Good, good times.
Super-fantastic seems like the best description for this past weekend at the Zone. So much hanging and chatting - about life and scrapbooking and silliness and popcorn. Meet Sue, Stacey and Kelley:
These are the three I hung out with on Friday. I love the fact that we were able to just relax, see a bit of the Detroit area, and get to know each other before the event that night and on Saturday. It adds so much to my visits when I have the chance to do this...especially when they are amazing women like these three. Total instant friends.
Loved seeing so many life artist shirts at both the crop and the workshops - man, that totally made me smile and feel good. Seriously. I also just love seeing people enjoying themselves - hanging out, not feeling pressured or rushed in their projects, just having the chance to work at their own pace, chat with their neighbors & me, and simply get a chance to breathe away from all their other life obligations. I think that is really why I love what I do.
I also love seeing familiar faces - both ones I have met before in person at other events and meeting people who I "know" from online. The internet is so amazing in how it brings people together.
Photos borrowed from Jennifer, Amanda, Sharyn, and Stacey.
Michigan, I will definitely be back! Thank you for your hospitality and kindness and, Kelley - thank you for simply everything.
And, once again, I love coming home. Simon is off school this week so we are hanging and I am working (intermitently) and we took a good-old LONG nap together today. Just want to squeeze him I love him so very much. And boy do I love hearing the pitter patter of his little feet as he runs to the bathroom - he is doing great. Also stopped at Target today and picked up some new towels (totally time for a change) and a Dora bathroom set for the Dora house. Now Dora, Diego, Mommy and Poppy (and the puppy) are all using the toilet, taking showers, washing their hands, and standing on the towel basket. Totally awesome.
Target just rocks! Love that Simon is having fun with the Dora bathroom set. Makes me think I need one for my Benjy. :)
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Sounds sweet.. good for you and Simon!
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napping with your little man! I miss that! Jacob is staying home sick tomorrow (impentigo). I think maybe we will have to snuggle and read together.
reading Special Diet for Special Kids right now. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for sharing a piece of your day with us!
Sally
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Ali, You always seem to lift spirits wherever you go. These ladies look like they are having loads of fun with you. And it brings back fond memories of your visit to Virginia in February.
I realize it is hard to be away from your family so I just want to say thank you for taking the time to share your inspiration, creativity, and genuineness with us.
Jeanette :)
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I do have my life artist pin attached to my backpack now, you know. you just may convert me yet. LOL It was so so so so so totally cool and fun to meet you. even if you did make me cry. LOL
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Ali, it was so great to finally meet you. I'm glad you had fun at the Zone! I've been a big fan of yours ever since reading your first book; it really helped me find my own style and vision in this hobby. Your CK column is the first thing I read as soon as I pull the magazine out of my mailbox. I finished my Perspective book yesterday and I LOVE it. Thanks for being an inspiration! And PLEASE come back to Michigan soon!
Kimberley :)
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it looks like you had such a great time ali!! i'm so happy that simon is doing so great with potty training... that really is incredible - i know we are all so collectively proud of him that i can only imagine how you feel :) woot!
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I'm cracking up with how impressed you are by the popcorn! :) I'm glad you had fun & will be coming back..
I love reading your stories about sweet Simon.. LOVE his success! Boys rock!!!!
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Rock on...looks like some good times were had by all!! Love that. and nappin' with the little one...that is truly the best!
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Love reading your posts about all of your adventures. So glad the potty thing is doing well. WAY TO GO SIMON!!!
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to a gal with great style and taste-glad I could spend some time basking in your creative energy, hope it sticks. You're so fun! From the gal with the shoes and purse!
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sounds like you had a blast in MI :) as always thanks for sharing your travel stories!! also good to hear simon is still doing great with the potty :)
he {rocks} !!
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Ali it was really great to meet you in person! You have such a great personality and you brighten up people around you. I really appreciate all the time you took with me and giving me some great info to help my little nephew. Your class was awsome and I loooooooooove the project. I look forward to your next visit here. I can't thank you enough for the pin and the photo ops. Can't wait to get the picture!!!
I'm so happy for Simon. That is so awesome. I bet he was so glad to see you. What a cutie!
Please come and visit us again soon.
Love from Michigan!!
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Thanks for such a great weekend! So happy to meet you in person, hope to see you back again!
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Michigan was awesome! Thanks for making the trip and sharing so much of yourself with us. I have a "Celebrate Something Every Day" magnet on my fridge and a "Life Artist" pin on my camera bag! Love that picture.
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GREAT idea buying the bathroom set for the Dora house after using the potty.
A great tip I can use with my families I visit with when we discuss potty training :)
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okay this is twice in one day you freaked my freak! I am on your blog, and that is just too funny!
You rocked our city Ali!
And a big shout out to Simon, master of the potty. Way to go!
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Fleece jacket from Veer = AWESOME. :)
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Ali. So so glad you came to Michigan! I so enjoyed hearing your story about how you ended up where you are today. Very inspiring. Loved seeing all of your "life art" spread out on the table too. Loved thumbing through some of those journals and albums. Too cool. Can't wait 'til you come back to the Big Mitten.
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Dude, thanks again for a rocking weekend. You are a gem. Seriously.
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yay Simon!!! we've always had some potty doll of some sort on the go for the girls too and they seem to love that.
Your trip looks like so much fun! love the pictures, thanks for always sharing bits of your travels with us:) very cool
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Ali - Loving the Veer "Kern" Hoodie. Their gear makes me smile and I have had my eye on the Kern Hoodie for a while! It made me smile when I popped in this morning!
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Totally agree with the new towel thing. Our are 7 years old (yesterday) and in total need of replacing. But man, can it get expensive. I am going to have to find that Dora house and potty set. My little girl is struggling with potty training and just loves Dora. She greets everyone with an "hola!"
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I love the Veer Jacket! Detroit looks like a hoot..TFS
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I love you Ali! I had the best time this past weekend just hanging with you. It was so fun, I can't begin to express how you just being you with me-is what I really needed in my life right now. You helped me put things in perspective about lots in my life this weekend and what is important. Plus, you are one heck of a creative chica and I loved soaking up the inspiration you brought into The Zone. Hugs see you at CHA Summer!
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