flight thoughts....

I just got off the plane from being in Northern California. I have SO much on my mind. I am typing on very little sleep. I flew out to Sacramento CA on Friday morning. I was picked up by the owners of Green Tangerines and I had to go straight to the store, set up quickly and teach two back to back classes. I immediately LOVED the store, the owners (a mom and daughter team), the students... It is a HUGE 10,000 square foot store. I walked in and just wanted to walk the aisles. I was instantly in AWE. They have a digital computer workshop, a crop workshop and a class workshop. It was so organized and they truly know how to run a business. I was and still am feeling like Sacramento scrapbookers are so VERY lucky. I would be in their store a few times a week- and your should see their classes.... So heads up- if you are anywhere near this store in Rocklin, CA---- GO, GO, GO. They carry EVERYTHING! Oh, and they are now online and shipping product. I was in LOVE with now only the store but I felt a heartfelt connection with the owners and staff at the store. I love to support our local scrapbook stores. I am passionate about scrapbooking and the connections we make in this hobby. We are DOCUMENTING our lifes-

I had the most amazing woman in my classes. I think I have a few new friends going to Alaska with me in 2010. Yes, it is 14 months away and I am already planning the trip and what I am teaching. I am doing a several projects on the cruise and one of them is a big project on the cruise trip itself. Why not create your album while on the cruise???? LOVE journaling and documenting it THEN... I've decided since it is in August and that is the MOST beautiful time for the glaciers melting and photography...well, we are going to be doing a class on CAPTURING our photos on the cruise. I have so much more but I got excited talking to several girls who want to come join the fun. I want to THANK each of you that took my classes. I even had a wonderful friend, who not only drove from Reno, Nevada to attend the class- but her husband drove her. Then he surprised me with a soda between my classes to be nice. THAT is what I mean- people (my friends that I am so blessed to meet and get to know) who just do the nicest gestures for me. I really does touch my heart. I went away from teaching at the store FLOATING in a creative happiness.

I was treated to pizza after the classes...skinny (lite pizza)... and it was delish! I got to talk to the owners and Betsey (she came and drove me to San Jose). I was so sad to leave but had to get on the road for a 2.5 hour drive. Finally got to the hotel around midnight and had girl chit chat with Betsey until 1:30 am....Then ME being in UTAH time, I get up an hour TOO early to get ready for my day at Scrapbook Island. I was up and dressed by 6 am. Thinking it was 7 am- ha! Oh, well...I like getting up early and then I was able to get some GREAT oatmeal from Starbucks. I had no idea they had such great breakfast selections- love that it was healthy. Betsey and I got lost trying to find the ISLAND. Finally, with much laughter and girl chatting- we made it around 9 am. *here is where I want to thank Betsey for being a TRUE friend and making me realize how fortunate I am in my life. I have known her for years. She used to REP my lines way back in the RP days. THANK YOU BETSEY- I haven't seen you in forever but with true friends- it just picks right back up! (please send me all the photos you took- since SOMEONE forgot her camera-ha!)

Scrapbook Island- YOU girls WON me coming to teach at your store!!!!
How lucky am I to have gotten to come back to your ISLAND! I love you...yes, you know it! I love Laurie, Karen and well- her stuff is AMAZING. Her store is AMAZING. I had to check a box full of new scrapbook stuff that I got from Green Tangerines and Scrapbook Island. It was so worth it! I filled up a big 12x12 box full of new products to play and create it!

I taught two classes and well- I have to say once again... my heart was touched by these woman. I am humbled (is this the right word? because it just doesn't seem big enough) by the kindness that you each show me. You share your heart and stories with me. I want you to know that i am the LUCKY one to meet you. REMEMBER this...this is how I FEEL!!!!! So many of you read my blogs and I love it when you say- I feel like I know you and when I meet you- you are JUST like your blog. That is important to me, because I try to write and post from my heart. Just how I feel in my heart....and sometimes forget how many people may be reading my blog. Of course, since I don't personally know each of you- it makes me happy to meet those of you who read my blog. I love that connection!!!!!

The classes went great...and I pushed the MENU class girls to create create and it was FAST...such a big big project!!!! I was constantly being inspired by them. I used the pink bind it all and dreamkuts in all my classes and I LOVE hearing how NOW they will actually USE their machine. So many " I finally get it... I will NOW use my machine!" I LOVE this.... Kristi, Evelyn, Kathy, Christine, Janet.....all of you....KNOW that I left the classes yesterday over the top happy- because I had spent the day with you.

On the home front, I missed three baseball games yesterday! Ty's first All-Star game that counted. They won!!!!!! He is playing 3rd base and did really well. Zach's team did great and won both games too. I am happy that Ty has a second game tomorrow- HAPPINESS! I won't forget my camera....

I could NOT sleep last night. I knew I had to get up at 4am to head to the San Jose airport. I went to bed at 1am (yes, because I could not sleep and I could not turn off CNN). I am so sad over the loss of Michael Jackson. I LOVED his music. I remember many a days of dancing to his music and when you hear his music, well- it brings back memories of my childhood and makes me want to sing (this is bad!) and dance. I can't get his children out of my thoughts. I have said many prayers for his family. Anyway, watched CNN for hours in the hotel room. I hate being alone in hotel rooms. Then headed to the airport via taxi at 4:30 am... I could not sleep because I always worry that I will miss my flight.

I got on my 6 am flight and I just want THINKING a lot. It was a smaller skywest Delta flight. The couple behind me, said a prayer out loud. I loved their heartfelt prayer and was impressed that they prayed for the pilots and for our flight to arrive safely. I always pray before I get on a flight and when I touch down...a prayer of thankfulness for a safe arrival. It reminds me to always be thankful- EVERY day for our life. Each day is a GIFT!!!!! The man that happened to sit beside me, had a metal hook left arm and did not have a left leg. He did have some type of attachment to his leg, but he had a very hard time walking and moving. He sat beside me and I said hello! He asked the flight attendant very quietly for a seat belt extender. I  could tell he was embarrased. I sat there and had many thoughts. I looked at him and thought about his attitude. I happened to see him walk up to our flight gate. EVERYONE was staring! I looked at him and thought, how would I feel if I was HIM? I thought of the challenges he must face. They I thought, well, I hope that I would be positive... 1. I  was alive 2. Being able to walk 3. Accepting life as a gift even if it has it challenges.  I admired him instantly and even though HE will never know this. TODAY he changed me- he helped me to again... remember to love and accept others and myself. During the flight, he fell deeply asleep and his body leaned on me during the entire flight. I thought to myself, he has no idea he is doing this and THIS is okay. I wish I could HELP him more.

Oh, I've wrote a book- I'm HOME...so thankful!
I'm headed to church in 25 minutes...so I need to get dressed.
 
I have FIVE extra kits left from my weekend classes. If you are interested in one- email me!!!!!\

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Comments

[Kelly Mason]

Thanks for coming to teach at our store, and for hanging out with me and Paula afterwards for pizza. It was great hearing about your experiences in this industry! You are such an inspiring woman! Wish you had more space in Vegas... might have to convince betsy to be an event crasher with me! Thanks Again!!

[Betsey Cline]

Teresa you are so sweet! I had such a great time with you (as always)... so happy we can just pick up where we left off -like no time has passed. I sent the pictures over -let me know you could open them. All the way home I was thinking too... so many things to ponder (like making sure to comment on my friends blogs no matter how many others do.. it still means something when it's from a friend:)). Love you girl~!

[char]

WOW!!! Yu are a very busy girl!!! I have to agree with you....I live ijn Redding and go to Sacramento alot to visit Green Tangerines!! I love this store!!! And Im excited that they will have an on-line store!!

[Michelle Menser]

God Teresa,
You are the most amazing person. I always love to read your entries and this was a novel but I read it to the end lol. You do speak from your heart which is always the best way to go and I feel very blessed to be able to peek into your life from Australia. I Wish the dollar exchange allowed me to be able to purchase one of those kits from you. You always say that you feel blessed by meeting all of these lovely people but be assured that they are blessed by meeting you. You are a very sincere and caring person. . . never change.
Hugs
Michelle M
Australia

[Gina Jenkins]

Teresa,
Your class was so amazing and inspired me to do more scrapping. I came home, got online and ordered all the product I could find that Scrapbook Island did not have in stock. Thank you for all your help and your inspiration! I even have my husband seriously thinking about the Alaska cruise...not sure if we can swing it financially, but it sure sounds fun. Would so love to hang out with you and Ty- a couple who shares our values. Glad you got home safely!
Gina Jenkins

[Lisanne]

Hi Teresa,

I did not have a chance to take your class at Green Tangerines, I bought a kit and started it at home (and at work, and at swim lessons, ect. lol ) Glad that your loved the store, those ladies are the BEST!! I'm new to scrap booking but hooked!! You definitely were the talk of the town. I can't wait until you come back and I can actually take a class in person.

[Joan Liddle]

I love reading your blog, but have a harder time now with the white lettering on the black background. It's just harder on my eyes. Am I the only one having a problem?

[kinsey]

Hey Teresa!
It was so nice meeting you at GT...I had a blast talking with you and the classes were awesome! Everyone said that they had the best time with you :)
Big hugs, Kinsey

[Janet Ang]

Teresa,

You'll be soooo proud of me! I bought two boxes of bind it all coils from the Island and as soon as I got home, I re-bound all my "sad looking" mini books with brand new coils! I actually only messed-up one! LOL! Please put me on your list for 2010's Vegas Inspiration Event.... otherwise, Veronica, Christine, and I will be outside the hotel "scalping some tickets" from the Women there!
Love chatting with you! Stay true to your heart and to God! The rest somehow always works out.
Blessings,
Janet Ang from NorCal

[Nannie of 3]

You are so precious! I am thankful that you blog because so often what you say touches me. I'm sure God smiled upon you because so many people would be offended and you let one of His children rest his weary self upon you. You are an amazing person. God bless!

[Janet D.]

Teresa, I am interested in a kit. Please email me b/c I don't know your email address.

Here is mine: dickensj2@k12tn.net
Janet Dickens

[Melannie]

Hi Teresa-
I loved your class at Scrapbok Island and was so inspired by you....I felt the connection with you when you started to tell your story from the heart and you started to cry then I was trying to hold it in but couldnt. I am so glad that I took your class, it was the best I was the one in the front(blond short hair) that you used my supplies as example. I am going to check into the cruise I think it will be the best trip ever! Take care and thank you again for the inspiration!
Melannie

[tonny]

Just wanna say I love your blog !!!

[Kristi]

Hi Teresa-
It was great to see you again. I enjoyed both the classes at SI, of course. You're product is so great, but you make it come alive.
Once again, you baby-sat me with the bind-it-all, the last book you made me do myself. That was perfect. I am getting mine out and get it going. I even have a bunch of coils, I've had since I bought the machine.
Me, my mom, my sis(Nashville), are considering the cruise. It would be a blast to hang out with you and scrapbook for days.
Even the DH says he may go as well.
He thought you were awesome too.
Lv ya girl!! Keep being true to you!!
Kristi

[Faye Warriner]

Thanks Teresa for an awesome time at Green Tangerine. You rock as a teacher and more important as a great woman. It was a pleasure to get to know you.
Faye

[kat-in-texas]

That is such a touching story about the man you sat next to on the plane! I'm glad he got to sit next to you...and had a shoulder to rest on! :( Just breaks my heart...no one on that plane would have put up with that except YOU! God puts us in places for a reason!!! LOve you, T!!!

[René]

Teresa,

Truly, you are a classy lady! Kudos to you for being so kind to that man next to you on the place.

[Christine Acosta]

Hi Theresa! I am a shopper at SB Island, the only SB store left near me in San Jose. I really wanted to take your menu class but I was actually in So Cal for a SB retreat. How can I get a kit from you? My brother is getting married in July and I would love to give this to them as part of their wedding gift from me. Thanks, Christine Acosta
christineacosta_2008@yahoo.com

[Susan]

So glad you had a safe trip!

[Damianne Lucas]

God bless you, Teresa. I love your blog! I, too, have been distressed over the loss of Michael Jackson. I trust, though, that he's in God's rest -- singing and rejoicing with the angels.
Be blessed always,
Damianne Lucas

[Gadget gal]

Hi Teresa,
It was so nice meeting you at GT.
I agree we are so lucky to ave such a great store in the area.
I am inspired by the positive spin to what I would say it was quite a trip all in all yes it is a reminder to be grateful for all we have.
As I read somewhere recently if life gives you lemons then it is margaritas time!!!
Looking forward to the new stuff from CHA.
z

[KT]

I missed seeing you at Scrapbook Island, and had to check out your blog so at least I could hear about your visit. What an inspiration - both with your creativity and your thankfulness for all those who touch your life. After readying your blog, I know you are enjoying every moment of it! (Loved you wonderful "Mom moment" with your daughter, too ;-D