Where do I start? I had a WONDERFUL time in Georgia this past weekend. I traveled early Friday morning to Atlanta to visit my friends at EMI Scrapbooking. I arrived to a very warm welcome... I felt a big ole southern connection instantly with the girls.
The store is beautiful and they have a entire wall of TC products. They even have a big tree of "BLINGAGE." It was so fun to visit Susan's store. I loved that they have pre-made kits that you simply put together. I mean these kits are amazingly designed and they prep it with great detail. They had instructions and photos. I was impressed.
The workshops were all full and we had the workshops at a local hotel. It was a really nice hotel. When I arrived in my room I found some gifts. I was so touched with the thoughtful of the roses, a sweet card thanking me for coming and a necklace that Susan made for me. Susan truly went above and beyond in her thoughtfulness.
Then I noticed a letter and gift card to Charming Charlies from a girl who was not able to come to the workshops but wanted to let me know some of the sweetest thoughts that she felt about me. I don't want to share who sent this to me...but I want her to know that I cried as I read the letter. I felt overcome with feelings of gratitude for her gift of words and for sharing with me how I had inspired her. SHE inspired me. It really went straight to the heart. I can't thank "YOU" enough for doing this kind gesture to me. I will forever keep the letter and yes, I did truly appreciate the gift certificate. Thank you--- you KNOW who you are!
Then I got some really thoughtful surprises from TC Dye. She made Azalea TWO little tutu's, plus more stuff for me and boys. She knew I drink a TON of water and she loaded up my refrigerator with water. I was just overwhelmed with kindness when I arrived. Thank you TC for being so wonderful!
I arrived for the first workshop and the woman were outside the room waiting to get in. I noticed a familiar face- MARGIE ROWLES. I was in utter shock. Yes, she flew all the way from CANADA to take the workshops with her friends. YES, they kept it a surprise from me. I was overjoyed to see her and all the girls attending!!!!!
I finished the first workshop and then our phones started buzzing, sirens were going off outside and we were told to leave the room in the hotel right away. They wanted everyone to go to the hotel laundry room that had no windows. There was a TORNADO coming right at us. Here is the moniter from the hotel. The wind was crazy- the trees were swaying and I was a little in shock.
Everyone tried to keep calm, but I know we were all very nervous!
Ev
I was on my phone non-stop with my family. I kept praying for peace and calmness in what we were facing.
I remember taking this photo and someone commented..." I can't believe we are smiling." I think we were all just trying to stay positive. I went to bed Friday night with so much gratitude for the safety that we had. However, when I heard of the devastation that others had faced and life's lost it was heartbreaking.
Through it all- we had a great weekend of creativity!!!!!! We had lots of girl bonding. I can't tell you how much I gained personally from EACH of the girls who attended the workshops. I always feel like I am the LUCKY and blessed one.
This is one of the workshop girls. I wish I had ALL three workshops! I want to personally thank EACH girl for coming. We had girls from TEN DIFFERENT STATES at the event. Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Canada, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York and Utah. They either flew and or drove at great distances to be there. I even made new friends this weekend. It was simply AMAZING to be surrounded by these talented and beautiful girls. THANK YOU GIRLS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
This is Susan Lepore. I was humbled by how many girls had purchased my new idea book and brought it to the event. It really warms my heart!
CONFESSION- I could not keep myself warm. I think it because I drink so much cold water. However, I finally gave up and put on my pink hoodie. I am always cold and so I am looking forward to warmer weather. ha!
Then a few of us went to CHARMING CHARLIES...
I think we were there for at least TWO full hours! Here I was with TC Dye and (yes, we have the SAME name!) shopping for the good bling! It is a very good thing that there is not a Charming Charlies in Utah. I love how the store is color codes and you can find all kinds and styles of jewelry.
We also went vintage/antique shopping. No one would get in the photos with TC and I. Oh well- we had a blast. We only had 1.5 hours and we shopping FAST and with great purpose. ha!
We both bought the FRENCH papers that were over 100 years old. They were crumbling along the page edges. They were beautiful and I know that I will be loving all my new images. TC is a sweetheart. She drove from Alabama and she is so FUNNY and KIND!!!!! I really enjoyed getting to know her.
If I lived closer this blank chandelier would have been coming home with me. It was just my style and I really loved it. Oh well, it was not meant to be.
I'm home preparing to go on another trip on Thursday morning. Yes, this is for NATIONALS DRILL competition in Southern California with McKay. I am over the top giddy to go with my girl.
It is a NO WORK weekend. Yes, Disneyland and more is on the agenda- along with the competition on Saturday. I'm home doing laundry and playing catch up while spending time with the family.
I wanted to share my DESIGN TEAM blog for MORE inspiration with my new collections-
This project is from our guest designer for the month. To see more, please check out the blog at www.teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com.
ENJOY!!!!!!
