[tiza126]

I just want to publicly thank Ro, V, and all of the purple shirts for this year's convention. It completely surpassed any of my expectations. I feel very blessed that I had the opportunity to attend and meet everyone in person. The classes were great, the atmosphere was friendly and lively, and it truly felt like one huge family.

I think what shocked me the most was how instantly comfortable I felt, which is why I felt the need to post on the forum for everyone to see. I am usually a quiet and shy person. Yes, I know all of the convention attendees are probably laughing at that statement right now. But it's true. Even at my job, where I have worked for the last 3 years, I am still one of the quietest and least social employees. When I was asked to be one of the SG "Monkeys for a Day" I had my doubts and hesitations. Could I truly let myself go and be wild and crazy in front of a group of people I've only just met? But I agreed to be a part of the mischief. Even my mom couldn't believe I would do something like that.

Wednesday afternoon I arrived at the Guest House. I had the usual nerves and concerns that I'm sure many of us had: what will people think of me? Would they like the real me? What if I don't feel like I belong? Those thoughts lasted about 30 seconds. As more Scrap Girls started arriving in the lobby, there were hugs abound. As soon as I introduced myself as Tiza, I was greeted by huge smiles and more hugs. Everytime I turned around, someone else was there to welcome me and tell me how excited they were to meet me. In an instant, my reserved nature dissolved. And by the time Friday's monkey mischief rolled around, I was more than willing to put on a funny monkey hat and run around the Officer's Club making monkey noises.

This says a LOT about Scrap Girls. I have never before encountered a group where I felt instantly comfortable and welcomed. During this trip, I never had time to worry about what people thought about me. I never felt self-conscious for even a second. This was a totally new experience for me. It sounded cliche and too good to be true....but this truly is one big family.

So thank you, thank you, thank you to Ro, V, and all of the Purple Shirts. You are an amazing group of people.

I hope all Scrap Girls, whether they attended the convention or not, feel the same sense of welcome and belonging that I have come to realize these last few days. When one of the staff tells you that they are glad to have you here....they mean it. Scrap Girls are the best!!!

[SilverSwanMama]

Well said and so true!

[Silly]

This gave me goose bumps...beautifully stated! It was fun meeting you and seeing your "monkey" side.

[scrappinchar]

And what a great monkey you were!
It was so much fun meeting you and everyone else!

And I'll add my thanks to Ro and V and all the Purple Shirts. Such a great time!

[Crabcakes]

I too appreciate all the effort that went into the convention! I'm also shy, and remained pretty shy in SLC too! I am still not proficient at scrapping either. I loved seeing other's work and techniques though! Thanks everyone!

[Sara Arell]

I know I wasn't there in person really, but I want to say thank you to EVERYONE who so included me in their layouts with the picture of me that Silly so kindly took with her in her suitcase - everyone made me feel as if I were a part of everything and I have giggled and laughed and cried over the layouts - I cannot express how happy those layouts made me and to know that you were all thinking about me made me feel good all over. Scrap Girls is just the best and I love my SG friends - so thank you from the bottom of my little purple heart - you made my week!
Hugs and Giggles,
Sara

[MLLatscrapgirls]

I just want to say thank you also. I was so nervous about meeting so many people at once, and it was wonderful to be met right away and included immediately. It was fantastic to get a chance to meet some of the wonderful team that makes Scrapgirls the community that it was.

(Note to Sara: you will be pleased to know that in Anna's wonderful slide show of the convention that we saw at the very end - she is amazing - your photo featured as well!)

[Cropalot]

You couldn't have captured the mood better, Tiza. And we are very pleased to know and love you.

Everyone associated with Scrapgirls is a special person. I think Ro and gang are so sweet, they are magnets for 'nice' people.

And Sara, what do you mean, "I know I wasn't there"? I SAW you personally...numerous times! You even drove Sandi's car. I WAS there!

[Sara Arell]

MLLatscrapgirls, on 11 October 2009 - 06:15 PM, said:

I just want to say thank you also. I was so nervous about meeting so many people at once, and it was wonderful to be met right away and included immediately. It was fantastic to get a chance to meet some of the wonderful team that makes Scrapgirls the community that it was.

(Note to Sara: you will be pleased to know that in Anna's wonderful slide show of the convention that we saw at the very end - she is amazing - your photo featured as well!)

Oh, wow! That is awesome - that just tickles me to death! I love it - wish I could have seen it - thanks for telling me - you made me smile.

[Sara Arell]

Cropalot, on 11 October 2009 - 06:27 PM, said:

You couldn't have captured the mood better, Tiza. And we are very pleased to know and love you.

Everyone associated with Scrapgirls is a special person. I think Ro and gang are so sweet, they are magnets for 'nice' people.

And Sara, what do you mean, "I know I wasn't there"? I SAW you personally...numerous times! You even drove Sandi's car. I WAS there!

Well, I was certainly there in spirits and in my hearts and in many hearts of many friends - they were so kind to share it all with me. I am sooooo proud to be a Scrap Girl and be part of such wonderful and caring friends.

[ArizonaAngel]

I echo the thoughts of the others. I had a fabulous time in SLC and would do it again and again! I learned some new things and the best part (for me at least) was meeting all the SG Celebrities and all the SGs that I recognized from the MB. It really was like one big happy family and I'm so glad to be a part of it. Thanks Ro, V, and all the designers and team members!

[JoannB]

LOL! Theresa, seriously, you were awesome. Never would have thought you had a shy side. You made a FABULOUS Monkey, Dahling.

Fabulous!

*huge gynormous hugs* I absolutey LOVED getting to know you -- you are tons of fun! I'm so glad you were at convention, and that you let me talk you into being a Monkey for a day. It was awesome - you were awesome!

Just wait until the next convention... heh heh....

Hugs to you! SO glad you made it home -- enjoy your day off tomorrow!

Convention was truly fabulous.

[Witchie Pooh]

I would also like to thank Ro, V and all the SG’s staff for a wonderful time. It was so nice to feel so comfortable and welcome by everyone that was there. The classes were great and the purple shirts were the best. I was so happy that I got too attended this year and to spend time with such wonderful people. I loved playing BINGO and the BINGO announcer was so funny and made the game so much fun. I am looking forward to attending the event next year if I can. SG’s Rocks!!!!!

[BarbaraC1977]

ALL of us enjoyed that the convention attendees brought Sara along--we were all enjoying the ride vicariously. Sara and I had a great laugh over my husband coming in after the first day's giggles over this, and say, "Well, what's Sara doing today in SLC?" He had a great big grin on his face, too. It brought joy to MANY of us! Thank you, gracias, merci, doomo arigatoo gozaimasu, danke and thank you again!

[StephRN]

Tiza, thanks so much for posting this. I am not shy but I was so amazed by the generosity of all the SGs. Ro, V and the purple shirts are amazing.

You are an awesome monkey. I'm so glad you monkeyed it up with us. I hope that your shyness will never be an issue with us. You are so amazing. I'm so glad I have finally met you.

Hugs,

[chambray]

tiza126, on 11 October 2009 - 10:36 AM, said:

I just want to publicly thank Ro, V, and all of the purple shirts for this year's convention. It completely surpassed any of my expectations. I feel very blessed that I had the opportunity to attend and meet everyone in person. The classes were great, the atmosphere was friendly and lively, and it truly felt like one huge family.

I think what shocked me the most was how instantly comfortable I felt, which is why I felt the need to post on the forum for everyone to see. I am usually a quiet and shy person. Yes, I know all of the convention attendees are probably laughing at that statement right now. But it's true. Even at my job, where I have worked for the last 3 years, I am still one of the quietest and least social employees. When I was asked to be one of the SG "Monkeys for a Day" I had my doubts and hesitations. Could I truly let myself go and be wild and crazy in front of a group of people I've only just met? But I agreed to be a part of the mischief. Even my mom couldn't believe I would do something like that.

Wednesday afternoon I arrived at the Guest House. I had the usual nerves and concerns that I'm sure many of us had: what will people think of me? Would they like the real me? What if I don't feel like I belong? Those thoughts lasted about 30 seconds. As more Scrap Girls started arriving in the lobby, there were hugs abound. As soon as I introduced myself as Tiza, I was greeted by huge smiles and more hugs. Everytime I turned around, someone else was there to welcome me and tell me how excited they were to meet me. In an instant, my reserved nature dissolved. And by the time Friday's monkey mischief rolled around, I was more than willing to put on a funny monkey hat and run around the Officer's Club making monkey noises.

This says a LOT about Scrap Girls. I have never before encountered a group where I felt instantly comfortable and welcomed. During this trip, I never had time to worry about what people thought about me. I never felt self-conscious for even a second. This was a totally new experience for me. It sounded cliche and too good to be true....but this truly is one big family.

So thank you, thank you, thank you to Ro, V, and all of the Purple Shirts. You are an amazing group of people.

I hope all Scrap Girls, whether they attended the convention or not, feel the same sense of welcome and belonging that I have come to realize these last few days. When one of the staff tells you that they are glad to have you here....they mean it. Scrap Girls are the best!!!

Tiza,
Yes, I was laughing! What did I think of you? I thought you were adorable!!!

I'm SO glad to read this post, how very cool to know how you felt about our time together! It was an incredible experience, wasn't it?

[SandiC.]

Tears of joy running down my face as I read all these comments. Tiza, since I had met you before, I had no doubt at all that your sweet shyness would melt away in that room with everyone. You were an awesome monkey (we all have a little silly monkey buried deep in us somewhere). I was so glad you came. This experience is one that will help carry us all through the life challenges coming up until we can get together again. We have memories of the laughter and the love. We have that knowledge of being helped along with the great talents of the digi scrapping world and we met some of the most interesting, fun, loving people on the face of this earth. Ro, V and all the purple shirts are the best! Sometimes I think our scrapping is an analogy of life. As we strive to improve our skills to make our LOs, we, together in SG fashion, try to improve our lives. We support each other in good times and bad, we respect our differences as we celebrate together the things we have in common, we share our scrapping tips, and tips on child rearing, cooking, diet and exercise, homemaking, finances and just about anything else you can name. When someone is struggling we band together to hold that person up. When there is a celebration, we all celebrate. If someone is less than perfect, we overlook the shortcomings. I see this in the gallery, on the MB and in the chat room on a regular basis, but nowhere is it as strong as when we all come together in SLC. What a great experience. I just hope that the current situation resolves itself and we can do it again. Thank you SGs for the best time ever!

[princessrunningfingers]

Good morning SG's. Tiza, you did a wonderful job expressing the love and joy that we found in SLC. From the moment I walked in that door I felt all the love and caring that Scrap Girls are so famous for. I loved every minute of it, and am so grateful to Ro, V, and all the purple shirts for all the love and preparation that went into offering us this wonderful opportunity. Along with Sandi, I am hoping that the current situation will improve so that we can have Convention 2010. I talked my husband's ear off on the way home from the airport; just couldn't stop talking about all the wonderful things that happened all weekend.

[jjtex]

I also want to add my thank you to Ro, Paula, and all the Purple Shirts. It was a wonderful, informative convention. The location was perfect, the food was great, and best of all, the PEOPLE were fabulous. I learned so much through the convention classes and from fellow ScrapGirls. I want to give a special thank you to Penny and Kristy for offering me a ride from the airport to the Guest House. (Penny, you will be glad to know that the money I saved in transportation went directly into the boutique.)

[Zaz]

Tiza, while I'll believe that you're shy elsewhere since I can be as well (I know, hard to believe), I instantly felt like I'd known you forever when I saw you. Maybe that's because we've spent SO much time chatting already. I only wish we had had more time. You were not only an awesome monkey, you did a fabulous job on your monkey hat silhouette (I'll be watching for that one in the gallery). Now that baseball season is over for us, I suppose we'll have to scrap more. Oh, darn. Can't wait to see you again (SOON would be good).

[Zaz]

Sara Arell, on 11 October 2009 - 05:20 PM, said:

I know I wasn't there in person really, but I want to say thank you to EVERYONE who so included me in their layouts with the picture of me that Silly so kindly took with her in her suitcase - everyone made me feel as if I were a part of everything and I have giggled and laughed and cried over the layouts - I cannot express how happy those layouts made me and to know that you were all thinking about me made me feel good all over. Scrap Girls is just the best and I love my SG friends - so thank you from the bottom of my little purple heart - you made my week!
Hugs and Giggles,
Sara

Sara, I don't think there is a photo anywhere, but I wanted you to know that I gave you a hug. But I also wanted to tell you, as a friend, that I think you are a little too thin (you were like a stick!) and the next time I see you I expect you to get a bit of meat on those bones. I think you had more fun than anyone else on the trip. I giggled every time I saw what you were up to. Can't wait to see more layouts!

[angelaNussbaum]

JoannB, on 11 October 2009 - 09:43 PM, said:

LOL! Theresa, seriously, you were awesome. Never would have thought you had a shy side. You made a FABULOUS Monkey, Dahling.

Fabulous!

*huge gynormous hugs* I absolutey LOVED getting to know you -- you are tons of fun! I'm so glad you were at convention, and that you let me talk you into being a Monkey for a day. It was awesome - you were awesome!

Just wait until the next convention... heh heh....

Hugs to you! SO glad you made it home -- enjoy your day off tomorrow!

Convention was truly fabulous.

next one? what? oh dear.... i better get planning, how will i top this years mischief??????

[SandiC.]

Angela, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something.

[photoGirl]

I also would like to throw in my thanks to all the purple shirts and Ro for putting on such a fabulous event. I loved meeting everyone, and the classes were great and were taylored to fit everyone and their experience levels...

[brandiev]

I think of the convention as a little Scrap Girls blanket, where we are surrounded by warmth and love. It was truly a special time, thank you to all of you who came.

[tiza126]

scrappin, on 12 October 2009 - 10:09 AM, said:

Angela, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something.

I'm sure she will!

[Brandy M]

Tiza ..You expressed yourself so well that all I could do was just sit here and nod to myself. You are such a delight & always meeting someone with a warm smile. We are blessed to have you a part of our SG family.

[tiza126]

brandiev, on 12 October 2009 - 10:18 AM, said:

I think of the convention as a little Scrap Girls blanket, where we are surrounded by warmth and love. It was truly a special time, thank you to all of you who came.

A Scrap Girls blanket...that's a good way to describe it!

[princessrunningfingers]

brandiev, on 12 October 2009 - 10:18 AM, said:

I think of the convention as a little Scrap Girls blanket, where we are surrounded by warmth and love. It was truly a special time, thank you to all of you who came.

Amen about the SG blanket. That is a perfect way to describe it.

[varanda]

It was a blanket! A warm blanket of love and laughter, good times, joy and a deep connection. Thanks to everyone who attended, the weave of our blanket would not have been as strong without you.