Stamping on the River's Edge

I’ve said it before, and I’m certain I’ll say it about every one—this Workshop of a Lifetime was fabulous! Heading out, Sara and I were a little nervous. They hadn't found our luggage yet, so we were still wearing our travel clothes and hats to cover our hair, with a lot of prep work (which we had planned to do in the hotel, but couldn’t because our cutters and scissors were in our suitcases) still to do.

After we drove for about an hour, we entered L’Orignal and immediately felt reassured. The town is charming. And Kim’s gorgeous house, which sits on the river’s edge, was even more welcoming.

And then we met Kim, who was incredibly gracious and unselfish, the perfect hostess. She’d heard about the luggage mishap, had all the supplies we needed ready and waiting, and immediately put us at ease.

Although her guests arrived before we were completely ready, they were equally gracious as they waited patiently, and we all chatted and laughed about the challenges we’d encountered in our travels.

The actual workshop itself went off without a hitch (how could it not in such an incredible stamping room!), and the guests enjoyed making the Make & Takes. I think Kim got three bookings; I’m not sure about sales because Kim didn’t close it last night. And Sara and I could have listened to everyone talk in French (all the guests were bilingual and slipped back and forth between both languages) all night long—it’s a beautiful language!

Between the workshop and her demonstrator event, we ate dinner. Kim’s husband came home early from work (the first time he’s done that, she said) and served us a delicious dinner! Her darling girls were there as well—a simply adorable family!

More than 140 demonstrators attended Kim’s demonstrator event; we kept busy with picture taking and chatting, and it was also a wonderful experience. Kim had displays, four Make & Takes, and plenty of action. I think she signed up three recruits too! You can tell that Kim takes this business seriously, is very detail-oriented, and loves both her customers and fellow demonstrators. And they love her back!

We were sad to leave Kim and L’Orignal behind us when the evening was over. But when we arrived at the hotel and found our lost luggage sitting in our hotel room, we brightened right up! Sara did the happy dance (I wish I’d had the camera!), and we had a shower and put on CLEAN clothes for the first time in two days!  Woo hoo!

Comments

[Roxane]

Yay!!! So happy you girls got your luggage! For the record, you looked great with your hats. Always so stylish :)
Thank you for spending a wonderful evening with us. I am sure that I speak for all the demonstrators who attended when I say that it will truly be a moment that we will remember and treasure for always! *HUGS*

[Jennifer DiMarco]

Shelli!
So glad you had a wonderful time with Kim, her adorable family and downline too. I'm even more pleased that she opened it up to her sister sidelines (such as myself) last night so we could come and visit with you in a more personable setting! You and Sara looked fantastic as always in your cute hats (despite your luggage mishap)! As always thanks for your words of wisdom and wonderful stories...we will never tire of hearing how Stampin' Up! came to be and your visions for the future.
Have a safe trip to Toronto!

Jen DiMarco

P.S. Thanks for answering my silly question about your fantastic, contagious, photogenic, joyful smile =)

[Debbie]

Thanks to you both Shelli and Sarah, it was an amazing evening. We are so blessed that Kim allowed us to be part of her special day. For me it was exciting to attend with my daughter Roxane and see how you and your daughter interact. Proud to be part of the Stampin Up family. Hope you enjoy your time in Canada ;)

[Ronda Wade]

I know what kind of woman Kim is, and I am so glad you got to meet her. She truly exemplifies the statement of the heart, and is such a blessing to this company. I loved hearing about it, and thanks for sharing!!
Love,
Ronda

[Monica]

I'm so glad your luggage came, Shelli and Sara. It was so great to meet you both last night. I consider myself very lucky that Kim opened up her heart and her win to her fellow sidelines. It truly was an evening of a lifetime and I enjoyed every single minute! I'm so glad I joined this wonderful company 2 years ago.

[Kim Assaly]

Hi Shelli thank you again for the wonderful day yesterday. I am on cloud nine today! I walked in my stamp room this morning and it felt different! The memories from yesterday's event, I will treasure forever. The best part was to see the reaction of all the demonstrators during the evening event. It was my gift to them and I am so happy to have given them this opportunity. I am blessed to have met you and Sara and will cherish your friendship forever. My husband has been very supportive since the first day I became a demonstrator. But he also commented and realized how wonderful you are and the many demonstrators that he has met. He also understands why I do this and why I love it so much. The positive energy in the hall yesterday was contagious and I am grateful for this opportunity.
By the way, when I got home at 10ish my girls woke up and said where is Shelli and Sara? They added, I thought they were going to sleep over? (laugh...)
I am so glad you have your luggage, have a safe trip back home and I will see you in a month on the cruise...

[Mickey Roberts]

Great projects, Shelli! They go right in line with your new challenge!

[jamie]

Nice cards! How did you make the fleur-de-lis cut out?

[Markey]

Sounds like an inspiring time, though now people will probably tease me a bit less about the way I pack. Leadership + Pnx Regional and not flying out until Monday I carry everything with me, with supplies and clothes to spare!

I am glad for the people who worked hard and earned these workshops, and appreciate all the things you share with us from the events.

Safe Journeys through life are good, but a few bumps along the way add to the excitement!

Best to you in all you do!
Markey

More thoughts at my blog,
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/markey/blog

[Markey]

Shelli, or ladies who attended the workshop,

Did you use a decore element as a resist on the card with the fleur de lis that has text inside of it; along with white craft ink to cover the page with text?

Thank you in advance,
Markey

[Lisa Davis]

Those cards are really cool and I am happy that they found your luggage and returned it to you!
Lisa

[Staci Miserlian]

Lucky you, you look adorable in a hat. :) Glad things went more smoothly after the rocky start. Sounds like a great visit.

[Cindy Major]

So glad to be reading all about it on your blog! Kim is the best - she's been one of my Convention/Leadership buddies for the last few years and I've really enjoyed getting to know her. She's super nice, driven and so organized. I was not surprised to read all of the rave reviews she got from the other demos who attended the event yesterday.

I wish I could have been there! I tried to take time off of work to drive to L'Orignal, but I was needed at the office. Would have loved to attend, though!

I was going to ask if some of the guests were francophones (French speakers), and now I see some of them were! I'm so sorry to hear about the luggage incident. I remember at the Quebec City Regionals that Shannon and Carrie had also the misfortune of not getting their luggage on time. Did you guys transit in Chicago, by any chance? I did when my luggage got delayed to SLC for Convention. I remember not feeling too snazzy the first day, either!

I hope you enjoyed your day at Kim's and that it made Sara and you want to attend the next Canadian Regionals... *wink*

Cindy
xox

[Valerie]

Ahhh you are in my neck of the woods (or not too far anyway), I hope you enjoy your time here in Eastern Ontario, bienvenue!

[Karine]

Dear Shelli and Sara,

Thanks so much for spending the evening with us! It was a wonderful time and wonderful to hear your inspiring words. I have to echo some of the other comments about Kim - she truly does exemplify the statement of the heart (thanks, Kim!). It's so wonderful to be part of the Stampin' Up! family!!

May your luggage stay with you during the rest of your workshop of a lifetime travels! ;)

[Michelle Sturgeon]

It was a fabulous evening! Kim can throw a party! Have fun in Toronto.
Michelle

[Ann Corley]

LOVE these cards!

[Liam P]

Oh wow the samples look fantastic. Love them both. It looked like you used stencils for the two cards which we don't have the pleasure of having here in Australia but love what you achieved using them. I am so happy for you that the luggage turned up it must have been a relief. I hope you don't have too many more travelling dramas I hope the rest of your travels are smooth sailing.

Liam

[Lisa Martin]

The cards are beautiful and sounds like you had the best time, making the most of your experiences! Even though lost luggage can be a real pain, you guys coped remarkably well! I like your hats actually - very grovvy! Blessings to you and Sara - you are truly doing a beautiful thing!

[Karen]

Hi Shelli,
thanks for this great post! It's fun to see the pictures and hear about that night from your point of view. From my point of view it was a wonderful night and one I'll never forget. It's very important to live by my values and I really love how being a Stampin' Up demonstrator allows me to do that. It's a company that cares about its business and also its demonstrators, and you personify those values. Your warmth and sincerity really made an impression on me last night. It confirmed my impressions that this is not a case of 'cult of personality'. You really mean what you say, and you live it too.
I send a big thanks to you and Sara for giving up your family and work time to do the Workshop of a Lifetime tour. It was a thrill to meet you both.
And I'm so glad to hear your luggage turned up!

[Claudine]

Well Kim, it's already over. The event that you have prepared so hard for and looked forward to so anxiously has come and gone in a heartbeat. There is no doubt in my mind that it will stay with you forever because of it's success and the reflexion of who you truly are: organised, successfull and positive. I know Shelli and Sara will remember you because of all that you do and also because of all that you are (and not because they lost their luggage!!! LOL!!)

Be proud!

Looking forward to sharing your next great moment because I know there will be.

It was an honor for me to meet two successfull business women like Shelli and Sara. You are a true inspiration for us.

XOXO

[mary]

Love the hats.... you guys are real troopers!

[Melissa]

What fabulous make-n-takes. I'm so glad to hear you are both safe and that your luggage caught up with you.

[Suzanne]

I'm SO glad ya'll got your luggage! A traveling tip my aunt taught me - always pack a COMPLETE set of clothes in your carry on! That way, when this happens, you have clean clothes to put on.... I LOVE reading about the Workshops of a Lifetime! I'd love another chance to win one :)

[Sonia from France - Normandy]

Shelli,
if one day you have the opportunity to come to France and especially in Normandy, adored me welcome you to a workshop with my godchildren Stampin'Up ...
Regards

Sonia French demo