A couple of weeks ago I went to NAMTA (National Materials Trade Association Show in Pittsburgh, PA.  This was a new show for me and also was a new dynamic for me to be there not only as an Artist but this time as a retailer.  I have seen many facets of the arts & crafts industry so it was fun for me to go in a whole new capacity.  This was a smaller show than I was used to however that made it more approachable for me with the companies.

It was great to see all the new things and place orders.  I also had the pleasure of being there with DecoArt which made it fun as always….

Love to see my work at their booth and flyers!

One thing I have learned is we will have fun anywhere we go (Stacy & Tracy!) and Andy Skinner was the perfect partner in crime…..not only is he amazingly talented but so darn funny!

I had the pleasure of helping Andy in his workshop and am looking forward to his stencils from DecoArt….again so talented and fun….

Yet again I had an amazing time traveling and seeing all the sights, eating the local food, and just taking in this opportunity to do what I love.  (and I love seeing my friend Jaime Dougherty who lives in my own town but I see her more thousands of miles away!)

I met so many great people and was excited to come home and follow up with them.

You will realize that the secret to happiness and freedom is not about control or revenge, but in letting things unfold naturally, and learning from your experiences over the course of time.  After all, what matters most is not the first, but the final chapter of your life, which unveils the details of how well you wrote your story.