[GSBN] ISBC Thank you

[Dusty]

Hello to all our straw building family members, 
 
As those who have been involved in organizing one of these international events well knows, when you step forward and offer to make another International Straw Builders' Conference materialize, you once in awhile fall victim to maybe just a shadow of a doubt. You might have more than one dream that you spend the coming years throwing bake sales and car washes to pay for this grand gathering of truly visionary thinkers contemplating the naturally built environment. Then, whether it's courage, or merely having taken a step past some invisible line, you draw your sword and toss the scabbard away, for there is no longer any safe return. 
 
It's not so very long, though, that you realize there are those marching with you, and they've got your back. To your left and to your right, you have the support of a host of friends who take up your cause because it's a worthy one, and instead of asking for help, they volunteer their help. It starts with scores of natural builders, architects and engineers offering to speak about their projects, their techniques, and their work on behalf of the natural building community, and sweat-equity philanthropists working in Haiti, Pakistan, Nicaragua and aboriginal reserves.
 
Then, slowly but surely, thanks to the leadership of our sister organizations around the world, the attendance roster lengthens and the momentum gathering under your feet is undeniable. An amazing gift of enthusiastic young volunteers out of Moab, Utah and other parts sign on to help with the ever-growing list of tasks. Game on!
 
With humble gratitude, that is how we organizers of the 2012 International Straw Builders' Conference view this process. Dusty Szymanski, Executive Director of the Colorado Straw Bale Association had a vision and called it "Hosting the next International Straw Builders' Conference." With member and board of director approval, he set it rolling and it just gained speed and momentum from that day forward. Your humble organizers, the COSBA board of directors, fell into a rhythm of specialty just like a good job site crew. 
 
Before we knew it we, all of us, became an amazing triumvirate of awesomeness: Organizers, Speakers and Attendees. So we want to take this moment to salute you and thank you for the wonderful opportunity to set a vision in motion and watch it grow of its own volition. A special thanks to Bruce King, who took our newfound and newly-renewed friendships and transformed us into family (although the Rainbow Girls might have had something to do with that, as well).
 
We are forever grateful and amazed at the generosity of your participation. 
 
The Colorado Straw Bale Association board of Directors

Dusty

Straw & Timber Craftsmen INC
www.strawandtimber.com
dusty at strawandtimber.com

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