Treasury of Memories.
Chris and I have been having conversations about people who "get it" lately.
We have lots of different definitions for "getting it" depending on the topic or subject matter. When I am talking about people in the scrapping world he will ask me if they "get it." To me, getting it is about keeping it real. Keeping it all in pespective. Focusing on telling the stories. Having fun. Being yourself.
Treasury of Memories in Bellingham gets it. They have created a wonderful community within four walls. You walk into the store and feel welcome. You see TONS of displays and samples and examples of how to use all the cool products and ways to tell your stories. It is totally obvious that a lot of time and effort goes into the creative side of the store. The merchandising. The class offerings. The contests and promotions. The store makes you want to scrapbook.
There is also a strong sense of community among the employees. And it shows. A sense of caring, helpfulness, creativity and respect. And tons of laughing. They love working there. They spend time together outside of work. They work hard for Elizabeth and the goals and vision she has for her store.
Over the last couple years I have been to quite a few stores across the country. Some get it and some don't. TOM is right at the top for selection, creativity, and community. I love it there. I wish I lived in Bellingham just so I could hang out with the amazing people who work there; scrap with them, laugh with them, create with them. I love you guys! Can't wait to come again for another visit.
The classes this weekend went great. One of these days I will develop more of a sense of how long things take to complete. I am a chronic underestimator. But I back that up with strong concepts, directions and visuals so the projects can be completed at home. I think I want to start calling them workshops instead of classes - that is really a more accurate reflection of what I plan. The theme during the classes (along with a running joke) became "organic" - as in go with the flow. When the paper is not cut just right, or you make a mistake...anything that starts making what is supposed to be fun stressful...take a breather and just go with the flow. We had lots of laughs about that one.
Lots of new faces and some I have met before. Always treasure the chance to connect with people face to face. Elizabeth - it was an honor to be a guest in your store. You have really created something very special there. I wish you continued success and blessings. Maybe next time we can kayak. Sara - thanks so much for your hospitality and giving me the chance to just relax for awhile. Love hanging out with you! Rachel - thanks for all your help as my assistant. I loved having you there and being able to catch up again in person. Iman - thanks for the A (freakin cool) and for the conversation and sharing about yourself. Traci - loved the chance to meet you. Eve - see you again soon & thanks for the special gift. Tracy - love any chance I get to hang out with you. Jessica - I am just so happy you came up to see me :). To all my students - thanks for your patience and organic-ness. You inspire me in so many ways.
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! I am blessed with an amazing Mom - I love you so much Mom. Thank you for all you have given of yourself, and all that you continue to give. I am so lucky to be your friend.
Ali-
You my friend, could SO be a TOM girl! You fit in perfectly, you crazy kid! That was the best bowl of Cookie Crisp I've EVER EVER had!
Sara B
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ITA Ali, TOM rocks big time. I am always inspired when I visit, and have to scrap when I go home with my goodies. I love the girls there, LOVE. They are fun, friendly, knowledgeable and supertalented. Wish I could've been there, my friend - but at least we got to talk on the phone. Make sure you keep your promise and see you up here soon!
kah-mei
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Ali - your "today You" class was awesome!! I loved it and will be taking pictures this week to finish it off :) I love TOM too - and I drive down to shop even though it is over an hour from my house!
It was so great to see you again. You inspire me more than you will ever know. I want to be you when I grow up (but I am already older than you!)
PS - I bought your fonts off of 2Peas - love them!
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Ali, I am glad you got to connect in such an emotional way on this trip. It reminds you of why you do what you do...It's always about "getting it", which most people don't. To have your heart and soul be invested in something is great, but finding people that share the same feelings just plain rocks!! Which is why I read your blogs and make "online" friends. Most people don't "get" how great it is to create art. Or most people in the Service industry don't, lol!! So here I am, connecting with people who DO. My only wish is that I knew where the hell Bellingham is!!
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Glad to have you back. Color me jealous that you got to hang with Tracy and have so much fun. :)
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Ali, your classes ROCKED! I only hope I will get my albums completed soon! :) You really need to come up again! Let's make it an all day "workshop"! :) We DO "get it" in Bellingham and we LOVE that we "get it"! I agree with you about TOM. They "made" me want to scrapbook about 4 years ago and I've NEVER looked back! :) I LOVE it there (just ask my bank) and the Ladies ROCK!
Again, thanks for everything!:)
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Ali,
I'm so sad I missed your "workshops." You know I really wanted to go, to be around all those creative people and feed off the energy! Maybe you can post one of the mini book creations you were teaching?
Thanks,
M
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ahh...it was a hoot. so glad I could be there to hang out and help! and I'll try e-mail you some pics today. esepcially the one with the twins. ha!
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Great to see you again Ali! Yes, that store really is terrific isn't it? The girls therea re always so friendly! You can just tell they love this hobby!
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I'm going to have to go up there next time you do a class Ali! It sounds like a wonderful time!
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your description of TOM sounds a lot like my lss, scrapbook oasis down here in so cal. we even were lucky enough to have tracy come and teach us a while back! ;) it is like "cheers" - where everyone knows your name. it really is cool to have a small scrapping community like that.
i will have to visit TOM some day. i loved their booth at the WA scrapbook convention. thanks for sharing your cool weekend with us! :)
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Ali, It was so great to get a chance to talk to you and realize your a normal chick. You totally rocked those "workshops". It was the most fun I've had in long time (that sounds like I live a boring life) okay so it's lil' boring. You gotta bring the familia up some time and hang out.
take care :)
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Thanks for the review. I'll have to check them out. We moved to Seattle 8 month ago. I haven't found a store that felt like home to me yet out here. I used to live in Indiana and my LSS was just sooo great, we had a great great design team, and the store just had EVERYTHING!! It was 8,000 sq ft and was packed with yummy stuff. Soooooooo, I just keep plodding away trying to find a good place. I'm trying to figure out how I can get out to Bellingham soon! (sorry so long, I just really really want to find a good store out here:)
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I wasn't able to get in the class, but I was there with my mom and my daughter on a pre-mama's day out together:) I am so grateful to have found something that can bring the three of us together in such a meaningful way.
Come back to Bellingham soon!
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Well, the wtin picture sounds like blackmail Rachel. I love watching the super normal relationship you all have with each other....ok, maybe normal is not the word...insert the word Real.
Ali, you are truly a wonderful woman, so patient and kind to us crazy chicks who just wanted to be around in your creative space. Just so you know, I drove back up to Vancouver ( maple Ridge) and stayed up till late....to work out the other pages in my album. I hit Photo Express the next morning to work my 'Sunday shift" and found the most adorable Tangerine Colorbok album and it just showcased the pattern paper combo so amazingly. I can't believe I went out of the box and now have an orange album, not to mention a complete album....about me. How freaking amazing? it is finished and it is about my Perspective....not a DT LO, a class for the store or a gift...something about me. I am now inspired more than ever and that is what I wanted to leave with from spending time with you at your 'workshop'
The girls at the store were still jumping up and down after the HAPPY NSD call we made on my phone. I have a few pics I would love to send up to you. I think Kai Mei can attest to the craziness as she was there to witness it all.
I am holding you to your plan to visit Rachel ( when she gets into her new home) and we'll show you Canada...PE Style.
This day meant alot....it was some real time for me. The man I had been dating and I had ended our relationship and it was a blow to my spirit. It was fresh in my heart and I chose to push through it.....I was in the energy I needed and crave ....it was what my soul needed. Completing the album on Sunday night about 11:30 pm was a blessing...thanks for bringing that out.
best to you,
Tamara
PS I wish it gave us more time to visit but the gang at TOMS is just so kind and welcoming....I love going to the store to shop and be a scrapper there, I enjoy my time and it is my fav LSS store when my own does not count! Thanks for the hospitality ladies. I sure hope to assist and spend some time visiting with Tracy Kyle soon, once your schedule slows right down.
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*gets out washington map*
this place is marked out...and i won't even be there for *months*. will keep telling myself 'things only get better with time...things only get better with time.' :)
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It was wonderful to meet you, too! Your classes were just wonderful--it was great to see inside your patterned paper mixing (inspired me to be looser with my choices) and don't worry at all about estimating time--your handouts are a fabulous idea and enable us to complete the albums at home! I only wish you could have been a little *less* cool...maybe you could grow a hairy wart on your nose? To make you a little less perfect? :P
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Hey Ali - thanks for the totally 'organic' class - it rocked! - I had so much fun and it was great to meet you! I love the book we 'almost' made LOL can't wait to get it complete. Please come up to Canada soon! Jacoba :)
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What a gal and what a class! Thanks for making NSD totally awesome! Please come and visit TOM again!
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Ali:
I didn't attend your class, but it sounds like everyone had a great time. Would love it if you were to come to our store in Pendleton, OR :) How do we get that ball rolling?
P.S. I was the one with the Shamrock headband in Portland!!!
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