Recovered, refreshed and ready to Roll

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

Comments

[Grace]

Aww it sounds wonderful! So glad you and everyone had a wonderful time. Hopefully next year I will come....there will be a next year? lol Hugs Grace

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

Cindy,

Thank you for the shout out! Your post is beautiful, I love your words. But truth be told, it was YOU, chica. :)

We couldn't have done this without you! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for putting this together. For all the months of hard work, for listening to all of us... good, bad, & indifferent. Thanks for having the vision & putting it into action.

Looking forward to next year.

hugs, Joanna

[Ann-Denise]

Hot Darn....That's was one great time and next year will be even better!!!Yee Haw!!!
XOXO,AD

[Jan Armentrout]

As a newbie to PC this year all I can say is that I was totally gobsmacked by the event! It was so much more than I expected it to be. You surrounded yourself with a wonderful bunch of helpful women Cindy...and together y'all hosted a truly wonderful experience!

just me...sayin' I can't wait for next year...jan

[[email protected]]

Cindy,
I'm so glad you are back!! It brought tears to my eyes to see Tee's daughter and hear how her husband came to support you. I so wish I could have been there. Maybe next year!
xoxo
lynn

[candy]

Great cap of the happenings but anyone that was there knows this is a peep show to wet the whistle.
It was an event to experience and next year I hope to be on board from the beginning.
You did good gurl!

[kathy]

Good to have you back and see all the goodness -- It is evident you put your heart into everything -- and so good to see your freinds Daughter -- HUgz -- KAthy-ga ♥

[Maija Lepore]

It looks like it was a totaly successful and FABULOUS event!!!!! Congrats!!!

[Wanda Clark]

I'm so excited for you. It looked great. I'm so glad Tee's family could be there for even a small part of it. You are marvelous and keep up the good work. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the next one. :)

[Elizabeth]

Cindy, I can't possibly thank you enough for the weekend. The gathering of so many talanted, wonderful ladies is so very special. See you next year, Elizabeth

[Kim]

It looks like such a blast! What a fun way to spend a weekend. I'd love to attend sometime.

[Jessica Dougherty]

Looks like a terrific time was had by all! I really hope to attend next year. :) Jessica

[Angela]

Cindy, you really stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun with a fantastic event. Thank you for including me in this year's retreat. It was a blast and a total joy to be there and see all the smiling faces and good times! ~ Angela

[terri bush]

You did an awesome job and the teachers were terrific! I am just going through all my swaps and reliving PC and loving it all over again. Thanks

[Beth Leintz]

Paper Cowgirl is for sure on my bucket list- hopefully next year.

[Robin]

Wish I could have been there! I heard it was a huge success and I'm sure you put your heart and soul into the event Cindy. It was also awesome that Tee's daughter and husband were there, I'm sure Tee was smiling down on the entire PC retreat.

[Jennifer Stewart]

Cindy,
It was absolutely spectacular in every single way. All of the details were handled so beautifully and so many little special touches made it a weekend I won't soon forget. I was honored to be one of your chosen teachers and honestly felt a little overwhelmed at the incredible talent that surrounded me. You and Tina created something very unique and special and I know she would be so proud to see you carrying on in true Texas girl style. Thank you for including me...love you!

[Susie Moore]

Paper Cowgirl was a total eye-opener for me. I was in AWE of the way the teachers put together the classes and who knew vintage could be so wonderful?

I am hooked, hooked HOOKED on PC.

[Cami @ Creating Myself]

Well, you know I had a lotta fun! ;o) You & Tina truly have created the best little art retreat in Texas. Hope you're ready for all the wanna-be cowgirls... I have a feeling that PC is gonna be BIG, BIG, BIG next year.

Thanks for teh shout-out Cindy...where did you get the picture of Ann-Denise & I? I'd like to use that in my blog post about the swaps. (even though it looks like I am using my hand to hold my gut in, I'm actually just trting to keep it out of the way of the enormous, beautiful sash Ann-Denise made me)

[Jan Thomason]

c., honey, that was a lovely post and you covered every event, every emotion and everyone except for the ATC swap.
maybe next year.
i had such a wonderful time.
this being the third time i've attended or the fact that i didn't teach, i don't know - i just know that i soaked in all of MY teacher's fabulousness' (is that a word?) - i don't know, but i can tell you that this 3rd paper cowgirl retreat was the best one we've had so far in so many ways.

and, you want to know what i really think?? ha! I think Tina was steering you and all of those involved in the success of the weekend, from heaven. Gentle shoves of love, that's what made it such an amazing event.

gentle shoves of love from our precious, most loved, Tina.
She loved you a lot, c., and I know you missed her as much as I did, but I also know that she was there with us...shoving.

i love you, dear friend.
jan (the first jan)

[Lynn (south dakota)]

As a beginner, this retreat was EXACTLY what I was hoping for and beyond! I am already planning next year's trip. Not only did I learn lots from wonderful teachers & helpers, I felt like a cowgirl queen in all the ways we were treated! Little treats at every turn, what fun it was for me to nurture myself, be pampered & learn lots. EVERYONE was more than amazing!

[scrappy jessi]

hey doll,

eeekk everything and everybody looks fabulous!!!
all the projects are adorable!!!
hope you are having a fabulous summer girl
oxoxox,
Jessi

[Stacey Newton]

Sounds like a fabulous event. I only wish I could have been there. The displays and crafts look lovely- Kudos on a good job!
Wanted to let you know I've listed some paper goodies on Etsy. I've got some Santas, pumpkins, leprechauns, and brides. Hopefully you'll find something you like!

[Mitzi Curi]

I'm so happy that your PC retreat was such a unequivocal success! Your description of the event, along with the pictures, makes me wish so much that I could attend next year! You certainly deserve all the praise and warm fuzzy feelings that are all around (I've read the blogs of some attendees)!

[sherri]

even though I was only able to be involved a teeny bit...I had a great time. I second all of your shout-outs--it all came together as a great event!

ps: i know who is picking the choc chips off the cupcakes :)

[http://weirdbirdstudio.blogspot.com]

Well, I'm glad you had such a good time, but I missed you here! (in blog land) I kept checking to see what was going on and you were gone too long! It looks like PC was wonderful! Thanks for the pictures. I wasn't there, however I had a great time seeing how it went! Congratulations on a job well done!
karen
http://weirdbirdstudio.blogspot.com

[creativechaos]

Cindy....it looks like a fabulous time!! I wish I lived closer. I LOVE the photo of you talking with your hands!! :)

[Common Ground]

Oh Cindy! great post, I sooooo would have loved to be there. All that talent and creativity with crazy fun to "boot" ha ha! Great pictures!
love ya,
Debra