Off to beautiful Colorado :)

Bright and early Tuesday morning, I hop on a plane that will bring me to BEAUTIFUL Colorado. I have always wanted to visit there and now... I finally get to! What is even better is that I am going to visit my girls (and guys;) over at the Tattered Angels Office... YIPPEE!

It kind of came together in a funny kind of way... chatting away on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, I was saying how I need a getaway without having to teach (not that I mind that... I LOVE it... I just did not want to bring 130 lbs. of luggage!). Well, Liz and Tricia started joking about me coming to visit for the NEW MOON premier. Well, wouldn't you know that as one thing led to another, it turns out I am actually traveling all the way to Colorado to watch a movie!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAwahahahah! That certainly must rank as one of the craziest things I have done to date! Of course, I am totally looking forward to seeing the behind the scenes stuff at Tattered Angels. I pretty much think I will be in heaven while there... no guarantees that I won't go swimming in the Glimmer Mist (but if I do, I promise to keep my clothes on)!

While there, I am also hoping to get a few sneak peeks of the yumminess to come...woot woot! I hope I can convince them to show me... I am ready to beg on my hands and knees...lol! Whatever they have up their sleeves, you KNOW it is going to be out of this world GORGEOUS!

I have stocked up on so Canadiana goodness to share with the crew down there (can't go without some Tim Horton's right?!). I am so grateful to my friend Liz and her hubby James for offering up their home for a few nights. I look forward to spending time with them:) I have no doubt in my mind that this trip will be nothing less than amazing. Stay tuned for details and pics when I get back next week!

While there, I also hope to get to scrap with these girls:) I am always so inspired by others creativity. I LOVE to see how they work with the same products! It should be a fantastic trip and I am sooooooooo looking forward to it :)

Now... onto another topic. Well, sort of (I can`t spill the beans just yet)... I got a call last week from a certain person who I have taught at the same event with a couple of times. I was OVER THE MOON, squealing with delight excited at what this person has offered me for next year:) I think I forgot to hang up the phone properly before I let my little squeal of delight out... if that is the case... SORRY about that- just in case the certain someone happens to be reading this...lol). In my little scrappy part of the world, it really does not get any better than this... and I am looking forward to being able to shout it from the roof tops soon! I feel extremely honoured to have been asked and I am thinking a few of my peeps may wanna join me:) Okay... so I have to stop now before I give anymore away...lol! More details to come soon, I promise and know that it will be well worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!!

Soooooooo... onto the next topic.... well, I am not sure that I can top that now. Hmmmmmmmm... nope! So I guess I will cut it short and start to pack for my trip tomorrow! I am such a tease, eh?! LOL! Well... I hope you will forgive me:)

Have a GREAT week everyone... I know I plan to!

My Mind's Eye Weekend to Unwind summary...

So as I mentioned before, I spent this past weekend at Sheep River Scrapbook Co. in Okotoks teaching 4 classes featuring My Mind's Eye goodness. Haley (the owner) went above and beyond in putting together one heck of an AMAZING weekend! A HUGE thanks to her and her team for making it such as success.

We started the weekend with an amazing cocktail party with yummy CRAVE cupcakes and 50 ladies in attendance (dressed to the nines I might add) and I led them through a fun little Make and Take. Saturday was 4 intense classes from 8:30 am till 11pm. I think everyone was beyond exhausted at the end but it was so very worth it. So many new techniques were learned and they got to play with so many yummy products, it was well worth the Scrapbook Hangover I am sure they all felt come Sunday morning!

There were a tonne of prizes and the big GRAND PRIZE valued at nearly $300.00 went to a gal by the name of Jill who seemed pretty happy to be the lucky recipient. A MEGA thank you to my sister Deana who spent hours putting the beautiful basket together. Be sure to check out her creations at The Secret Basket Company and if you are in the market for a unique gift idea... give her a call. Shipping is only $12.00 to anywhere in Canada right now so order before this offer ends!


So while on the topic of My Mind's Eye... have you checked out the blog this week? Well, you should! First up:

The November Blog Challenge...

Would you like to win three of your favorite My Mind's Eye Collections? All you need to do is share your talent with us by entering our Blog Challenge that starts today.

Your challenge is to create a layout (or other project, your choice) using this sketch from Anam Stubbington as your creative spring-board. You can change use it as-is, flip it, whatever you'd like as long as we can still recognize the sketch (We you know what to do with a sketch).

mme_sketchNov09

The rules: Use ANY My Mind’s Eye products (current or past) you’d like as long as your project has at least 80% My Mind’s Eye products.

The deadline: Email your project to amber@mymindseye.com (with Blog Challenge 5 as your subject) or add a link in a comment on this post by Thursday, November 19, 2009 (midnight, MST).

(For tips on how to best photograph your entry, click here)

The PRIZE: Our lucky winner will be featured in a blog post and receive one of everything from three collections of their choice! We will also award an honorable mention winner with one collection of their choice!

Everyone is a winner! We are grateful to everyone who will participate in this challenge. We will put every entry in a photo album here on the blog. By submitting, you are giving My Mind’s Eye permission to include your entry.


With today being Remembrance Day, we as designers all did a project paying tribute to those who have served to ensure our freedoms and liberties remain. Many paid the ultimate price for which we will always be grateful. Be sure to check out the blog for specifics.

If you wish to personally recognize a service man or woman, a gal by the name of Corine Braun from Saskatchewan has a terrific program where she gathers up handmade cards for the troops overseas. Learn more about it here and see what you can do:)

So what is next... well, there are a few good things lined up! First up... I am heading to Colorado next week to hang with my friend Liz over at Tattered Angels (and all of the other Tattered Angels girls too). We had a sill little conversation about me going there to see New Moon with them and it actually became reality...lol! I know I travel a tonne but I was wanting just a wee little get away to have some down time (with no mega luggage in tow) and this fun little idea kind of grew and we did something impulsive and I KNOW it will be a BLAST! I am looking forward to seeing some behind the scenes stuff at Tattered Angels and I am thinking that if there is a big tub of Glimmer Mist, I just might have to dive in and go for a swim!!! LOL!

And finally yesterday i got a call... no wait... THE call! YUP! I cannot go into details just yet BUT know that I am the luckiest gal in the entire world and when I am able to shout out this tidbit of info you will agree I am sure. Things do not get better than this in my little part of the world and I am looking forward so very much to being a part of it. That is all I can say right now... I am sure I will be able to shout it out soon so stay tuned! It's HUGE though... and I am over the moon excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So there you have it... have a great week!

November... ALREADY!!!!!???????

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! Where has the time gone? Halloween wrapped up last night... we were lucky as it was pretty nice out for the end of October. I had the honour of taking my boys trick or treating (I missed it last year because I was teaching in Norway)and I suspect this will probably be the last year as they were really wanting to go without us old folks. Logan will be in Junior high next year so I am guessing they will go with their friends so I actually enjoyed the night with the kids... it was fun watching them!

Logan decided he wanted to be a Zombie Skater this year so we had some fun with the Make Up and his costume was easy... just had to shred some clothes. I got off EASY this year... lol!

Carter liked the idea sooooo much he had to do the same:) They looked pretty ghoulish, eh?

They were telling little kids that if they don't wear their helmets... this is what they would look like... teehehheee!

Drew carved the pumpkins of course... he always does a great job and pulled these off in less than an hour!

This first one is a Werewolf pumpkin (Carter's choice). He is anxiously awaiting New Dawn and is currently infatuated with Werewolves.

Logan wanted a pumpkin like SCREAM and that is what he got! Good job Drewski:)

So now that Halloween is over, it is time to think about Christmas! I know! Hard to believe, eh?! But mark my words, this is THE year I vow to be ready LONG before the big day! YES... that is right! I plan on getting the shopping started this week and have my house decorated by December 1. It will be a miracle if it happens, but that is my goal!

First though, I am finishing up the plans for "Weekend to Unwind", the My Mind's Eye event at Sheep River Scrapbook Co. in Okotoks, AB. So happy to say this event is SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!! I am really looking forward to it too :) Classes are designed, instructions just about finished (only one left to do!), kits are being assembled and packed up... I am just about ready to go! Friday night is the cocktail party complete with Crave Cupcakes and a fun Make and Take and I have no doubt in my mind that this will be anything less than F A B U L O U S!!! Like seriously! This owner (Haley) knows how to throw a good party! I can't wait to give you the details as I am pretty certain this will be one of the funnest stores I have taught at to date:)

I am finishing up the details on one last mega Scrapbook event for the year event that I cannot wait to share the details on. I am just waiting for the contract to be signed within the next day or two so I can shout it out:) Stay tuned for more info... hopefully in the next few days.

In the mean time... to all of my local peeps... I have two classes this week. The frst one is Monday, November 2 at Treasured Memories. I am teaching the My Mind's Eye canvas. This class has been a HUGE hit wherever I have taken it as there is a plethora of fun techniques involved using not only the fabulous My Mind's Eye Oh La La Collection of papers and embellishments but some cool Tattered Angels tricks for working with Glimmer Mist, screens and Glimmer Chips. This is one class you do not want to miss but you will have to call (780)414-1540 first thing Monday morning if you want in! I need to know how many kits to bring so let them know fast! I should also have a few kits available for those who cannot make it to the store so drop me an email if you would rather have it shipped. They may have a few extras too so you can always ask the staff at Treasured Memories for a kit when you register instead of coming to the class.

On Wednesday, November 4 I will be teaching a fun card class at Scrapbook Memories and More in Sherwood Park. This will be using the bright and cheerful "Colorful Christmas" collection of papers and embellishments from My Mind's Eye. You will make several cards that are sure to put a smile on your face and definitely that of the lucky recipient:) Be sure to call (780)449-0603 to register today if you are interested!

Okay, so last but certainly not least I said I would give a RAK to one of the people who left a comment on my blog so the lucky winner is: Susan... who left the post below! Drop me an email Susan to make arrangements:) I am thinking that if you are going to be at Sheep River Scrapbook Co. for my classes there, I will just bring your prize with me! But drop me an email to confirm you got this message!

Susan said...

Love all the pictures and I can't wait to take your class in Okotoks!

October 26, 2009 9:33 PM

So... there you have it. My update for this week! Hope everyone in blogland is well and I will be back soon:)

Happy Scrapping,

Trisha

Oh what a Fall it has been:)

I sit here on this quiet Sunday morning reflecting on the past month or so and feel so very fortunate to have been able to participate in some of the events that I have. And to think that I still have a couple more trips before the holidays is simply amazing!

It started at MultiCrafts Wholesale in Ottawa and then Bizzy B's in Toronto. Both of which I think I have already given you the run down on. I had a GREAT time staying with both owners and look forward to seeing them again one day soon:)

Then it was the BIG one! OH YEAH BABY! New Your City and the New England Cruise with Oh My Crafts! It has always been a dream of mine to hit the streets of New York so I was beyond thrilled to have been asked to join Oh My Crafts again as one of the Featured Instructors:) I was even happier to have been able to bring along my bud, Janine to help out and we were both in awe when we stepped off the bus in the hustle and bustle of NYC right on Broadway, a few mere steps from Times Square.


We spent the evening wandering around admiring the bright lights. It was unbelievable how many people were out on a Thursday night. The streets were wall to wall people but I have never felt more safe. There was a strong police presence everywhere and everyone was very friendly. Not at all what one would expect in such a huge city that once had a nasty reputation.



We even spotted a Tim Hortons in Times Square (actually just off it but there nonetheless!) and couldn't wait to have a real cuppa java to take away the Fall Chill. We introduced our friends from Utah to their Hot Chocolate and think they discovered why it is so popular!


After a good nights sleep we hit the streets once again. We started the morning seeing a little more of Times Square by daylight while waiting for the OMC crew.

We then embarked on a journey that included the subways of New York. What an easy way to get around. Once you have your course marked, just hop on the train and BAM! You are there! No wonder so many people do not drive as the subway is so convenient!

Here is the lovely Sandy (owner of Oh My Crafts)... she was so much fun on this trip:)




After getting off the Subway, we were now in Battery Park and heading on over to catch the ferry to Liberty Island. Afterall, one cannot go to NYC without seeing the Statue of Liberty, right?


The boat was full of tourists just like us and I am pretty sure most of us were shocked at the actual enormity of Lady Liberty. It is a massive structure and quite awe-inspiring.




Walking around Liberty Island was nice... there was a beautiful view of Manhattan in the distance.
We did the typical photo thing... pose and smile:)

Got some GREAT shots of the statue but then it was time to go! So little time and sooooo much to see, there was no time for dawdling!



So back on the boat we went... heading back to NYC....
The ferry made a stop at Ellis Island but we just wanted to get back so we did not disembark. This was all we saw of it... pretty cool, but that was enough for us!

So after getting off the boat and having some lunch at one of the street vendors that NYC is famous for, we walked around the Financial District knowing that we must be near the World Trade Center Site.

We stopped and asked this NYPD officer and he gave us directions and warned us there was not a lot left to see as it is now a construction site. He gave us his thoughts on the whole thing and his personal perspective of the current situation. He is not pleased as he lost many friends to the events of 9/11. He did direct us to a church nearby and told us it is a makeshift memorial and was worth checking out... although he has not been their since the clean up days as it is still too painful (he actually teared up!) WOW!

So off we went and here it is... just a construction site. BUT it was soooooo much more than that. Janine and I were both taken aback at the overwhelming emotion we felt standing there looking on what was the location of the worlds tallest buildings. Everything we saw from that horrid day on the tv, thousands of times over since hit home BIG TIME. You never TRULY get it until you are there. Imagine standing with your head stretched way back to look up to see the top of the tallest building and then realizing that the buildings that came down actually TOWERED over the tallest buildings in the vicinity (they are wayyyyyyyy taller than anything I have ever seen). The idea that they actually came crashing down is unfathomable. And to think it did not cause a domino effect is even more mind boggling. We have all been told a story of how it actually happened but there have been other theoris and although I have always been a skepic about things like that, I can now see how one would question what the govt wanted us to believe. I am not ready to form a judgement there as one way or the other it is HORRENDOUS to think ANYONE could cause that much destruction... sickening really!

After a few minutes, it was time to walk. We needed to clear our heads and our eyes. Seriously overwhelming experience but I am sooooooo grateful to have been able to be there and see it with my own 2 eyes. It changes EVERYTHING!
So then we happened upon the church our police officer friend told us about. A beautiful structure hundreds of years old in the midst of a concrete jungle. Headstones in the cemetery so old that the words on them had weathered away. Once you pass through the iron gates a sense of calm passes over you. So in the doors we went....

There were many stories to be told from that day and so much of it is documented in the little displays inside. Like these peace cranes... made for the people of NYC by the survivors of the Hiroshima bombings in WWII. Amazing...


And then this collection of patches from rescue personnel from around the globe that came to support the police, fire and ambulance workers in their time of need. It proves that the tragic events of that day truly affected people everywhere!

There were so many other stories inside those walls, like how they went through thousands of tubes of chapstick to help with dry lips from the masks. And the massive amounts of Vicks for the rescue people to hide the stench of of the decaying bodies. How the volunteers served more than 3000 meals a day to clean up personel. How there were massage therapists and Chiropractors on hand to attempt to ease the pains (physical at least) from the back breaking work that had to be done. Truly, people from all walks of life pulled together to during this time that changed the world as we know it.

This Bell of Hope was given to NYC from London and it is rung on 9/11 each year. AS tragic of event as that was, having the opportunity to visit that spot changed my life and if you ever have the chance... I highly recommend going. I cannot precisely put into words how I came out there feeling but know that it does put it all into perspective. It was definitely one of the most important things I have done in a long time:)

So then Janine and I had to get out of the area... it had changed out mood for the day and we knew we had to shake it! So back onto the subway we went and headed back to the other end of Manhattan to check out a little bit of Central Park.



We were surprised at how once you crossed into the park, the hustle and bustle of the city was gone. It truly is an oasis in the midst of chaos.


It is a HUGE place and did not go far as there was not a lot of time but we did enjoy a bit of downtime and had the yummiest fresh roasted peanuts while enjoying the view.



We took a few pics and really had to pic up the pace as there was so much left to see and we had barely made a dent in it!
We then hit 5th Avenue. We checked out some of the phenomenal windows that the boutiques are so famous for. They were amazing it itself.


We saw Rockerfeller center...

And stretched our necks seeing Trump Tower...

And then after dinner... we were soooooooooooooooooo tired from the day that we had no energy whatsoever to do anything but sit and people watch in Time Square again.

New York was by far one of the best places I have ever been and I look forward to making it back there very soon and being able to take in some more!

The next day... we boarded the Caribbean Princess and headed to some amazing ports such as Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbour, Boston, Rhode Island. The following pics may not be in chronological order but it will give you an idea of some of the fun stuff we did on our travels:)

Janine the Dancing Queen at the nightclub onboard our ship!
Many of the crafters enjoying one of many laughs we experienced as a part of the Oh My Crafts New England Cruise. Note the lovely Making Memories Aprons they are all sporting... we had such amazing sponsors! Everyone was BLOWN away by their generosity!

Here is the lovely Yarik of Provo Craft with her sweet Haley. We had too much fun together and look forward to seeing her again soon!

Jodi Holbrook from Making Memories... she is a RIOT! I loved getting to hang with her and her sweet Mama:)

While in Boston, we happened upon a movie being shot with you guessed it... Ben Affleck! COOL!
Her I am as the ship left port in Brooklyn.

Saint John surprised me. I think it was probably the prettiest stop on our journey. I did not expect it to be so nice. They had amazing homes that lined the streets downtown so every now and then we borrowed a door step for a photo op!

What made Saint John even sweeter is that my friend Christine Campbell came to meet us and show us a few of the sights. Thanks Chris!!! It was too short a visit but nice to see her if even for only a couple of hours!


Here is a shot of a lighthouse from our ship in Halifax.

Although I did not do as much exploring in Halifax as Janine, I did manage to get a couple of cool shots before heading back to the ship. I was not liking the rain that day and not in a very touristy mood...lol!

So there you have it... New England in a nutshell (a HUGE nutshell mind you!). If you made it to the end of this post... you deserve a prize! Leave me a post and I will give away an assortment of goodies from some of my class sponsors from this event next weekend! A HUGE thanks goes out to Tattered Angels, Prima, My Mind's Eye, Graphic 45, Bazzill, Riff Raff Designs, Beacon Adhesives.
I must also mention that OH MY CRAFTS stepped up to the plate big time with our classes and provided all the things that took the projects to the next level. Without the support of all of our wonderful sponsors, these classes would not have been near as much fun and I think that each and every participant was blown away with your generosity! THANKS AGAIN!!!!!

After returning from there, it was a matter of a quick load or two of laundry before heading off to Langley BC for BC's Creative Expo. There I had a great time teaching 8 classes (insane, I know!) in 3 short days. But we had a fab time, the event was terrific and I had a great time catching up with old friends and making many new! Stay tuned for more classes that may come to a store near you! I chatted with a couple who MAY want to play some more so I will keep you in the loop as details are finalized! Thanks to Kerri and Marsha for another fab event. It keeps getting better and better and I hope you will have me nack next year! The sponsors for this event were terrific too so thanks again for your generosity too:) Scraptivity!, Tattered Angels, My Mind's Eye, Riff Raff Designs, Graphic 45, Beacon and Prima were all so generous and we couldn't have done it without you:)

So where to next??? Why Okotoks of course! YUP! Looking forward to heading to Sheep River Scrapbook Co. in Okotoks, AB (just outside Calgary) november 6-8. Most of the classes are sold out but there may be a couple of spots left in one or two but I suspect they will not last long! I hope to see you there in a My Mind's Eye weekend:) Lots of fun stuff planned and I think you REALLY want to be a part of the fun!

So remember... leave a comment and on November 1 (next Sunday), I will draw a winner from those who posted:) Have a GREAT week and thanks for stopping by!

BC's Creative Expo

Hey girls!
I am barely back from a FABULOUS week aboard the Caribbean Princess Cruise ship for the amazing New England Cruise with Oh My Crafts! and I am packed and ready to head out AGAIN at the crack of dawn for Langley and BC's Creative Expo!

Quick question though... just in case anyone is reading this... IF you have a Cuttlebug and are coming to my Card Buffet class Thursday evening and are willing to share for the evening, I will make it worth your while, I PROMISE! My suitcase is BEYOND full and I cannot fit it. It is not NECESSARY piece of equipment, but I did think it would be fun to have one there as I have some BRAND NEW embossing folders EXCLUSIVE to Oh My Crafts! I thought I would let you test them out as the only people that have used them yet are the gals on the cruise last week! If you are willing to share, bring it along... if not... oh well!

Okay... I promise to do an in depth report of both events upon my return... just not now... I can barely breathe as I have so much to do! The class stuff is pretty much taken care of but now to figure out where to put clothes... hmmmmmm... how many layer can I wear on the plane???!!! LOL!

Have a GREAT weekend and we will meet again soon:)

Changing it up a bit!

With fall being here I thought it was about time to give my blog a different look. Nothing fancy (that would require some SERIOUS work and time... and there just isn't any time to spare right now). I just changed up the colours and removed that horrid header that has been up for far too long! The problem is that I do not have the patience (or skills) to design something really cool. SO this is what you are stuck with for now!

So, life has been somewhat crazy the past couple of weeks. I apologize for not posting. I went to Toronto to teach at Bizzy B's and had a FABULOUS time! The ladies in my classes were great and Barb and Tony (owners) are WONDERFUL! A bizzy weekend meant 5 classes (and there were a couple of doozies!!!) but so very worthwhile. I hope to get back there again some day!

Now, I am going full speed ahead with the Oh My Crafts Cruise. I leave with Janine bright and early Thursday morning and we head to the Big Apple (NYC BABY!!!) for some sightseeing before crossing the bridge into Brooklyn where we will get on our wonderful boat and set sail for a majestic cruise aboard the Princess Caribbean. With amazing ports like Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Maine and Rhode Island I am sure we will see some spectacular sights! It all about the fall colours and this is the perfect time of year as all the leaves will be changing... my camera batteries are charged and ready to go! It is a long stint away from home (11 days!) and I will miss my hubby and kids big time but I am so very grateful for another wonderful opportunity! I will most certainly post pics upon my return!

In the mean time, here are a couple of sneak peeks of 2 of the classes we will be teaching on board!



The first is an altered box using goodies from Tattered Angels, Graphic 45 and Prima.
We will also make a book perfect for jotting down memories from the various excursions so you can scrap them later. It includes products from our generous sponsors listed above as well as Bazzill, Zutter and Oh My Crafts. Riff Raff Designs and My Mind's Eye will take the lead in our third class project but I will have to post a pic later as I am not finding it at the moment! It will be well worth the wait, I promise!

After I get back from NYC, I leave a few short days later for BC's Creative Expo in Langley. This will be my second year back and I am looking forward to it! It continues to grow each year and I am sure this year will be event better than last. With a total of 8 classes (yes.. I MUST be crazy!) it will be a full weekend... I am sure. I have some amazing sponsors for that event though too so be sure to check out the classes nad hopefully I will see you there!

Alrighty everyone... so much to do, so little time! Gotta run for now but I will try to update soon:)

Back to school... finally!

Not only are my boys back in school for another year (WHOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!) but classes are in full swing for me too! I just kicked off this season in Ottawa last week at MultiCrafts Retailer event. I taught 4 fun filled classes to retailers from across Canada. They came from as far away as Quebec and Vancouver Island! What an honour:) We all had a great time and the projects were FABULOUS (if I do say so myself...lol!). I made a few new friends and look forward to visiting their stores in the near future too with some classes for their customers.

Next up... Bizzy B's September 18-20 in Toronto! I will be there with the amazing Jackie Ludlage (Editor of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine!). We are going to have a super weekend jampacked with some amazing classes too! There are still a few spaces available so be sure to call the store to get your spot reserved today!

And here is another one I am SUPER excited about! Sheep River Scrapbooking Company in Okotoks, Alberta (just outside Calgary). The owner, Haley, contacted My Mind's Eye a couple of weeks ago about having me come do so me classes so of course, I jumped on it! And I am ever glad that I did!!! First, I think we are going to hit it off really well... I just get a good vibe from this gal:) Secondly, she is ON IT! Yup... seriously love how she has gone about dropping hints and building the excitement on her blog. I am touched that she would go to all that work for little old me and I seriously got a few great laughs:) You need to run on over and scroll back a few posts... it is worth the read:) So.... on Friday November 6 we are having a wee little cocktail party (mocktail of course;)with Make and Takes... YUP! Should be beyond fun! You gotta see what I have up my sleeve... it is pretty cool! Then Saturday is going to be jampacked with some of the most AMAZING My Mind's Eye classes EVA! I am really happy with these brand new projects and I am pretty certain the spaces will not last long! I am not going to give you too many details though as I want YOU to keep an eye on her blog so we can see how she does it:) You just know it is going to be fun! I look forward to seeing many of my southern Alberta peeps there! Here is the poster she did up to promote it but you really need to head on over to see what is planned! I do not think the spaces will alst for long and I would LOVE to see you all there!

So that is some of the GOOD stuff... now you wanna hear some of the not so good stuff? Guess what I have been having to deal with the past week or so? Every Scrapbookers NIGHTMARE! Uh Huh!!! My washing machine blew a hose last Saturday night (hours before I had to leave for Ottawa) and flooded the main floor of my house and of course went into my basement. Now guess what is in my basement.... MY SCRAP SPACE! Uh huh! Not so good!!!!! Seriously makes me want to cry!!!!!!! It has been HOURS which have turned into DAYS of counting the numbers of papers and embellishments that need to be tossed in the trash with the ladies from the insurance company. Yeah... thank goodness for insurance!!!!!!! Otherwise I would be in REALLY big trouble. The good thing in all of this though (yes, there is a positive)... many things were in plastic bins... just not enough things. I was in the process of putting everything in plastic but have not gotten it all covered yet. Needless to say I went to Walmart today and bought as many bins as I could carry... things will be stored safely from here on out! Girls.... do it now while you can... it sucks having to throw out some of my most precious layouts and projects and would hate for you to have to do it too!!!! I am going to show you some pics so brace yourself... grab a hankie...lol!

This first pic is of one of my Tattered Angels bins. Yes it is plastic but it is no good if there is not a lid on it! Yeah... by the time we got to this one, it had been sitting in water for more than a week... GROSS! is all I can say and you do NOT want to know how many bottles we had to throw out:(

Here is the BRAND NEW Graphic 45 paper pads. They were supposed to be prizes for my classes but unfortunately the water damage took the fun away:(

Last but certainly not least... my beloved Prima collection! Yeah... paper flowers do not grow with water! See that purple bin... the bottom drawer is FULL of bling. Gone... all of it! Booooo hooooo!

The good thing... my basement is not developed so it is an easy clean up. I have insurance so hopefully all goes smoothly!

So there you have it! A quick little post to let you all know that I am still here...lol! I am buried deep in scrap stuff but it is all good... I will dig my way out and have a good story to tell down the road, eh? It could always be worse I guess and that is what I have to keep telling myself. It just SUCKS to have to throw away as much as I did:( Guess that just means that some SERIOUS retail therapy will be in order very soon (see... there really is a positive side to this negative mess!)

In the mean time... I did get a couple of projects finished today and have a few more that will be tweaked within the next couple of days and then it is off to Toronto I go on Thursday! YAY!!!

Happy Scrapping girls:)