I am giving thanks for the blessing that just appeared in my life!!!  

@theprophet0 made an announcement that he wanted to provide a plane ticket to Steemfest 2 for someone who truly wanted to go, and who would write a post about it.  So that's exactly what I did.  I wrote Steemfest Lisbon -- My Birthday Wish.  And guess what.....

I WON!!!!!

I AM GOING TO STEEMFEST 2
with a pre-paid ticket from Texas to Lisbon,
gifted to me by @theprophet0!!!!  

AND as my birthday will be at the close of Steemfest,
I have just received my birthday wish.

Now @theprophet0 is the youngest witness on Steemit.  He is extremely involved in progressive and valuable works, and he is still a teenager.  He has a passion for technology and cryptocurrency, he really cares about and supports community, and he donates to charities on the regs!!!  (See the @gardenofeden's post: Vote for @theprophet0: Steemit's Youngest Witness Has Returned!!!)  You will be amazed at all he supports and what an incredible heart he has based on values.  It's truly something to be admired.  

I've been extremely excited about the possibilities of attending Steemfest 2 in Portugal.  I've never been to Portugal, but I have been to Steemfest 1!!!

Now anyone--and I literally believe that means everyone--who was blessed to be at Steemfest 1, will attest to the fact that it was an experience of a lifetime.  We came from far and wide across the globe, and immediately fell into the arms of love.  It was as if we were family already--reunited with our people!!!  It was as if we were connected all along, and then receiving the opportunity to come back together for common purpose.  Great friendships were forged.  And now the opportunity arises to create another once in a lifetime experience, this time in Lisbon.  

I encourage any of you who missed last Steemfest, and everyone who has any inkling of a desire to go to this one, to get on it and find the way to get there, perhaps just like I did.  Those who stayed behind last year expressed how they could feel the energy of Amsterdam and so wished to be a part of it, many very sad that they missed the opportunity.  This is one you don't have to miss.  You have time to get your shit together and get there.  You will be so glad you did when you walk into this world we created together....supportive, encouraging, helpful, giving, loving, sharing, inspiring, dedicated, intelligent, engaging .....

I can only imagine Steemfest 1 amplified by another year, greater engagement and closer relationships, more time for preparing our journey, and having more of a clue what to expect.  I can't imagine how @roelandp will  top his own magnificence in hosting this event, or that there will be more magic in the air than that which was sparked by our first coming together last year in Amsterdam.

Thank you @theprophet0 for your generosity.  I love how you already stand up for what you believe in.  I'm really grateful to know you and have you as my witness. Thanks also to @aggroed (another one of my witnesses), @steemfestdreams, and @richardcrill for your interest in helping others and for making a big difference in my life.  I am grateful!!

I am excited to see all of you again and to give at least 150 hugs.  
That will be easy!!!

Here's a little photo adventure from Steemfest 1 and things you're likely to experience if you come to Lisbon.

.....Just a little taste!.... 

 A quick, easy, and efficiently run check-in. (@roelandp)

Realizing that everyone now has 2 names -- a "real name" and a screen name --
which one do we use?  Most of us chose to use our screen names.

Refreshing beverages and other culinary delights.

A free massage.

Tangible access to those "in the know" and "those at the top"!!

Just a few of the ladies -  and @robrigo!!!  (me, @tatianamoroz, @robrigo, @mrs.steemit and @lisadang)

and a few of the guys, and @saramiller!!  (@xanoxt, @ned, @xeroc, @rocket.chat, @burnin, @saramiller, and @shla-rafia)

Hand made art by Steemian Artists.  (@ballinconscious, @roelandp, and @skapaneas)

These two divine beings -- the Hilarskis!!!  (@anahilarski and @hilarski)

Admirable connections.  (@mammasitta and @ned)

Powerful friendships.  (sjennon, @firepower and @anyx

Warm embraces.   (@rocket.chat and me)

Potent moments to dine (with @ned).

me and @saramiller

and I truly hope you will also meet:

@quinneaker, visionary and founder of the @gardenofeden

I feel Steemit is the digital version of the @gardenofeden,  where trust, honor, responsibility, accountability, and freedom are our common values.  I am incredibly grateful to have received this plane fare and to bring some of our eco-village to Steemfest,  and share with you some of the things we do best....

.....build community and sustain it!!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME SHARE IT WITH YOU!   

I'LL SEE YOU IN LISBON !!

Happy Birthday to Me!