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

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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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