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I normally have a tough time completing ONE layout at a crop, let alone THREE layouts! I think it was b/c of the atmosphere (and my friends who didn't mind my tuning out every once in a while).
Here they are...my "PEEPS"!!! Thanks to the woman who took this photo (I never did catch your name), whoever you are...THANKS! This group of ladies mean a lot to me, and this photo will forever remind me of the place they hold in my heart.
I just got back from our Ultimate Scrapbook Retreat at Loon Lake. I can't tell you how happy I am to have learned of these retreats from the Memory Workshop newsletter. Thanks Sandra!
"O-M-G" (as Nancy would say), we had the best time! I could easily have stayed another day (or two)...a true testiment to my experience. I've NEVER felt that after a weekend away from my family...usually I'm itching to get home. The fresh air and quiet setting made it relaxing, while the cropping, laughter and "interesting" conversations made it fun and rewarding. For me, it truly was a RETREAT in every sense of the word.
This was our private lodge...
There were nine of us in total...Tracy, Felicia, Anna, Nancy, Jessie, Dianne, Erica, Chriss and me. These two lodges are mirror images of each other. Half was ours and the other half was unoccupied. The top two floors were sleeping quarters and the main floor contained a great room with bathroom and kitchenette...that's where we were set up. We each had our OWN 6-foot table to crop. It was so nice to spread out! The room had a wall of windows and high ceilings. It was cozy yet airy and open. Being in that building added so much to our weekend. We were very happy in our little cropping cabin!
Steps away was the main lodge where the dining hall, store and main cropping room are. Heather, Sandra or Mary would call us down on the walkie-talkie (or "walking-talking" as Abby would call it) to the dining hall for meals and to check on us. I took this photo from my bedroom balcony.
Here's the amazing Heather! A true super mom and real-life super hero (she's a firefighter). She ran the retreat with her baby boy, Luke (who is such a sweetie!), in her arms the whole time. I have tons of respect for you, girl! You're awesome!
Aside from the beautiful setting, friendly staff and amazing food (Prime rib on Saturday night was the BEST!!!), I had an unforgettable time with my "peeps". I haven't laughed like that in a long time. For months (or years) from now, I'll think of your stories, funny anecdotes and incidents that occurred over the weekend. I feel like I learned so much about you, and I know you learned a few things about me too *LOL* I hope you don't think any less of me with my "locking doors and counting sheep" afflictions!
This photo was taken from the main lodge lobby, where we spent nearly two hours waiting for Karim (can you say HELLO!?!) to deal with a ten car pile up blocking the only road out. Weather conditions up there...CRAZY! See the frozen lake in the background. Cool, huh? It runs as far as your eye can see.
Things to remember for next year...
-on the way, stop at PE...apparently there's a preliminary meeting there beforehand
-get a lanyard and universal key for Chriss
-remind the yummiest of the mummies (you know who you are!) to keep her
sexy thong off the cropping table. I still don't know why they were
there in the first place!
-book our stay for May or June to avoid getting snowed in
-buy Baileys instead of wine (thanks for bringing "Bailey" back into my life, Dianne!)
-bring two-500ml bottles of Diet 7-up for our princess:)
And a special tribute goes to my Abby for providing hours of laughter and enjoyment from her word "P-YUCK"!
I have a few finishing touches to make on the three layouts I did this weekend. I'll post them as soon as I can:)
I'll be counting the days until next year, ladies!!!
See this? Evidence that these two can play together without fighting! *LOL* The two girls took turns using Charlie as a pony. Charlie made neighing noises and everything. What a good big brother he's turning into!
Steve and I went to our cooking class a few days ago. Romy of So.Cial at Le Magasin was as funny and entertaining as always (I remember Romy from my wine days). We took a "Crab and Lobster" food & wine pairing class where Romy made Lobster Bisque, Poached Lobster Salad, Dungeness Crab and Yukon Gold Potato Gratin, Lobster and 3-Cheese Macaroni, Crab Risotto and Chocolate Lava Cakes. Steve and I had a wonderful time. Not only did I get to watch this talented chef at work, but the food was amazing! I look forward to taking another class with my hubby at the Cookshop!
My Silpada party was yesterday. Thanks to Kelly and everyone who stopped by. You guys are the best! Hope you enjoyed the food and wine. I was going to do appies, but changed to Filipino food last minute. I don't know why...just felt like doing a home cooked meal for you guys. Makes me feel like I'm giving something back for all the love and support you give me. Thanks again!
My official website is almost ready to go. It'll be called www.sonjamclean.com. I still have lots of stuff to do for the retail part of it, but I'm hoping to get through it fairly fast. A few late nights should do the trick. The website will streamline all my activities...my blogs, a small online retail store, local and online workshops, etc. Hopefully the website will make it easier to keep track of what's happening at The Booker's Club.
Last night, my mother-in-law was asking me about plans for next weekend. What time do I need her to watch the kids, blah-blah. I had no idea what she was talking about. "What's happening next weekend???" I asked. The RETREAT, duh? I can't believe I forgot about it. Now I'm totally stoked! Woohoo...lots to do before I go. Better get cracking:)
