AMAZING....

...is the best way to describe my Creative Escape experience!

From the surprise custom CE room card key I received at check in to the moving and inspirational wrap up by Stacy Julian, the entire event was just amazing.

Doug Jones of Bazzill, and Heidi Swapp of Heidi Swapp/Advantus, as well as their entire Executive Committee (Carol Niemyski, Emily waters, Lisa Brennan, Frani Garcia and Marti Jones), did an amazing job of planning the event...brilliantly creative ideas and activities...great facilities...tons of inspiration!  The volunteers were so great...helpful and cheerful...looking like they were happy to be there.

And then there were the amazing women who attended the event.  Thank you to all of you just seems so inadequate when I think about how you blessed and enriched my life this weekend.  Your outpouring of generosity and kindness just overwhelmed me...from the kind words and hugs to your expressed appreciation and all of the wonderfully creative gifts and notes, I was just amazed.  Yesterday, when I was unpacking all of the fabulous goodies you gave me, I got so emotional...I just sat down and cried!  So thank you...from the bottom of my heart.

We had quite a busy schedule and it was hard to find time to take pictures...I was able to capture a few that I wanted to share.

Here's the ever positive and upbeat "Mr. Bazzill", who always seemed to be there whenever anyone needed him.  Doug is an amazingly organized person...thank you, Doug!

And here is the delightful and always smiling Heidi Swapp with Capri...simply adorable and one of the most contented babies I have ever seen.  I don't know how Heidi was able to accomplish all she did, especially with a brand new baby, but every time I saw her, she was smiling...greeting people...autographing books...posing for a picture.  I appreciate you Heidi for your amazing ideas...like eat dessert first!

Here's the group of CE instructors...the only time we were  together...at the very end of the event...a bit bleary eyed.  We were missing Heidi...she was having a "Capri moment", so I snapped her picture with Capri (above).  What a great group of instructors-Amy Totty, Pam Black, Eva Flake, Kelli Collins, Tena Sprenger, Allison Tyler Jones and moi...you can tell we all had a fabulous time...smiles all around!

Here's Kelli and Amy, two of my wild and wacky instructor buddies...yes they are holding chickens...noise making, squawking chickens (which they generously shared with us) in anticipation of their new blog which they will be calling the Polka Dot Chicks.  Thanks for the laughs, chicks!

Here's my roomie, Tena, hobnobbing with the fabulous girls who attended our Thursday night trunk show.  What a great way to get to know the people who attended and to give them glimpses of our styles.  Thanks, Tena, for being such a great roomie...as always!

Here are a couple of my happy scrappin' buddies-Liz and Margie, just having a great time at the Friday night event.  Liz was a volunteer at the event...amazingly hard working, helpful, cheerful...with a delightful baby Capri in her arms whenever she could hold her.  And Margie...well those of you who know Margie...how can you not love a girl like her...happy, enthusiastic, funny as all get out...thanks girls, for posing!

I wanted to commend my friend Mary Laney...she was the winner of the flowers...a silent auction to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  Here she is on the right with friends Gina and Rachel.  If any of you know Mary, she is one of the kindest, most generous people out there.  Thanks, Mary, for your generosity!  Hope you enjoy those amazing flowers!

Here's the pile of goodies that made me cry...if you could see them up close, read the notes, imagine the amount of time and creativity that went into those gifts, I'm thinking they would get you pretty emotional as well.  Thanks again, girls!  I appreciate you!

These pictures represent just the tip of the iceberg...just a fraction of an amazing event.

Hope they inspire you to sign up for next year's event!

Comments

[Debby]

Your class was fabulous!! I love the project...so clever! I don't now how you did it...eight classes in two days, but you did a great job! Thank you sooo much. It was great to see you again!

[Judy in Carefree]

Carol, you are the one that deserves the "THANK YOU"! I loved your class and plan to finish the project, complete with pictures, as soon as I clean up my scrap mess. I sent an email to 7 gypsies to thank them for being your sponsor and received a nice email back. What an amazing event...can't wait until next year!

[Jeanette]

Yes, I am definitely inspired to sign up for the event next year!!!

What a neat opportunity to meet people and work with a bunch of fun ladies. I can feel the creativity and camaraderie all the way on the east coast!!

I'm so glad to hear it was such a successful event.

[Bree Roo]

Girl...your class was amazing, and you so sweet! Thanks for sharing a piece of you with us! See ya next year! (with a baby next time!)

[Kristan Gregory]

Carol-

Your project was amazing! I love the folder idea so much- it is so versatile and can be used for so many projects. I bought a 10 pack of folders tonight so I can play some more!! With 8 amazing projects, It was hard to pick a favorite one but yours is it!! Thanks so much for great tips, great teaching and a great project!!

Kristan Gregory (a rose)

[Ruth T]

So glad you had such a great event!!! This is the ONLY one that has ever even tempted me. I have a trip planned this year, but lookout! I'll be there next year. ;) Thanks for sharing!!

[Carolyn Peeler]

SOunds like you had a blast Carol. I'm green with envy :-)
Glad the event went well. Have a great week!

[em]

i've heard nothing but raving reviews!! wish i had been there to share in the fun and frivolity!!

[Dee]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Carol. I was wondering about the weekend.
Are you off to MT again this year??

[Lee]

Looks like you had a fantastic time! I think you need to escape to Australia next!

[Ash]

Mom, your CE stuff has taken over the living room! Did you unpack your boxes yet?

[ngaire Bartlam]

OOOOH this was such a joy to read girl!~!! how FUN!!!!

do they need an international tutor??????

:) fabulous time for you .. AND the lucky gals who got to create with you!!

beautiful!!!

Ngai
xxxx

[Jolene George]

WOW Carol...it really was amazing!!! I'm so glad you had such a great time. http://jolenegeorge.blogspot.com/

[Margie]

You my dear are a talent...Thank you for sharing with me...I loved your class...Had the best time! LOVED the project! And LOVED being with you!
kiss kiss
m

[Sharon]

Carol - thank you so much for the inspiring class. I loved it! This was by far the best event I have ever attended - The classes that you ladies put together were wonderful. This is the first time I have gone home and simply loved every class - and everything I made. Thank you for sharing your talent - looking forward to seeing you soon, Sharon

[pamela]

Jeanette, a friend of the LSS where I teach in Chantilly, VA, told me I would love your class at Creative Escape -- and I did. Although we were the 7th class (rose group) you had that weekend, you still seemed relaxed and enjoying yourself -- and your travel journal is so attractive that, having obtained your blessing after class, I am preparing to teach it here soon. Only wish I had had more opportunity to talk with you about "creating with passion." Hope to see you again next year. Thanks!! Pam