Possibilities

 It's the start of a new year and, with it, comes a time for reflection; reflection on the past year and hope for what the new year might bring.  Do you make resolutions?  I don't.  What I do though, is set goals.  I've always been goal oriented and I can honestly say that every time I've set a goal, I have achieved it.  The problem I have with resolutions, is that they are based, in my opinion, on setting one's self up for failure.  Not only myself, but in those around me, I've witnessed time and again, the inability to turn a resolution into an accomplishment; whether it be to lose weight, advance in your professional life, save money.....and so forth. 

A goal, however, is a whole other animal.  According to my research, there are varying opinions on the differences between a resolution and a goal.  My experience leads me to believe that setting goals - actual, achievable goals, is the key to making real, true change in one's life.

Last year was an amazing year for me.   I realized a goal which has impacted me in ways that I never expected.  I never doubted that it would happen, and I shouldn't have been surprised when it did.

Let me briefly share the changes that took place in just one year:

1.  Six months after I started my own personal craft blog, I was asked to join two friends in forming a new, fun crafty site.  Although, it's not for profit, it is for fun!  Mountain Plains Crafters.  Look it up.

2.  Two months later:  I find out that the Craft and Hobby Association is having a big trade show in Atlanta, GA, just 2 short hours from where I live.  I'm not a member.  I'm not a big craft company.  I have no business even thinking about going.  But, I did.  I thought, and thought and thought some more.  Then, I decided to go on a campaign of sorts; a quest.  I called it, "The Quest for CHA".  (Look in my archives from June 2014)  I blogged about this quest for almost 2 months, campaigning to get in, in any way, shape and/or form.  I offered to set up tables, lay power cords...whatever it took to earn my keep.

I guess the powers-that-be, liked my quest.  I got the email, and then, the all-important phone call inviting me to attend.  But, not only was I invited to attend, I was asked to be the Guest Blogger and the Show Photographer.  A far cry from expecting to sweep floors.  It was a wonderful adventure and a life lesson in many ways.

3.  In turn, the experience has led to numerous opened doors and other opportunities.  I've made  connections, networked and formed relationships that will stay with me for as long as I choose to stay connected to the world in which I now find myself.  My year ended with more freelance blogging for several different companies.  Intentional goals obtained, specifically, for the learning experience and, to help me expand and grow in the crafty realm.

So what about 2015?  A lot of bloggers are sharing their "word" for the new year.  I would have to say that my word is "possibilities"; possibilities for what lies ahead - the new roads I might travel,  whether it be the world wide web or Interstate 20.

And yes, I have already set some goals for this year, not resolutions. 

 I plan to achieve, not fail.  

Goal #1 - Get on the design team of a major company.  I have much to learn.  Surround yourself with the best, and achieve maximum results.  I believe that.

Goal #2 - Turn a profit on my blog.  It's been very slow going.  I've recently joined some affiliate programs and am working towards that goal.  Time is a factor and I hope to spend more time learning the in's and out's.  I'm learning from those who have the answers.  Joining experienced blogger groups has been invaluable in learning and taking the steps to move forward.

Goal #3 - This goal is 2-fold.  I want to go back to a CHA trade show, next time as a member.  They now have a blogger membership.  Yes!  Now, I just need to have a profitable blog to justify the yearly membership fee.  I'm working on that too.  

I have a motto and my family is well familiar with this motto:

"If you don't ask, you don't get."  If you don't try, you'll never know.  So try.  And don't be surprised when the answer is yes.

#CHA #CHASHOW #cre8time

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in Creativebug’s affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

My time as guest blogger with CHA Paper Arts

Ah, what a time I had in Atlanta last week.  But as they say, all good things must come to an end.

If you're new to my blog, let me quickly fill you in.  This crafty girl found out that the Craft and Hobby Association would be holding an Inaugural Paper Arts trade show in Atlanta.  Over a month ago, I began an online quest to get into this event.  The powers-that-be got wind of my quest, called me, and asked me to be their guest blogger and show photographer.  You can read about my quest in the July 2014 archives here on my blog.

The time I spent at the show exceeded my expectations and then some.  Let me tell you, it was HARD work;  harder than I thought.  Had it not been for major technical difficulties on day one, dropped internet connections, password not working, re-writing my first post 3 times due to said problems, required apps draining the life of my phone....haha.  I can laugh now but I wasn't laughing then!  Luckily, I had a back-up plan.  If I've learned anything in life, it's always have a back-up plan.   

Day one was filled with workshops and seminars.  I learned so much!  Day two was the opening of the exhibit hall and more seminars.  The exhibit hall was filled with vendor booths who showcased their new holiday products and current releases.  So many cool things, enamel dots in every color of the rainbow, crochet doilies, kraft products, thousands of items!    Total sensory overload, and this was a smaller show! 

People somehow knew who I was, as they would come up to me and say, "oh, hey, you're Terri".  I found out later that CHA had put out a little blurb about me a few days prior to the show.  

I'm so glad I did my research.  I tried to touch base with every vendor via Facebook or Twitter, prior to the show, to familiarize myself with the companies, their designers, etc.  Of course, many I was well familiar with and many I was not.  So research was a very good thing.

I loved meeting so many people I've admired from afar.  I tried not to be a crafty geek and fawn over some of these people, but in a couple instances, I failed miserably!  All in all, I think I kept it together pretty much.  ;) 

When I wasn't blogging, attending workshops, taking notes in seminars, tweeting like a mad woman or photographing everything in sight, I was spending time with different companies, learning new tricks, partaking in only two or three make-n-takes as that's all I had time for.  Lunch?  Forget about it.  No time.  I actually lost weight when I got home.  All that walking and no time for meals.  I'm not complaining.  I'd rather talk to the folks that came all the way from South Africa, Australia, Nepal and China. 

Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat!  So much happened in those 3 days.  I'm sure I'll be reflecting on this for a long time to come.  Here I am, 3 days after the event and I'm continuing to get tweet responses and good feedback.  I hope the folks at CHA were happy with how it went, minus a few bumps in the road.

I was hoping to blog on my own site while I was there, but as you can see, there was no time.  I'm listing the links below, if you wish to read my blog posts.  The first is the blurb about me, from CHA.  The rest are from me.  Happy reading!

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/meet-terri-burson-chas-guest-blogger-for-cha-2014-paper-arts/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/good-afternoon-from-atlanta/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/yesterday-at-paper-arts-was-a-blast-looking-forward-to-the-show-opening/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/morning-jumpstart-and-exhibit-hall/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/more-from-the-paper-arts-show-exhibit-hall-crafty-inspiration/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/last-nights-open-market-at-cha-paper-arts-2014/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/morning-jumpstart-from-the-cha-paper-arts-section/

http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/final-thoughts-from-the-cha-2014-paper-arts-show/

(The above photos were posted with the express permission from the Craft and Hobby Association.  Please do not copy without permission.)  #CHASHOW

Countdown to CHA, Day 2 ...Butterflies!

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta......and I'm going!)

This is it.  The day before.  Butterflies are hitting hard so what better way to channel my energy than to get crafty and make, you guessed it,  butterflies.

The design team at Mountain Plains Crafters have all decided we should have a scrap swap amongst ourselves.  Any good crafter knows good and well that you save every little scrap.  Nothing goes to waste.  So I took some of my scraps and made butterflies with my Paper Smooches dies.  I especially love to make vintage or wordy butterflies.  I think the girls will love 'em.

With one day left, I piddled around with those apps some more and re-read all the instructions for photo ops and workshop supplies that I need to bring.  I spent some quality time at Starbucks yesterday on wifi, experimenting with the apps and my Kindle Fire HD.  Looks like I've got all my bases covered.  

I'm looking forward to Day 1; workshop day.  Right up my alley too.  What's that you say?  You want me to go to workshops and make stuff?  Crafty, awesome, super cool stuff with tools that look like dental instruments and hob nobbin' with Graphic 45, Sizzix and Spellbinders and Stephanie Barnard? Ok, can do, no need to twist my arm, particularly the left....kind of have a bum shoulder.

(Today, my Blogiversary giveaway goes live.  Be sure and enter here.  Ends 8/12/14.)

Countdown to CHA, the WEEKEND edition!

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta......and I'm going!)

Stress.  I hate it.  Although, I must say, I usually handle it pretty well.  It takes a lot for me to buckle under pressure and even then, I don't buckle.

The reason I mention it is that several things have happened, all at once.  Isn't that the way of it?  Everything in life comes in three's, it seems.  I'm juggling an unusually increased work load and trying to stay caught up in anticipation of my leave taking for CHA.  At the same time, my phone has suddenly decided to have spasms and is draining at about the same speed as my bathtub when the plug has been pulled.  And, for the icing on the cake, I have two required apps to learn which will assist my blogging prowess and photo capturing finesse, courtesy of the lovely people at CHA headquarters. 

Now before my buddy Jason up at CHA headquarters blows a gasket, he has been ever so gracious in assisting me every step of the way, including options to work around those lovely apps.  What he doesn't know, is this chic don't quit!  So I've been up late at night, creating drafts, trying to figure out the phone drain, looking up online fix it solutions.....and what have I learned?

1.  One of the apps wants to load every picture on my phone, all 800+ photos into it's little happy box.  The fix?  Turn off camera upload for now so it won't keep cycling in the background.
2.  The other app is telling me I don't have certain permissions.  Somebody, give me permission. 
3.  Remove the child's silly games and any other unnecessary programs running in the background.  Done.  Phone is already back to its normal, productive self.  Hallelujah!

With all this unexpected stress, you should know that I did have a minor meltdown that was extremely cathartic.  Now I can go back to business as usual.  

On the up side, I've got excited vendors contacting me to tell me what booth they'll be at and a stunning compliment from the hubs who has been apparently reading my blog in full, each and every day.  He said, and  I quote, (because I had to ask him to repeat himself out of stunned disbelief) that I impressed him with my literary expertise and the ability to get my point across and, at the same time, surround it with my witty humor, both captivating and informative. 

Well alrighty then.  I'll take that compliment. With a side of chocolate, please.

Countdown to CHA, Day 6.....what to wear??

Yes, I already know what to wear.  Sort of.  A friend asked me a couple of weeks ago if I'd given any thought to it.  Do men get asked these same questions?  "Hey, Bill, whatcha wearin' to the trade show?"  Somehow, I think not.  According to what I read at the Craft and Hobby Association's illustrious website, it's business casual for the trade show.

Do you know how long it's been since I've bought new clothes?   Let's see, the number one hit was Barry Manilow's "Mandy" and gas was what, $1.09 a gallon?  Ok, so it hasn't really been that long, but it has been awhile. I actually do have a couple go-to outfits for business conferences, but to hear my mother tell it, she thinks I can't dress myself. Yes, you heard it here folks; my 72 year old mother is trying to give me fashion advice.

I'll admit, I'm not real happy with my mother trying to tell me what to wear.  I'm a big girl now and I've been dressing myself for a long time.  However, you do need to know that my mother matches everything.  EVERYTHING!  The purple outfit has to match with the purple shoes and oh, wait, let me go switch to my matching handbag....but which one?  The purple patterned bag or the solid?  Then, there's the jewelry.  "Wait, we can't leave the house until I find my purple watch!"  Are you still with me?

Listen, I'm a simple girl with simple taste and I don't have a bank account that allows for mix and match handbags, shoes and watches.  So thank you very much mother for your heartfelt concern, but if I hear one more word from you......that's right; Santa won't be visiting your house this year.  Plus, I don't think you want me airing anymore dirty laundry.  Oh, wait....now I remember where that sequined shirt is......

My Pinterest-click here

Countdown to CHA ATL 2014, Day 9

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta...and yes. I'm going!)

Saturday, I attended the Scrapbook Expo in Duluth, GA.  My scrappy friend Nancy asked me to go and I had to think long and hard about it.  NOT! 

This was the perfect opportunity to do a little networking.  I knew Spellbinders was going to be there and so was Richard Garay, who I'd been tweeting with recently.  I stalked that booth like a Mountain lion ready to pounce it's prey, until the ever fabulous Mr. Garay made an appearance.  When I finally spotted him,  I parted the crowd, shoving old ladies and their tennis ball enhanced walkers out of my way, running in slo-mo with my bags flapping in the wind. 

The less dramatic version??  Ok, ok, yes, I did perform a bit of Crafter-azzi, with minor lurking, but no old ladies were harmed during the impending meeting with Mr. Garay.  A short but professional conversation ensued with parting comments about the upcoming CHA show.

Guess who else I met?  Wendy, the illustrious owner of Queen and Company!!  Many months ago, while searching for sponsors for Mountain Plains Crafters, I had emailed Queen & Co a couple of times, but never got a response.  I am well aware that there are only so many crafty blogs you can donate to or sponsor, so I left it alone.  While chatting up a gentleman working that booth, I thought I'd make a final inquiry and stab at sponsorship, when this sweet lady turns around and hands me a piece of paper with her email written down.  It was Wendy!  I knew she looked familiar.  Good grief, I've been to their company website so many times, follow them on Facebook, have posted my own projects to their site....but never expected to see Wendy herself.  Can I say she was lovely, sweet and funny with this Crafter-azzi?  I love her!  My design team went nuts when I told them.  Of course, I stocked up on bubbles and polka dot washi tape.  I seriously wanted to scream to all the shoppers nearby, "hel-lo people!! Do you know who this is??!!" 

Me and Wendy 

Me and Jenny

Another crafty guru that was there?  Jenny Bowlin!  Wow, I never expected to meet so many crafting designers that I love, follow and adore.  I got to meet her super sweet family too.  They are precious folks.   While making my puchase, the power in the entire building went out.  Complete and utter darkness fell. You could hear nervous giggling, oohs and ahs from every direction.  What to do?  Whip out the cell and turn on the  flashlight app so Mr. Bowlin can complete my purchase.  Yeah......we bonded.

 Being at the Expo was the perfect time to practice my reporting skills on a few store owners, and they were gracious enough to consent.  I learned a lot about the economy and the blow that small store owners have taken;  the merging of companies, the lack of supply in some products...and so on.  A busy, fun-filled, interesting day.

One final shoutout to my sweet niece who whipped out matching t-shirts and a tote bag for me and my friend to advertise my blog.  They definitely garnered a lot of interest.  Thanks Anna at Little Mann's!                                                         

My Pinterest- click here

Quest for CHA, Part 10.

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta!)

By the time I arrive at the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafting Trade show (gosh, I really like how that rolls off my tongue), it will have been almost a month since my quest began.

You may not know this, but I was working angles, planning strategies and trying to  pull strings before this quest went public.  I'm still amazed how quickly everything fell into place. 

I've got about four different things I'm juggling at the moment, not including family.  Actually, I probably need to revise that number because I know it's more than four, but I dare not take the time to calculate the true number, hence becoming overwhelmed at the sheer number of tasks placed before me, which would then lead to me crawling into a dark corner somewhere, curling up into the fetal position and begin sucking my thumb!  Seriously?  It's not that bad.  Plus, I'm a really good juggler; just don't throw extra plates or balls at me.

Today I'm continuing to connect with CHA vendors.  I've looked at follow-up responses to my tweets and now I'm trying to familiarize myself with products.  Many of the vendors I know well (their products).  I know what kind of products they market, signature styles and lines,  who's vintage and who's not.  There are however, quite a few companies I'm NOT familiar with.  I'm enjoying spending time going to their websites and being introduced to new products.  I'm also discovering that there's a lot of emphasis on Christmas in July!  Wow, I never realized how much.  Hey, that's not a bad thing either.  I saw somewhere recently that Christmas is something like 23 weeks away?  Say it ain't so!  According to my CHA schedule, the holidays are a big emphasis at this event.  It's all about new products coming out and marketing strategies for Christmas...well not ALL, but I gather from my research that there will be a whole host of holiday unvealings.  Yours truly gets to be right smack in the middle of all that.  Yeah!  Don't think this is all being handed to me on a silver platter though.  I put some hard work into it, let me tell you.   It's not going to be a big party for me.  I'll be working my tush off, making sure I keep up my end of the bargain.  At the same time it WILL be fun!  Every day I do a little happy dance.  Kind of like Steve Carrell in Evan Almighty.  You need to see that movie, if only for the happy dance.  And the outtakes.  Oh my, the outtakes are hilarious!!  The hammer and the thumb??  You remember, right?! 

The Quest might take a break for the weekend and come back full throttle Monday with a weekend update.  I'm thinking...do we need to change the story from quest to countdown?  Tell me what you think?  Have a great weekend and dream a little dream.  Then go make it happen!

Quest for CHA, Part 9....Tweetin' at the midnight hour!

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta...and yes.  I'm going!)

I've got 11 more days before the big event.  Just 11.  Eeeeek!  I've been tweeting like a mad man, up til midnight last night, and leaving Facebook posts on vendor pages.  I think I've made contact with all but a few who I couldn't find on social media;  just leaving a one-liner, telling them who I am and that I'm looking forward to meeting them.  Anna Griffin said she can't wait to meet me.  And so did Sizzix.  My life is now complete. 

Who am I kidding?!  We all know,  Anna Griffin has better things to do with her time.  Like drawing up fabulous new paper designs and fabulous new embossing folders in which to place said fabulous new papers.......all of which I can't wait to get a peek of.  New goodies!

Earlier, I was having a quick chat with my design team from Mountain Plains Crafters and we had a furious selfie exchange as I am attending CHA and they are not.  Sarcastic jabs with matching photos were going back and forth in our chat room.  The final entry was this heart photo from me, and a caption that I wish I could take them with me. 

These are wonderful, caring, giving women from the age of 28 to 50 something (I dare not reveal THAT number).  Most are working full time jobs, then come home to their families and complete the endless list of tasks at hand, and like me, saunter off to their crafty domain to spend more hours doing what they love and giving of their talents not only to MPC, but to other crafty blogs and companies as well.  So let me give a shout out to my two co-founders of MPC, Pam Stang, Sheryl Kemper and our fabulous design team:  MariLyn DeGroot, Jennifer Loftfield, Christina Ramon, Paula McClane and Deb Davison.  You guys ARE the best! 

P.S.  Look out, 'cause I might have a trick or two up my sleeve at CHA!

My Pinterest- click here 

The Quest for Cha, Part 8....Welcome to Oz!

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta)

Today, boys and girls, I have in my hot little hands, the vendor list for CHA.  I also have the floor plans.  According to this map, I will either be sandwiched inbetween Anna Griffin and Petaloo International....or by the exit door.  Me thinks it will most likely be the exit door, ha ha.  I really don't care where they park me.  I liken this chapter of my life to Dorothy being plucked right out of Kansas, to a whirlwind ride landing her smack in the middle of Oz.  Munchkinland.  Emerald City. 

Another thing you don't know about me; I'm a huge Wizard of Oz fan.  I've got the dolls, the trinket toys, the Special Anniversary DVD collection (75th to be exact).  Even my baby shower was Oz themed with my little niece and nephews dressed as Dorothy and the Lollipop Guild.  A friend even made blue/plaid curtains for my son's nursery.  Ok, maybe that was taking it a bit far....but I did love the curtains!!

 



For my birthday one year or maybe it was Christmas, my darling sister Judi (who is always trying to one-up me on gift giving) traveled two and a half hours to Atlanta to meet actor Mickey Carroll who was on an Oz tour  (he played the munchkin town crier and fiddler).  She had him autograph this huge poster for me, dedicating it to me and my son, then had it framed.  Yup, she held the title, "Reigning Queen of Gift Giving",  for a long time after that.  I took the crown back a few years later though.

So back to CHA.  Because that's what it's really all about.  Sure this is my Quest, but I'm sharing it with a wonderful organization that decided to take a chance on me and swim in uncharted waters too.   I hope this will be a wonderful experience for both of us.  Looking at my calendar, I've got just 12 days to finalize my plans.  I've been doing the research, visiting sponsor blogs, familiarizing myself with some of the vendor attendees, realizing that "oh, I've been following her for years" or "I know that name!"  It's definitely a fun process, doing all this prep work.  I wouldn't even call it work!  I've already discovered via research that yes...I DO need that Stamper's Secret Weapon Pad!  Check out the video here 'cause you're going to want one too:  Sizzix and Stephanie Barnard Stamper's Secret Weapon.

I hope you'll continue to check in every day on my journey.  Do me a favor will you?  Would you share this with your friends on Facebook?  Ask them to view my blog post?  I'm about to reach a milestone with my blog and when I do, I'm having a giveaway!  Somebody is going to win a prize.  It might be you!  Until then.....see you in Oz!

 

My Pinterest - click here

The Quest for CHA, Part 7

(To view the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta)

 

If you are reading about this quest for the first time, yesterday I got word from CHA that they want me to be a guest blogger.  I think it's kind of cool that this is an inaugural event, not only the fact that its papercrafter oriented but that it's also the first time to have a guest blogger.  I'm not sure if they've had guest bloggers before that were industry people, but for sure, never someone like you and me; end users of the products.  So it's a duo-inaugural event! 

 

Yesterday, as you can imagine, I was pretty jacked up on adrenaline and coffee.  By late evening, I had so many thoughts going through my mind that I called my mom and chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half.   By 11:20 pm, she pointed out the fact that I had chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half and promptly went to bed.

 

So, here's a few of the rambling thoughts that set up residence in my head:

 

• Have I bitten off more than I can chew? 

When I visualize the task ahead it does seem a daunting task indeed.  This is a first for CHA, but it's also a first for me.  There's a lot of what ifs but regardless of the occasional niggling doubt, deep down, I am up for the challenge and ready to go!

 

• Which Terri do they want?  Professional Terri or Jim Carrey on estrogen?                       

 

How about a nice mix? Even though, I do lean more towards Jim Carrey as my friends and family will attest.....(Seriously? He stole a lot of my material!)  I've got to be me, right? I will do my best to keep it in check. 

Any advice for me? I would love it if you share your advice and maybe even some questions you'd like answered. Is there something you would like me to ask some of these wonderful companies or anything specific you want to know? Comment here if you do.
 

Now for a shameless plug: we're having a challenge giveaway at Mountain Plains Crafters this week. Come and link up for a chance at a prize! Submit your beach/ nautical themed project. Hurry, ends 7/18/14.

 

 My Pinterest-click here

The Quest for CHA, PART 6...or is it 7? Who cares?! I'm in!

(If you're just tuning in, this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafting event in Atlanta.  Click the header on my blog to view previous posts.)

As you can see from my before and after shots, I've been somewhat on pins and needles waiting on CHA to call.  And, as you can see from the after photo.... same face but different reaction!  You will not believe it.  Seriously, you will not.  I still can't believe it. 

So here's the dealio: they want me to be a guest blogger! I told you, you wouldn't believe it. If I can recall the conversation correctly (because we all know in my head, there's a mini freakout going on during this conversation) they want me to pretty much blog and chronical the entire event, not only on my blog but on their site as well. Also, I'll be doing photography and possibly sitting in on some workshops too. I'll even have a station set up so I can recharge (my head and my phone).

So, for all intense purposes, they want me to give the perspective of a crafters viewpoint. At least I think that's what they said?? I think they also said this is the first time they've done anything like this so they'll still be working out details over the next two weeks. Whew, kind of a blur although I was taking notes as we spoke and worried because I was on speakerphone and might miss something. By the way, it has been my experience, if you're on the listening end of a speakerphone, hold your phone out a little and you can hear better. Try it, I'm not kidding. I would NOT kid you!

Before they called, I had written down some things that I wanted to do at CHA and everything lined up exactly with what they were saying. Amazing!

Shall I share my short list with you? The question I wrote is, "What do I want to blog about at CHA?"

• The people I meet - I definately want to talk about who I'm meeting; people behind the scenes, in the booths, sponsors of Mountain Plains Crafters, the guy who brings me coffee....(just kidding. Ok, not really. Somebody, get me coffee! With cream AND sugar!)
• Cool new products - This is THE place to see all the latest and greatest. You bet, I want to hear about it and share with my crafty friends and followers.
• Techniques - I hope to goodness I learn something new. It's so easy to get stuck doing the same old thing. You can look at You Tube videos and online blog techniques but there's nothing like someone personally showing you new tricks. It sinks in a little better don't you think?
• Atmosphere - Sure, I might be a little starstruck at first. I'm so looking forward to just the atmosphere and being surrounded by the smell of paper!! Crafty paper! It's going to be 3 days of new experiences for me and I know the atmosphere is going to be electric. You will hear about it.
• Expectations of Sponsors - I want to know what do sponsors want from the crafters they sponsor. What are their expections? How can we grow our blog and draw in more participants? How can we promote better? I want to hear advice from sponsors.

So there's my short list. I can't wait to see how everything falls into place. Before the conversation ended, I asked if anything stupid came out of my mouth and they said no. Hallelujah! Actually, I think they were just be kind. Haha! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this Quest.    I know some of you have been praying and I truly appreciate it!!   I'll be keeping you posted.....

Quest for CHA, Part 5

(To catch up on the saga, scroll to the bottom and read Parts 1-4 of my quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association in Atlanta)

The quest took a break yesterday.  I was busy pretty much almost all day.  In between scouring tubs and doing laundry, I was on my phone networking; plugging Mountain Plains Crafters, chatting with the design team and working on posts for the blog and my personal site.  Crafting never sleeps!  Oh, and there's the boy who demands my attention too.  And the hubs.  He pretty much begged me to cook a good southern meal last night, so I obliged; country fried chicken tenderloins with homemade gravy (is there any other kind?), mashed potatoes (no instant here) and some steamed asparagus so I could at least have one healthy item in the mix. 

I said in my previous post that I would tell you about my Mother's dream at the age of 72.  Or maybe she's 73.  I can never remember.  She has it in her mind that some television network is going to do a reality show about her and her neighbor Carol, and their kooky adventures and call it "Gossip with Grandmas". 

Mom has been writing stories about our family for as long as I can remember, most with a comedic twist.  Yes, I was raised crazy and continue to live crazy.  I definitely have my mom's sense of humor. 

So mom contacted our friend awhile back, who works at A&E in New York (hi Margie!) to find out what she needs to do to get the ball rolling.  Yes, folks, she did.  And Margie told her she needs to come up with a "treatment".  Now my mother has been working on that treatment for a good 6 months or more.  I've prepared her for the fact that, they may reject her scipt.  So what's she going to do if it's rejected?  Submit it to the next network on her list.  Yup.  Mom's got a stubborn streak.  Guess what else?  She also wants to get one or both of her books published.  I'll admit that a part of me thinks my mom is a bit delusional.  But who am I to crush her dreams?  Anything is possible, right?  Getting into CHA might just be the first step towards a new crafty, direction.  I'll admit, another unspoken goal is to one day be designing crafty products.  There.  I've gone and said it out loud again.

Let me wrap this up by saying, CHA is calling me tomorrow.  Am I a nervous wreck?  Kind of, but not overly so.  Might something stupid come out of my mouth? Probably.  Haha.  Actually, I think I'm just nervous about the unknown; what they'll ask, what their ideas are, if something stupid will come out of my mouth.........

So as the song goes, say a little prayer for me.  And sing along with the bridal party from "My Best Friends Wedding" while you're at it (pictured).  #grin

The Quest for CHA, Part 4

Quest for CHA Part 3

The Quest for CHA, Part 2

The Quest for CHA, Part 1

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The Quest for CHA Saga, Part 4

(If you're just tuning in to my Quest, scroll down to the bottom, click the links and read from the beginning.)

 

Hello from down South!  It's day 4 of stepping into uncharted territory.  I thought I would keep it short today and share 5 things you may not know about me but first........look at this sweet card my friend and design team member of Mountain Plains Crafters made for me.  She said I was her inspiration for following my dream.  Awwww!  Thanks Deb Davison!

 

So here goes:

 

1. I'm a late in life mom. Yup. It took 18 years for my son to get here.   Boy was that a surprise!  And there I thought I was just pre-menopausal.....

2. When I was in high school and college, I worked for the Anniston, AL Parks and Recreation department during the summers and hosted a local tv show about summer camp. That was fun!

3.  In college,  I majored in Broadcast Communications, but never finished.  I love to write and had ambitions of being a news reporter, but darn if this guy didn't come along and sweep me off my feet.  Love got in the way and I went down a different path.  Let that be a lesson to you youngsters.  Finish college!

4. I'm a singer and musician.  I've been playing the piano since 4th grade and when I was a teen,  I took voice lessons from Ms. Yolanda Thurman Hignight  (Hi, Lonnie!).   Besides having a full time job, I'm also a church pianist and sing.   A lot.   (Wonder if there will be karaoke at CHA....hmmm.) My mother wishes I would audition for American Idol.  I can't seem to get across to her that I'm waaaayyy past the age limit.

5. I'm originally from upstate New York in farming country. Cato, NY.   If you blink when you pass through, you'll miss it.  When I was 5 yrs old, and on my first day of school, I got off the school bus at the wrong school and got lost. So, crying, I left the school yard and start walking down the road back towards town. A kind lady, working in her yard, saw this young child alone and crying and took me in. I somehow conveyed who my grandmother was (she was on the school board) and she came and got me.   I shudder to think in this day and age what would happen to a wandering child now.

 

So there's your little snippet about me. Tomorrow, maybe I'll tell you about my crazy mother and her dream she's pursuing at the age of 72.

 

P.S. Deb's card she made? See the bingo card?  Does that mean I'm gonna hit the jackpot?  And the quest continues........

 

 Quest for CHA Part 1

Quest for CHA Part 2

Quest for CHA Part 3

 

My Pinterest-click here

The Quest for CHA Saga

You know this quest of mine is morphing into what, I'm not quite sure.  Much like the Twilight saga, this whole Quest thing feels like an ongoing story, minus the good looking vampire and wolves!  Let me share a few thoughts that are running rampant in my head:
 

Why am I doing this?  What do I expect to gain from this experience?

Well, even if I don't make it to CHA, the entire process has been extremely interesting, stimulating and at times, mind blowing.  I'm literally floored by the support from friends, family, online followers, private messages...you name it.  I've always been very goal oriented.  I've been working since the age of 15 and have a strong work ethic.  In the back of my mind, I always have plans for what I want to do in the future.  I don't necessarily verbalize these thoughts, but they're there.  I had goals when I started my blog, Waving My Wand.  I wanted to eventually be part of a joint crafting blog with sponsors and build a community.  I know, there's one on every corner, but that's a testimony to every person out there who has a love for crafting.  I have to thank Angela Magnuson of the Unity Stamp Co for bringing me together with my other two co-horts (hi Pam and Sheryl!) at Mountain Plains Crafters.  We have a wonderful design team in place and pretty great sponsors too.  This is the realization of an unspoken goal. 

So back to the question, what and why?  Or maybe it was why and what??  Regardless, this is my vision for CHA, should they let my sorry tail in the door.
(Yes, another checklist.  Deal with it.)

1.  Earn my keep.  I have no idea what kind of ideas they're bouncing around at CHA headquarters up there in Elmwood Park, N.J., but by golly, if these arthritic knees need to bare up under heavy lifting, then that's ok by me.  This chic is willing to work!

2.  Document my time there.  I want to blog about my experience from the perspective of your every day crafter.  We are a tight knit community and we crafters have that love for creating.  We love to not only create but we love the process; getting all inky, getting poked with sewing needles, letting fly a few choice words now and then....staring at that project and zoning out until lightning strikes and you lay down that next perfect piece.  Don't we all at some point wish we could meet some of our crafty idols?  The companies that make these fabulous products?  I want to meet some of our sponsors and personally THANK them.  No, I won't act like a Donny Osmond groupie (although I AM a Donny Osmond groupie!  Well maybe just a huge fan.  He spoke to me once.  He said, "take the picture already!"  Haha.  I have to duke out biggest Donny fan with my pal Megan Elizabeth from Above Rubies Studio!) 
Of course, I envision professional handshakes and courteous conversation.  But hey, they don't have to know I'll be  quivering like jello inside.  (I said but hey....just like on Duck Dynasty.)

3. Learn.  Yes, I want to learn!  I'm just a little goldfish swimming in a tank full of Peacock Gudgeon's.  (Wow, those suckers are expensive!  $15.99 @liveaquaria.com- see picture)  This journey has just begun and who knows where it will go.  We learn from the masters.  I'm hoping to meet some masters.

So there you go.  I've made 3 points, just like a good Baptist preacher.   Earlier today, I posted something on Twitter.  Something caught my eye.  CHA had marked my blog post as a favorite.  I don't know what that means but it's got to be good, right? 
 

(part 3 of my ongoing quest to go to CHA/Craft and Hobby Association's Big blowout trade show in Hotlanta!)

Bored?  Want to read the entire saga?

Quest for CHA Part 1

Quest for CHA Part 2

My Pinterest-click here

The quest for CHA

The quest for CHA

I know what you're saying. What the heck is CHA? CHA is the the Craft and Hobby Association. They hold annual conventions where companies come together and promote their new products. Buyers come to these events to see and order the latest products for their stores. For the first time, CHA is hosting a papercrafters only event in Atlanta. All the big paper companies will be there. So why do I want in? Well, as a crafty blogger and living here in the South, this may be the closest I come to meeting some of the greats. I'm not a store owner and therefore, not a member of CHA. Some of these companies are sponsors of my challenge blog, Mountain Plains Crafters, that I started with 2 friends not long ago. It's the perfect opportunity for me to meet some of our sponsors and thank them personally for their support. I also want to blog about the experience from an insider's point of view. So basically, the only way I'm getting in, is to do some volunteer work which I would LOVE to do. I've been taking baby steps in my quest. Can I afford the additional expenses involved, like food, gas, lodging? Um, no. I'm like many of you. The downturn in the economy affected my husband's job and he is only working part-time for now. We are counting pennies but there are still mouths to feed, doctor copays, medications to buy. I cannot afford this. I do not have the extra money. But its a dream that I can't let go, so for now, the baby steps continue and I will figure it out as each day comes. I do have a checklist of sorts. Want to see?

1. Contact current sponsors. Check. (They're bringing their own armys to CHA, so two no's)
2. Pray. Check.
3. Maybe I should have prayed first? Duly noted.
4. Contact CHA directly. Check. (Hi Tina!)
5. No response from CHA. Contact again. Check. (Thanks Tina! My request has moved to the marketing department for review. Whoop!)
6. Blog about my quest. Check. I figured if I verbalize it, out loud, then things might happen. I mean hey, if Jim Carey can write himself a check for a million dollars and make it happen, why not? (Where's my checkbook...I need to write myself a check!)
7. Spread the word. Check. Who do I know personally that could help in my quest? Megan Elizabeth from Above Rubies Studio. She's a sweetheart. And an online friend. I'm REALLY stepping into uncharted territory by pulling her in. I mean, that's really asking a lot. But you know what? She's game to help! And a Godly woman that I adore. As a business owner, she's been to CHA numerous times. She's hosted crafty products on the HSN tv show. She knows people.
8. Bide my time. Check. Today I shall rest from the process and wait on those who are helping. Do I have it all figured out? Nope. I have a full-time job too. Have I made arrangements to leave work? Um, uh, no. But I will. Should the Lord smile favorably on this quest, then I truly believe it will all work out. If it doesn't? Then it wasn't meant to be and this dream will come true another day.  #smile                                                                               

                                                                             Terri

 

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