Back in 2005 I applied to be an a muse instructor. I had never done anything like that before. I had never been on a design team and had only taught card classes at the stores I worked at. I never realized at the time that I would make some amazing friendships. The above pictures are from the last training session we had in Seattle in 2009 and I am happy to say that most of the girls pictured above, and then some were at the March Loft Art Retreat.
I think I am still letting it all sink in.
States/Countries represented above: California, Alaska, Victoria BC, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Cheiron and Liz live near me so I am lucky to get to hang out with them frequently. Lyndsay and I went on an awesome vacation together back in 2009 but I haven’t seen her in person since. Donna and I just happened to be in Portland Oregon together last fall so we had a quick chat and more importantly an in person hug! Dawn surprised me last spring at the Loft Art Retreat AND I got to see her again at the Simon Says Stamp Create event in May. Jill, Tracy, Glenda and Sherry I haven’t seen since 2009.
Whats awesome though is these are lasting friendships that have been created and these girls have been there for me when I have needed them- even if they do live all over North America.
Oh a whim Jill mentioned that if the Loft Art Retreat happened to fall on her Spring Vacation she “might” be able to come. It just so happened that that worked in our schedule- so the date was set. Then before I knew it more and more girls were able to come… flights were booked, hotel rooms reserved. AHMAZING!!
The weekend was a whirlwind. Between teaching/hosting the Loft Art Retreat both Saturday and Sunday and wanting to spend as much time as possible with the girls while they were in town. We met Saturday night at G Pub in downtown Providence for some dinner and more importantly in person HUGS!! It was surreal!
We picked up just where we left off- chatting, catching up, laughing- it was the best. They all attended the retreat on Sunday. These girls are some wicked crafty girls so it was fun for me to teach them some new things and get them out of their comfort zone. Watercoloring was definitely a new adventure for most of them. I am happy to report that they have all gone home and are watercoloring up a storm! I love it!
New England weather lived up to its reputation and gave the California girls some white stuff. Jill tried to steal some of my beachy stamps.. luckily I had the stamp detector at the door 🙂 We also got to pose in front of the “j” wall.
Sunday after the Loft Art Retreat we went down the street to Siena for an amazing dinner. It was perfect, we had our own private room so we could be loud and silly 😉 The guys met us for this as well (this is where we determined how short Chris is 😉 )
Told you there was silliness 🙂 Never leave your phone unattended ha! Then I realized as girls were saying goodbye… this was it. They were all flying home. I got pretty sad about this. Thankful for technology so we can stay in touch, but nothing really replaces an in person hug.
Donna said it best ” We were once amusing and now we are amazing”
The next day I met up with Jill, Glenda, Cheiron, Karl and Liz we did a little bit of shopping at Garden City and then a nice lunch at Chapel Grille. Just trying to soak in the last bit of time I had with these girls. For awhile anyways…
I am so thankful. So thankful that all of these girls (and guys too) found time in their busy schedules to come visit me 🙂 It was so awesome to spend time together and I will cherish this weekend for a very long time!
Love ya crafty girls!!
Love this so much. I’m so glad they were able to all come. Sounds like it was an amazing time and love how friendships are formed and continue on. Sign of a true friend when you haven’t seen them in years, but pick up where you left off. Glad you got to have some girlfriend time.
Reunions are the best! You should plan to have one every year and round-robin the location. Such friends are a wonderful gift! Love ya, Jen—
Completely tearing up over this lovely post. What a treasured snapshot of a wonderful and long overdue reunion. I am so grateful for you, sweet Jenn, and all of the girls, for continuing this community of amazing women. We were joined together by our love of “crafty”, but most importantly, forever joined by a lovely friendship. Has it really been 6 years? Personally, this was some desperately needed “fun” time. Not only was spending quality time with such a wicked amazing group of women sooooooo needed, it was such a joy to craft for a whole day and just enjoy the process (all the “thinking” and prep were done for me). Your Loft Art repeats are SO FABULOUS – wish it didn’t cost a continental journey to enjoy. Love you bunches!!!
No words can describe the love! ❤️
That is such a lovely story–and even tho I couldn’t be there at LoftArt, it just warmed my heart to see all you girls together once again… Yes, Donna nailed it: You are AMAZING!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️