Oh what a ride its been, these past few weeks. I think I'm finally recovered and am refreshed and ready to rejoin the blogging world. If you will indulge me with a few pics (OK, more than a few) and a few thank you's. And let me tell ya how PC went. Be forewarned, photo heavy.
This years, Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat, was amazing. In the past, Tee and I often looked at each other with awe after each successful PC. Pinching ourselves in unbelief that we had done it. Well, we would have been awe struck and slack jawed after this one, I'm telling ya. (I'm stealing PC pics, as I forgot to take any of my own. Duh.)
This, by far, was the best PC evah! The third time, truly was the charm.
But let me give credit where credit is due. I merely put the elements together. It is the people them selves that made Paper Cowgirl the fantastic event that it truly was this year.
Sponsors! I'm so grateful to our sponsors! (Check out the roll to the right on the PC). Over 70 goodie bags awaited the ladies as they arrived for our Meet and Greet. Thanks to our sponsors generosity, these bags were filled to the brim with supplies and hand made goods. And giveaways in each class. And many thanks to Cindy Burch at The Dove's Nest for the food and space for our first night get together.
Support! I was blessed to have Tee's daughter Nicole, join us for a few days. (She is on the left). That's me talking with my hands on the right. To have her here, sharing in this event, was having a little part of Tee in the room with us. But Nicole is delightful in her own way as well, and what a joy it was to spend time with this lovely, young lady.
Nicole and her Dad, Will both attended the Meet and Greet, much to all of our delight. It was so great to have them there to be a part of it all and to see exactly what Tee created. Without Tee, Paper Cowgirl would not exist.
The Teachers! I've said many times, over the past week, on other blogs, that our teacher's have been our backbone. Their talent and creativity never ceases to amaze me. I know they are talented, that's why I picked em. LOL. But seeing their classes "in action", seeing the projects in real life, truly is inspiring.
The class room set ups are just beautiful, each place setting lovingly created.
Attention given to even the smallest details.
This class room set up, by Joanna , had an calming, Zen-like feel to it and was just beautiful.
Class kits craftily displayed. One student told me that the event was like having her birthday each day.
After looking at pics and descriptions for several months, of each project, nothing compares to seeing the details in real life. The smallest details in Jenn's banner, were breath taking. Making the overall project equally wonderful and beautiful. Yes, my teachers are the backbone of Paper Cowgirl and I thank each and everyone of you for your generosity of spirit, in both teaching ability and supplies.
And if they are the backbone, well, attendees are the lifeblood.
Students! Seeing attendee names, over and over for several months, its so much fun to finally put a name with a face. But I have to do the whole name, first and last, lol, and then its so great to make that connection, hug a neck and welcome them properly.
To hear the squeals of delight as old friendships are renewed, bloggers meet other bloggers for the first time, laughter ringing in the air, is part of the joy, for me. Our students are the lifeblood and for them to spend their hard-earned money AND travel (many, a huge distance) to take part in this event, well, I'm truly honored. And I thank each of you for doing so.
And the swaps that you gals put together. Ohmygosh. Such pieces of artwork. (Susan displays her pill box hat above).
The ladies did the bulk of their swaps on Meet and Greet night. Let me tell you,
these were nothing short of fantastic and again, I'm sorry I did not
take my own pics. Truly, some wonderfully, creative goodies going on
here.
Cami shows off her fabulous Rodeo Cowgirl sash.
Below you can see the layouts for each group, I know there was a Rodeo Sash and a Hat swap and a paper Horse and paper Cowgirl swap as well. Not sure what else, as I tend to not be involved in those, but I can attest, the results were amazing.
(Click on for a closer look).
Susan and (teacher) Ann-Denise showing off their beautiful swaps.
But, come on, let me show you a look at the classes.
The synergy between teacher and student creates an overflow of creativity that effects both. Teaching someone else to create, refreshes the teacher, as well as teaching the student.
For those newbies that have never so much as picked up a glue stick, their enthusiasm is catching.
And adding a technique to two to an existing art resume is always a good thing.
And its the sharing. Kindred spirits bonding in the task of creating, a tangible piece of something, this enthusiasm fills the air and the soul. (Above, teacher Angela, helps student Carol). 
And renews the spirit of each gal that is there. This makes for a truly unforgettable few days.
And there is so much more. Our get together at Catfish Plantation (restaurant), I can't remember when I've laughed louder and had more fun. Be it the ghostly spoon experience or the hot waiter experience, I'll never tell. What happens in 'Hachie, stays in 'Hachie. LOL. But lemme tell ya, it was fun. Vendor night, ohmygosh, such wonderful wares (and Cheap!) I thank each Vendor for the time and effort to display such gorgeous, professional displays. Truly the night was yours! Thanks to all for your participation.
Camaraderie and laughter and sharing. It all made this year's Paper Cowgirl a "sweet" experience from beginning to end.
And one more thank you, Sweet Hub (aka Cowboy, or Mr. Yapping Cat), without your unending support, your logic in the midst of creative insanity, your computer know-how, your patience for fast food, rather than a home cooked meal, your giving of your time and self for Tee's and mine, crazy idea, I thank you from the tip of my toes, to the top of my head. Truly, you are the man behind the woman. I thank you love.
So, to all the sponsors, teachers, students, friends and Sweet Hub, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Those few days were work, but an enrichment of my spirit as well. What a joy. And I thank each of you for your participation and making this event happen. I could not have done it alone.
See, I told ya, Kumbaya, baby, Kumbaya. I've already started on next years event! ;)
-c
