CHA 2013 - Part 2

Several years ago, I was able to go to Ali Edwards' book signing at my local scrapbook store. My sister went with me and I am not sure what happened, but the moment I saw Ali, I hid behind a rack and couldn't come out. It was crazy, I know, but I totally got star struck. It wasn't like I thought she was anything more than a person, but it was almost like stage fright when I thought of going up to talk to her. Of course my sister had never seen me like this and thought I had gone nuts! She had to take my book and go and have her sign it for me, all the while rolling her eyes.

I am not naturally an outgoing person. In fact, I use to be quite shy until you got to know me, then I wouldn't shut up. ;) But, as I got older, God really placed it on my heart to get out of my comfort zone. You see, you can't love people (or show them God's love) if you are hiding under a rock (or in my case behind a sticker rack). So, I promised myself that while I was at CHA I would not turn into freaky-shy-girl.

I am glad to announce I didn't turn into freaky-shy girl because if I had, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet and talk to some of my FAVORITE artists and designers. In fact, the first person I got to meet (but didn't get a photo with) was Ali Edwards. This time I actually talked to her, shook her hand, and I have to say she is one of the sweetest people (plus she is an Oregonian and what could be better than that?!). Maggie did get a photo of Ali while she was in our booth so I will share hers.

Here are some of my favorite photos that I did get... 

Christy Tomlinson; Scarlet Lime and Pink Paislee

Elizabeth Kartchner; Dear Lizzy and American Crafts

Maggie Holmes; Maggie Holmes Design, Crate Paper

Amy Tan; Amy Tangerine, American Crafts

Dina Wakley

Ronda Palazzari

Tim Holtz

There are special stories behind each one of these photos, but I will save the stories for later. ;)

Create Often: Be bold. Be courageous.

Heidi Swapp - Dreams Come True

Can't help it... the excitement of this week has just hit me like a ton of bricks. I am sure it is the pregnancy hormones, but I get teary-eyed just thinking about meeting these girls on Friday night in Anaheim, California for CHA. I am just praying I don't humiliate myself by becoming extremely weepy or something.

It's nice to know that Elizabeth is now showing as she is farther along than I am and all her photos on her blog have her looking as thin as ever. It is the one blog both my husband and I love to read. Mostly because she and Collin are so funny (plus her designs ROCK). But, my husband keeps looking at her going, "When is she due?!" lol

Seriously, can't believe that I am only 15 weeks. Good thing is that I have only gained five pounds. Crazy how every pregnancy is different... although, I remember being pretty huge last time and I pretty much gave birth to a toddler.

I will be updating often this week and next on Instagram from CHA. If you want to follow along too, go to @createoften!

Create Well: Dreams do come true. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4