GOD is good. he really is. I really wish everyone would believe it. I mean really believe it.
I have been preparing for this crazy busy weekend for a while. I always seem to overbook, over commit and over do-it, especially at this time of the year, and this past weekend was no exception...
except, this weekend, each scheduled event had a specific purpose. That sounds wrong...it is not that the other things I do, create, attend or plan have purpose, but these three things I attended this weekend...
well...let me explain...
Friday Night - The Refinery at Saddleback "We can Create Together"
Our purpose for this event was simple. We wanted to create an atmosphere where woman could come together for fellowship, friendship and IF they wanted...a place to create. There was food, holiday music, creating going on ALL OVER THE PLACE, lots of laughs, a few tears, old friendships revisited and lots of new friendships created. There were also some very very special moments in the evening, things that happened that no one but the people involved were even aware of. Things happened throughout the refinery that we just simply could not have planned....confirmation that everything happens for a reason...confirmation that GOD is good...and confirmation that our purpose and planning was needed, successful and will happen again. Here are a few (normal) photos...
Saturday Night- Scrapbook Royalty 501C Celebration
My good friend and fellow fiskateer Elena Etcheverry is the founder & president of Scrapbook Royalty is now a "for-real" Non-Profit Organization that raises money for SEVERAL foundations
by putting together Scrapbook retreats, events ,crops...you name it, Elena & crew put it together....the reason I say "for-real" is because they are now an official 501-C Non Profit Organization that took TWO long years, piles of paperwork and alot of blood, sweat & tears. I was invited to take part in the celebration for this long awaited accomplishment, as well as to celebrate what Scrapbook Royalty has accomplished. The evening was lovely...and dressy....as you can tell by the gowns there girls were wearing!~
A big thank you to Elena, Melanie, Gloria, Jessie, Maryam,Christine, Brigitta, Liz, Jennifer and the HUGE group of men & women volunteers that help make Scrapbook Royalty so wonderful!
p.s...today is Elena's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!! Please go over to her site or send her a fun birthday wish via email at travelingprincess@gmail.com
She DESERVES it! Happy Birthday my bedazzled, tiara wearing, purple color loving, "happy people" friend! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!
Sunday - The Pink Pineapple Hoopola...
Back in my car first thing Saturday morning to teach the first of four classes at the Pink Pineapple Holiday event. Thank you to all of the women who came to play! It was a really fun morning and everyone was so nice to let me babble like I usually do...This is the part I LOVE about my job...the "com-mer-raugh-ter-ree" that w have with each other...sometimes, I feel like I have known people allll my 39.75 year of life...& the Pink Pineapple team is always so nice & accommodating..
After my class, Gina Grable taught a very beautiful "Bella" style banner with LOTS of glitter....and I mean LOTS of glitter...everywhere and Miss Glitter herself, Michelle was not even there yet...although, when she did she did get there, I had some time to chit chat with her (Michelle Hill of Polka Dot Whimsy) and she is just plain ol' funny! I giggle with her.ALOT.and I was amazed to learn from our conversation that we are very similar in so many ways!..she is just so..dang cute, and whimsical..and funny...and stylish....and I am so not...for instance..her eyeliner is glitter...and I rarely have any on! Opposites do attract & I was delighted to know that we have so much in common!
so there you have it, all in a neat little nut shell...
except for the fact that about 11:30 am on Friday...
prior to the weekend really kickin into high gear..I felt a little "somethin-somethin"comin on...kinda ache-y, drain-y, tiredish, ear pluggish, headache-ish...and even a bit on the chill-ish side....it scared me a little because there was no time for this mom (or anytime for any mom) to get sick....but I must share...that because I was prepared for all three days..physically, mentally & spiritually....I had time to rest in between things..time to take medicine...and this overwhelming calming feeling that "everything will be fine"....for me, a confirmation that love, creativeness, laughter, friends and good things...(along with every four hours of day-quill and ny-quill) I was able to pace myself, enjoy the moments, and keep the faith...
still feeling it and going slower today...but nothing a little rest, tea & medicine cant help..plus I need to be to Ben's classroom by 1:30 for a little pre-holiday project!
See you tomorrow!