Okay I'm just going to jump in. I'm trying to organize my thoughts. Fair warning this is going to be all over the place...it's a little hard to be concise and eloquent when I feel like I just had an out of body experience!
I got home late Sunday night after four unbelievably amazing days at the Whatever Craft Weekend. On the plane ride home I started getting a little sick and by the time I climbed into bed that night I felt like death warmed over. Let's just say Kansas and my allergies didn't mix, but today finally I'm feeling a little more like myself, so blog I must;)!
Yep that's me standing next to my new sweet friends. Hard to believe I can say that, but they are! I love these women. Kimberlee standing next to me was the chef extraordinaire for the weekend. She kept me in line;) Told me just what to do. I need that. I'm clueless unless told! Loved her. She makes me moan...when she feeds me;) HA! You have to blog stalk her for recipes. Start begging for the chili recipe:) It's got golden raisens, cocoa and slivered almonds...tell you BEST RECIPE EVER!!
Then there's Megan. She invited me to come along as a helper. Can I just say that being a helper was the most fun! We got there a day before everyone else and folded, fluffed, chopped and diced. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other a little better. I felt SO blessed!! More about Megan later...
Next to Megan is Meg Duerksen of course. My first blog love;) She came out on the porch to greet us as we drove up. Honestly I had to steady myself. I know that's ridiculous, but surreal doesn't even begin to describe how I felt inside. I was hugging Meg! I slept in Meg's room with MEG!! It was all sorts of weird. Took me maybe a day and then I finally felt a little more normal. I wasn't pinching myself on the inside;) I hopefully wasn't staring at her... She of course is just as awesome as can be. Very chill, laid back...incredibly sweet! I ended up liking her even more in person. I know...scary;)
Then there was the surprise new friend...Ashley. I'd read her blog on and off over the years, but to get the opportunity to meet her in person was such a surprise highlight. She was lovely and talented and I just know if we lived close we'd be buddies:) Her little girl was there too...what a sweet treat to get to hold her and hear about her journey with adoption. It was amazing.
Okay I'm just gonna be honest here, so when I walked into the house I had the strongest urge to throw up my arms and twirl. It was STRONG people!! I mean I'd seen this house on screen throughout the years, but to be standing in it!!! OHMYWORD!!! It was just all sorts of happy.
After a few minutes of meet and greet I finally snuck away and started snapping pictures like a crazy person. I'm still getting used to my new lens, which is a work in progress, so bear with me. Here we are in what used to be the READ playroom.
A lot of these sweet hoop creations are my Megan's. Did you notice how I just said my Megan?? I've claimed her. It's official;) Anyway...isn't she talented? You must visit her shop. Before this weekend I didn't think I could find a spot or have the knack for doing a hoop wall. Now I'm thinking it's a must. What an amazing way to colorfy (is that a new word I just made up?) your space!!
Okay so one thing I adore about Meg's house is her lighting. I have a thing for chandies and they were everywhere!!!
And check out these twinkly lights with banners. I got inspiration overload for my basement. Can't wait to make it fun like this.
The top pic is of her entryway light. Such a sweet chandie. Probably my favorite. And then there were the globes. You all know I love globes. Such an awesome collection.
I remembered this print. Loved it when she showed it on her blog:)
This window was at the top of the stairs. What a beautiful wake-up call every morning!
This was my bed. How sweet is that? And it was uber comfortable! I slept like a baby under that vintage bedding. Oh and those were goodies (swag) from various sponsors. Can you say spoiled?
These are little touches in the big craft area. Tons of Katie Daisy prints. Color...eye candy. It was awesome.
(sorry for the poor quality of these...it was dark)
And here are some of the crafters I had the privilege of meeting this weekend. How fun to gather a bunch of burnout moms and crafty wannabes all together to do nothing, but eat and create. If that isn't a genius idea I don't know what is.
It's where the magic happened...literally;) Still can't believe I pulled together almost every craft. Even that famous ruffled apron. I did it!!!
Meg crafting!
Here's a glimpse of the kitchen area. I have no idea why I didn't snag more pictures in here. They must be on my phone. I'll show them later. There was a wall of windows that let in the most perfect natural light. I can't tell you how badly I want that in my house. It was glorious.
And then there was sweet Minnesota Amy who asked me first. I still can't believe I actually said no initially. Just didn't have peace about it. My heart was beating...knowing I was passing up a chance of a lifetime, then because I was obedient He gave me a second chance and made it known that I was supposed to be there. That's what happens when we wait on the Lord. He's faithful. He hears us. He knows our heart's desire and works things out in HIS time! I'm reminded daily of His promises.
She was such a comforting presence in the house all weekend. It was amazing to reconnect and to see one of my friends from back home. I love this girl. She's precious to me. God gave us this weekend. He did!!!
I have more pictures. More stories to tell. Stay tuned...
Be a blessing.
874. second chances
875. glue, glitter and all things crafty
876. kimberlee's chili, chicken fajitas, cheesy potatoes, creme brulee french toast...CHEESECAKE!
877. quilts and chandies
878. megan
