Coopers and Cornfields

We left Bloomington yesterday and set out for the next workshop—Karen Cooper’s. Karen had said she lives out in the middle of farming country, and as we drove, I began to understand exactly what she meant. We drove through miles and miles of Chocolate Chip, not-yet-planted cornfields, broken up occasionally by a tidy farmhouse, nestled amid a few trees and surrounded (sometimes) by a white picket fence. It was Americana like I have never imagined, and it set a wonderful tone for the day. We sensed we were going to be meeting hardworking people who lived a simple life to the fullest. . . .

Before heading to Karen’s, we checked into the White House, a charming bed and breakfast a few miles from her home. We’ve spent most of our time in larger chain hotels, so this was a nice change of pace. I did have to borrow a hair dryer from the owner (I didn’t even think to pack one!), and we tiptoed around a little more quietly than we would in a hotel, but it was fun to chat with the other guests at breakfast and experience the personal service you get at a good B&B.

After settling in, we headed for Karen’s. We overshot her home a little, stopping first at what turned out to be the house next door (really down the road a bit), which was the office of the family’s farming and trucking company. Gary (Karen’s husband) pointed us in the right direction and told us he’d have to tease Karen because, after all the suspense and excitement, he got to meet us first!

When we finally arrived, we were greeted with warmth, love, and excitement. Most of Karen’s nine girls were just heading out on a field trip (Karen homeschools them, which was a wonderful topic of discussion for us, since I homeschooled my girls as well), so I got to meet them before they left. Shortly after that, the group meeting began—Karen’s first ever! Her upline drove down from Wisconsin, and they put together a wonderful experience (treats, Make & Takes, stories, photos, etc.) for the 25-plus demonstrators there. Demonstrators had driven from all over (Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, etc.) to come, and it was delightful to meet them.

After the group meeting, Sara and I enjoyed an absolutely priceless dinner with Karen, Gary, and one of their older daughters, who works in the family office. We had rib-eye steak (from a cow they raised themselves), a tasty salad I’ve never had, and—of course—home-grown corn! Simple but so delicious! And the company was even more enjoyable than the food. (Did you know there were several different varieties of corn? Sara and I do now!)

Guests started arriving before 6:30, and we had a fabulous workshop! We laughed until we cried a couple of times, and thoroughly enjoyed stamping and fun and conversation with people who you just sensed were genuine and decent. Karen got five bookings (woo hoo!) and decent sales (I think).

The guests enjoyed the projects (we are still featuring the April Two-Step into Spring promotion) and an evening of fun with friends!

And I loved being there! Growing up, my dad taught us to work hard and play hard, and that’s one of the things I believe in—I could tell last night that I was with people who understood and shared that philosophy! I had to duck in the bathroom at one point and wipe my eyes because I was so touched by the spirit of warmth and generosity I felt from Karen, her family, and the people who came to her home. What an honor to be there!

And that’s what I love so much about workshops—not just these Workshops of a Lifetime, but any workshop—the opportunity to enter someone’s home, get to know them on a very personal level, and connect in a way that doesn’t happen anywhere else. I will never forget Karen Cooper and her family—or any of the other demonstrators who have achieved a Workshop of a Lifetime—because they have welcomed me into their lives in a very personal way.

Comments

[Lori B]

Shelli,
It was a privilege to be able to attend Karen's first ever group meeting. Thank you for sacrificing so much of your time to share with all of us. Without question, the highlight was having both you and Sara attend, but I was equally struck by seeing the delight Karen experienced having her "stamping sisters" in her home. It was so special getting to know more of our extended "family" in Indiana. Certainly, a beautiful spring day was enhanced by seeing good friends again and meeting new friends for the first time. The few hundred miles between her home and ours in Wisconsin seemed to fly by as we reminisced about our whirlwind adventure all the way home last night. Wishing you safe travel on the rest of your "Workshop" journeys!

[Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek]

Well, I told Karen it would have to be something really special for me to come all the way down to Indiana to throw a group meeting for her--little did I know how very special that first meeting was going to be! I agree with Lori--one of the very best parts for me was just seeing Karen experience a demo gathering. Although I have no idea how we'll top this one!
And getting to watch my ladies experience YOU, Shelli, and your lovely daughter, was just priceless for me. I kept wanting to say, "see, I TOLD you she was this cool!" : ) Can't wait to introduce my mom to you in a week on the cruise. Stampin' Up is full of awesome people, but it is led by an extraordinary woman. Praying for continued health, safety and strength as you travel, and for sweet memories from those precious and rare alone times with your family members who are joining you on the journey.

[Karen Cooper]

What an awesome day I had! Thank you, Shelli, for making this great sacrifice of your time, energy, family life, and everything else these workshops entail. All of us winners and demos that have been able to attend team meetings with you appreciate it so much! I bought the Once Upon a Time stamp set in anticipation of using it in my scrapbook when I document this great event, and how appropriate it really is. Fairy tales really do come true! I said it to you at least once that day, "I can't believe you're really here!", and I thought it many more times than that. Thank you, Shelli and Sara for a wonderful day!!!!

[Staci Miserlian]

Thank you to Karen & Shelli & Sara for what was a WONDERFUL experience all around! I so enjoyed meeting Karen & her daughters. (Such poised & delightful young women they all are!) I loved being a guest in Karen's home and having time to interact with Shelli was just priceless. I can't wait to see all of the photos, but even without them, I will hold precious memories of this event in my heart forever.
Safe travels to all of your other Workshops! I love the black/gray flower card!!

[Kandi Williams]

As dorky as it sounds, I'm just brought to tears reading this! I was one of the fortunate demos to be in Karen's group and able to attend the meeting. It was amazing and I think I still can't quite wrap my head around it all. I was the only one driving north from KY and it's a gorgeous drive! Karen and her family were so gracious and welcoming. I'm quite grateful to the farm families that still exist in our country. Staci said it was like being in a classroom with you as the teacher and I have to wholeheartedly agree. It was such an incredible experience. Just sitting and chatting with you, Sara and all the other demos was so relaxed and fun - I could have stayed for days ;) Thanks again to everyone who made the day possible.

[Catherine Harwood]

This is just the most gracious, down to earth posting yet about one of these inspiring workshops. To hear such words from a CEO about her love for the people who make her company possible is just amazing. I also teared up reading this and the comments so far. You are amazing -- and could never go on that new show Undercover CEO I guess!!! We'd all see you coming and scream with delight. Thank you for giving your time to this remarkable journey that we all share in through your blog.

[connie davis]

What a fascinating post, Shelli! I always look forward to reading what you have to say about each of your Workshops of a Lifetime events. I'm sure this has been quite the experience. I was so tickled to read that you homeschooled your girls. We, too, homeschool and I always enjoy hearing that others do or have before. It would be interesting to read about that sometime (hint hint!). Have a blessed day and thanks so much for sharing!

[SHH]

I was also going to request a future - when you have some time - tidbit on your homeschool experience. I imagine it was a true balancing act, as that must have been in the beginning days of your business. I am amazed at all you are able to do. God has surely blessed you with a gift that you are able to share with so many people. What a blessing in our lives!

[Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek]

Yes, YAY for homeschool moms!!! I'm so grateful my parents made that huge sacrifice and investment in my life. All you homeschool moms out there get a big hug from me--keep up the good work! Don't get discouraged--it IS worth it and your kids WILL thank you one day, if they don't realize now how lucky they are.

[Angie Stika]

WOW! Thank you Shelli for starting this discussion. I am so glad that you enjoyed your experience with farm life. I was raised on a farm and we are now raising our children on a farm. Although it is hard work, it is so worth it in the end. When my husband was asked why we farm when we don't make any money, he very quickly replied, "There is just something about putting the seed in the ground, then watching God's hands at work as it grows."
I quit teaching 12 years ago when I became a demonstrator. Soon after I began homeschooling my children. Unfortunately, I am in a very low income area and people are not wanting to buy stamps. They love it and never say a negative thing, they just don't have the money to spend. So last summer, I had to get a job at night. I homeschool during the day and work at night. My point is, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me that homeschooling my children is the right thing to do. We are one of two homeschooling families in a 30+ mile radius. So no one is supportive of homeschoolers.
A BIG plus before I go, I have a workshop (my monthly get together with a few ladies) this Saturday and I have two new people coming. I am so excited!! I just wish now that I would have ordered the new Awash with Flowers. I wasn't expecting new ones until yesterday. One is driving over 60 miles to come. I really want to make a big impression.
Thanks for listening and most of all thank you for your comments ladies!!

[Joy Willinger]

Whenever I've done workshops, one of the things that stays with me is how much fun we always have. Of course the stamping and creating part is fun, but the rest of the experience is amazing. I don't know if its just that stampers are really fun people, or if playing with the SU products brings out the fun in us.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories with us. I only wish I could have been at one of these workshops....maybe next time!

[Aimee Sayers]

What a kind and gracious lady you are, Shelli! Thank you for giving Karen (my sister) the thrill of a lifetime and sacrificing your time and energy to do so. Thanks to you too, Sara, for giving up all of those days with your own young family to be a part of it. My hat is off to both of you!