As many of you know, I attended my very first CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Trade Show last week in sunny Anaheim, CA. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful experience it was for me. I knew going in that it was going to be busy, but I had NO idea how CRAZY busy it really would be. LOL
(I assisted at a Copic Certification class - Sherrie Siemens was demonstrating the ABS.)
My flight left Tulsa on Friday afternoon and I arrived safely in CA later that evening. There was a tiny snafu with my room (they didn't have me on the list???) but that was quickly settled. I hauled my jumbo suitcase (almost as large as I am) up to the room and was greeted with smiles and hugs from Debbie Olson and Lisa Strahl. After I got over my giddy idol worshiping - I realized they were two of the most genuine, down-to-earth, sweet gals.
(Our booth all set up and ready to go... before the bagpipers let the crowds in.)
During CHA it's up early for a quick breakfast before heading over to the show. Our booth seemed to always be buzzing with excitement, whether it was a group of people learning about Copics for the first time or a number of folks who just wanted to ooh and aahhh over the coloring demos by Debbie and Sherrie (I ooh-ed and aah-ed a lot too!)
(Sherrie demoing a coloring and blending technique.)
Talk, talk, talk is all it seems I did for 4 days straight! LOL By the end my voice was hoarse and I sounded like a elderly chain smoking guy, but that didn't stop anyone from wanting to stop by and listen.
I was able to sneak out of the booth for a bit and roam the show floor... it being my first time there and all. I didn't do the photo thing... sorry... I was sort of in awe of the whole thing and didn't think to unearth my camera from my bag. LOL
(I met TexasGrammy!!! Bev is the sweetest - we recognized each other at a dinner one night and both jumped up and hugged. She is as adorable in person as she is on-line.)
I met so many amazing people... from all walks of life. I was finally able to meet many of my "imaginary" friends from on-line... it was GREAT to finally meet them all in real life. I made contacts with a lot of manufacturers and even found a new (to me) product line or two (you'll see more about this in future blog posts.)
(OMG... I got to meet Kendra and Sankari - GORGEOUS girls... the lighting was bad so I B&W the photo.)
After the show each night it was off to dinner (and sometimes meetings). And even though we managed to get back to the room at a decent hour each night, sleep just somehow never seemed a priority as new friends chattered into the wee morning hours. We all decided sleep is over-rated and we would catch up on it when we got home.
(Fall colors were a hit in our booth with Marianne Walker, myself, Lori Craig and Nancy Zenke)
And now that I'm home... I'm catching up... on phone calls... on emails.... on classes... on the preparations for the move... and yes... I've even managed to sneak some ZZZZZZzzzzs in there too.
(A night out with friends! Nancy, Sherrie, Marianne, Jennie and myself...all very tired, but still smiling!)
Thanks for stopping by to visit! Come again soon. I'll have some sneak peeks, some exciting news, and some blog candy to celebrate with!
Colleen
Wonderful blog, wonderful markers! Take care, ~Diane