AE | The Weekend Lens

I spent the last few days in Arizona at Preview Weekend for this years Creative Escape event.

In all the events I've done over the years I've never attended a "practice" session - in fact I don't think any other events do it.

I loved it.

I loved the chance to share my class (called "5") with all the volunteers who will be attending the event. I loved the chance to get feedback to make adjustments which will make it that much better. I loved the chance to take the other classes that will be offered at the event. I love the diversity of the projects and that I learned something in each class. I loved getting to hang out with the other teachers. I love that Bazzill and Heidi Swapp care deeply about the quality of the classes and how they fit together and producing a smooth, inspiring event.

I also loved the chance to do a little solo travel once again. I loved getting to dip my toes in a pool and feel the sun on my face (even for just a moment).

And then I loved coming home again.

If you'd like to join me in August for Creative Escape you can get all the details here.

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

24 thoughts

  1. dawn says…
    05/23/2011

    Ali, sounds so wonderful and fun. I think it's a great idea to have a practice run before the real thing. So glad you got to play and learn things too. I would love love to go on this trip and meet you and the others and play but my kids go back to school at that time. My one daughter starts high school this fall and I don't want to miss that first day. Hope it's offered again in the future.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. SammyBaker says…
      05/24/2011

      You are a really good mom, I can just tell!

  2. Cindy says…
    05/23/2011

    You definitely make the Escape sound wonderful. Wish I could go - I'd love to take your class and meet you and the other instructors. Come on over to DC some time while you're on the East coast visiting your sister and teach, please? =] Why is it that most people in the scrapbooking industry seem to live on the West coast and in the mid-west? Lots of us making albums over here too, but not so many classes and events. Hmmm.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. nancy faith says…
      05/24/2011

      Cindy... I know how you feel. I am actually "on" the West Coast..just unfortunately too far north and we never get the opportunity for great weekend getaway classes either : (
      nancy in alaska

  3. Miami Momma says…
    05/23/2011

    gotta ask. the photos are always great. who are you using for your lightroom presets or photoshop actions? or are you that talented that you create them yourself.would love to get into processing some of the photos i've taken of the kids lately. thanks, your always an inspiration.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/23/2011

      These are all presets for Instagram - an app on my iphone.

  4. Suz says…
    05/23/2011

    @ Miami Momma-My guess is that Ali used an app called Hipstamatic or Instagram that is for Iphone and some blackberries I think. HTH.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Deb J says…
    05/23/2011

    Creative Escape is so much fun and so worth it. Wish I could afford it this year especially since you will be there. They do an super job of putting it together.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. pidge says…
    05/23/2011

    Love your hair! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Judy Webb says…
    05/23/2011

    wish I artist enough to attend.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. AbbyS says…
    05/23/2011

    Happy you were able to fly solo, teach and be a student at the same time! :) I have to say, I love your hair! Are you fashioning bangs? :) Super cute!!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/23/2011

      Yep - just a couple bangs off to the side :).

  9. Judy says…
    05/23/2011

    Ali, I have Instagram on mt iPhone, how do I get pictures I take on my blog? I can only see how to post them on Facebook ot Twitter.
    Thanks!!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/23/2011

      You can also post to Flickr via Instagram and use them on your blog from there. I do that. Also, when I connect my phone to my computer I upload the photos (including the Instagram ones which are in my picture section on the phone) and can then access them via Aperture (or iPhoto if you use that).

  10. Christine says…
    05/23/2011

    Wow, that's cool that you had a chance to do a dry run of your class. I'm considering going if its not already filled up. Glad you had a chance to feel the sun. It finally hit 71 in my neck of the woods last friday.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. melissa says…
    05/23/2011

    Ali
    So great taking your class, I LOVED it!! and getting the chance to meet you... see you in August (i promise it will be hot then, you lucked out on the weather this past weekend) :) You my friend, are a rock star!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Sally says…
    05/23/2011

    Mountains like Mt Rainier in Arizona??

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/23/2011

      LOL - not so much. My flight path took me from Eugene to Seattle before heading down to Phoenix.

  13. {connie} says…
    05/26/2011

    ali,

    thank you for your inspiration! i a can not wait for august to get here. creative escape 2011 is totally going to be amaZing!! i am thrilled to have met you. you are one talented momma. i posted our picture on my blog. see you in august.
    {{hugs}}
    connie

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/26/2011

      It was so great to meet you Connie! Looking forward to seeing you again in August!

  14. joi ferckel says…
    05/27/2011

    Why don't the cool things ever come close to ohio. I'm just a girl working every other week due to the tsunami in japan and I can't afford to get to arizona :( I wanna meet you too ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Vicky says…
    05/30/2011

    Should NOT have read this.... was going to book into another SB event that weekend but now.... I shall be seeing you in Arizona :) (First scrapping treat in 3 years and only going because it's 'on the way' to a business conference so I have to be in the US anyhow!)

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Lise says…
    06/05/2011

    I can't wait for August. Just took a sneak peek at your project and it looks super exciting! Will start looking for pictures very soon! Can't wait to meet you!

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.