An amazing weekend

Don't you just love the days when it just seems like everything is connecting? That's what it was like at Mystic Paper this weekend. We had the most awsome class ever. Our new teacher, Mike Putman brought his amazing talent to our store and taught a class that left everyone saying WOW! This is an example of what was completed in class. Collage, beeswax, alcohol inks, and freedom. Not one collage looked like another. These students were given the freedom to create, explore, and stretch their artistic abilities and they all were fantastic. Now we just need a bigger classroom so everyone can experience a class with Mike Putman!

This is Mike...one of the most humble artists you could ever hope to meet. His talents are amazing and he loves what he does. He CREATES. His teaching method is amazing. Wash your hands of any artistic inhibitions you may have, you are here to create!

The other thing that made this weekend amazing was all of the people that we got to meet. So many women here for Sparkle Bella. I was fortunate to meet Karla. She came in from Southern California, by herself (so not something I would do), to attend the classes. She found our store, and instantly fit in. She even helped with sales when needed. We'll definitely be keeping in touch! Your paper fasteners will be sent right away Karla!

And these ladies. Gosh, what can you say... Michelle, Helle, Mendy, and Lilia thanks for coming in and hanging out! Loved seeing what you created this weekend. Thanks for sharing. Mendy and Lilia, how much fun to see you guys finally meeting in person after being on line buddies for all these years!

That's it for now, I have more pictures to post tomorrow. So much fun to meet people like DeDe! I knew who she was instantly. Aren't blogs wonderful...

Here are victims of the %(&^&% Iraq war that doesn't get thought about too much. These sweet little faces are my grandchildren, Dylan and Mason. While they were at Dylan's T-ball practice the other day a soldier that looked very much like Daddy happened to show up to watch his kids in full uniform. Now we know that all soldiers in uniform look somewhat alike but this man obviously held a very close resemblance right down to the sunglasses. Well, Mason took one look at him and yelled out "Daddy" and ran right for him. It wasn't until the soldier took off his sunglasses that Mason realized that he wasn't Daddy and took a quick retreat. Needless to say it broke my daughters heart to see Mason so excited and then dissapointment. A two year old just doesn't understand why Daddy comes home for two weeks to visit and then he's gone for what will probably be over one year. I wonder just how many little ones suffer that dissapointment everyday? Breaks my heart...

Look who we had in theMystic Paper house today!!!


Marilyn Healey and the Krazy Kim Kwan!

And our very own Jennifer Wagner is here teaching tonight. Did all of you know that Jennifer is now designing for Bazzill and she is teaching at Creative Escape! How exciting for her! She's a riseing star

Jennifer is teaching her Star Spangled Banner Book. The ladies are having a good time learning how to make this star shaped book. Sewing signatures, distressing, using Texture Paint...all the things that Jennifer loves. Technique, technique, technique!

Back At It~Whatever It Is

I have been MIA for a long time now. So, let's start where I left off...The truck is back and better than ever. The Dodge guys here in AZ did a great job! I still kind of wonder whether it will be there each morning when I go out to get the newspaper, but so far so good.

My son-in-law is still in Iraq as is my step son now. I worry about them both on a daily basis. It's so hot over there. It seems like yesterday that we were sending "Hot Hands" to keep them warm and now they're asking for anything that will cool them down. Which is worse? Who knows.

I don't have any pictures to post, I just thought it was time to get back to this. I have been reading alot of blogs and have been so inspired. Mainly, this blog got me thinking this morning.
http://dawnhouser.blogspot.com. I love the way she just puts it out there. Like it or not this is me! And I can relate to the whole tat thing. Yes, I have one. Yes, I was over 40 when I got it, and yes, I took my daughter and grandson with me! Just like Dawn says it is a daily reminder. Mine is a reminder to think and pray for our soldiers that are fighting this war. Do I agree with this war, NO. Do I support our soldiers, hell yeah! Military has always been in my blood. When I was little I lived for a time with my grandparents on Edwards Airforce Base. When I was 23 I moved just outside of the largest Marine Base in Twentynine Palms, CA. (Don't ask me why, just ended up there). Lots of my friends were married to Marines and I watched them during Desert Storm. The worry and the wait. I was there when our guys came home from Desert Storm and the entire highway from Morongo Valley to Twentynine Palms was lined with people cheering for these guys. It was such an overwhelming feeling. And now, it is so much closer to home having Gale and Jason over there. I hope to welcome them home in the same way!

What else....the grandkids are all good. We missed a couple of birthday parties in CA. Sorry. We are working very hard in Downtown Mesa. This little Downtown is right on the verge of big things, I just know it!