is refreshing to hear it again through stories of others finding their way.

For those of you reading this who have many passions, and interests and don’t know what to do with them, check out one of my favorite blogs: Puttylike.com – I met Emilie and Abe in person, and they do a great Podcast interviewing folks living the unconventional life this summit was all about cultivating.