It feels like putting on a favorite pair of old shoes - comfortable, familiar, and oh-so right. That's where I'm at, because for the first time in a year, I will return to doing what I know best: working in the craft industry. Not writing, not designing (I've been doing that all along), but actually working with the owners, the vendors and the consumers - in person, up close, and for real at a convention. Bonus for me since I will be reunited with my friends from Luxe during the day, and I will get to put on my orange cowboy hat to work with my friends at Fiskars in the evening.
When I was first contacted to do the work, I felt like a poser... I mean... really... I've not done this for over a year, and during that time, I've completely stepped away from everything and anything industry related. I've become so consumed with raising the child I have left at home - health scares, home-bound schooling, grades, bad decisions, court appearances, and then making it all right - I forgot how to focus on me and I had forgotten how to do what I know best, because I am the first to admit that parenting teens is NOT what I do best... I do MY best, but I do not excel at the task. Because whether I admit or ignore it, crafting is what I know inside and out. It's in my blood. It defines who I am more so than anything else on earth. Crafting is my passion and my escape. And I'd forgotten that I need to do this as much as I need to eat and breathe. How could I have let that happen? Life. Life took over, and somewhere along the way I'd lost myself. Funny thing: I didn't even know I'd gone missing!
For the past month, I've stressed over the jobs: will I fit in? Will I remember how to work a booth? Will I do right by the companies I'm working with? Will I make a fool of myself? Will people remember me? But then something happened on the way to this weekend... it all came back to me and I went from feeling inadequate to feeling excited and exhilarated. And now that the convention is two short days away, I can honestly say that I am so excited to be back in the saddle again. I can't wait to meet with Luxe and work with the girls. And I am looking forward to seeing fellow Fiskateers. A convention - what better way than a convention to jump back on the horse?
As I reminisce about what I used to do and what I will be doing again, I am reminded that old friends and new friends are what I miss the most about the work. People. I miss the people who share my love of crafting. These are people who understand the passion, and because these people share that passion... we all have the same burning desire to make pretty things as we create works of heart.
And so for those in the northern Virginia area who will be attending the Great American Scrapbook Convention at the Chantilly Expo Center... stop by, say hello! I'll be at the Luxe booth during the day and with the Fiskateers during the crop.
And for those whom I've worked with in the past and whom I hope to work with again, I've missed you, dear friends. I got lost for a while, but I'm finding my way back. I'm back in the saddle again - and I hope to see ya'll soon!
Can't wait to see you at CHA, dear Kelly. We MUST make time for a drink. I'm at Embassy Suites: where are you?
Posted by: Mary Kay Seckinger | July 08, 2009 at 02:17 AM
Hurray for you, Kelly! I'm glad to hear it. I hope you feel more and more like your old self again as you prep for it. Have fun!
(and just so you know, I loved that you popped onto that thread in The Pub... that's how I got here again. :))
Posted by: Barb | June 30, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I bet once you are there, it will feel like you never left! Have fun!
Posted by: Gennifer | June 25, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Have a great time and take lots of pictures!
Posted by: slammie | June 25, 2009 at 10:05 AM