Friday, January 30, 2009

And Winter CHA is over... (pout, pout)

I found myself feeling slightly overwhelmed at the idea of traveling 12 hours and staying in a hotel with girls from Scrap N’Art (that I had spoken to via the internet, but had never met in real life.) Going to Winter CHA had seemed like a far off dream only months before and there I was… moments away from being entrenched in this passion of mine, surrounded by scrapbook materials, crafting gurus, and well known faces. Never did I think that I would be fighting back tears when I left. The experience was amazing. Not only was I able to see products that were inspiring, projects that were insightful, and papers that were to die for, but I found myself quickly becoming attached to the wonderful women that I had traveled so far to see.

The show unveiled amazing papers. Some of my favorites came from K&Company, Anna Griffin, Pebbles, Kaisercraft, Dove of the East, and Fancy Pants. 7 Gypsies produced an incredible assortment of albums, including one that now tops my list, a handbag chipboard album! Fancy Pants, hands down, wins my vote for favorite product with their Multi Media Acrylic Album. I WILL have it. I could have wrapped up Graphic 45’s entire booth and taken it home with me. The ladies traveling with My Little Yellow Bicycle made my day, every day, with their cheerful demeanor and cute Make N’ Takes. Stamps sets were gloriously abundant, Ranger Inks and Stickles shone across booth to booth, and I was even able to participate in K&Company’s Crop Challenge. The entire week was like having been granted a week in scrap heaven. The people that I came in contact with were wonderful, the time that I spent speaking with vendors was enlightening and invigorating, and I can honestly say that for a moment, albeit brief, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to come home. (6 days was a very long time to be away from my girls… and the longest trip I have ever taken away from them.)

Yesterday’s long travel home from California was sad. Exchanging the sight of palm trees for cold winter winds and icy roads was certainly depressing. But the days that had blissfully taken place before this were wonderful. Scrap N’Art girls, I cannot imagine having a more wonderful group of friends to have spent the week with and I know that we are going to cement these friendships and do some amazing work together!
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7 comments:

Alyssa said...

Your post made me tear up. I think you said it very well, and I am already looking forward to next year, as well as each and every conversation and visit in between. I too was a bit torn about wanting to stay, but needing to get home to my family. I am planning to enjoy every minute of the year ahead with them, and every moment of being at CHA without them nbext year. :)) Hugs!

another_angel said...

Heidi, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, thank you SO VERY VERY MUCH for everything you did at CHA for me, as well as Scrap n' Art. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the literal MILES you and Alyssa walked on the convention center floor, the countless positive relationships you both made with so many important manufacturers, and the priceless information and opinions that you shared regarding the new products... but none of this was as important as the laughter and good times we all shared together as we got to know each other as artists and friends. I will value and treasure those candid and hilarious moments above all other. I will miss you, as well as the other girls, terribly. Yes, I know we see each other nearly ever day on the internet, but it just won't be quite the same anymore.

You're all just so beans! :)

Angela said...

Awwww! Looks like you lovely ladies had a fabulous time at CHA:)

I only wish I was living on the other side of the planet:(:( so I could meet you all as well. Internet based friendships are fantastic, but to actually meet you guys in person would be something else!

Mwah & Hugs Angie

Amooretto said...

Sounds like a ton of fun!! Wish I could have joined!! :) Can't wait to hear and see more in the coming days! Now go scrap something inspiring for me! hahaha

Julie said...

Awe Heidi, So happy to hear you had a wonderful time. I can't wait to hear more about your trip and all the little tidbits. I missed you while you where gone. I hope hubby survived.

Karen Lee said...

Heidi it sounds like you had a marvelous time!! Loved reading about it!

hugs
xoxo

Stacey said...

sounds like you had sooo much fun!!!!!