{the happiest place on earth}

Ten years ago I made my first scrapbook page, and at that moment, I discovered my passion. At the time, I had no idea what this passion would lead to. All I knew was that I had stumbled across something that helped me define the woman I wanted to be. And if someone would have told me all those years ago that someday I would travel the nation sharing my passion with others, I would not have known what to do with the thought, because back then, people didn't travel to teach women to play with paper and pretties. Back then, only a handful of people were involved in the industry that has become known as scrapbooking. Back then, all I wanted to do was play with my paper and pretties and make a few friends along the way. Back then, I had no idea that playing could be so much fun, and I had no clue that by doing so, I was beginning the journey of a lifetime.

What I discovered on that fateful day, was that for the first time in my life, I was excited about something new and different - something that was a perfect fit. In the years since then, my passion has continued to grow, and my love of this craft has become consuming. And best of all, I have made hundreds of friends along the way. This thing called scrapbooking defines me, because it is when I am creating that I am best able to express myself. But even more than the creativity process, I have learned that it is when I am sharing my passion with others that I am most fulfilled. This hobby has become a lifestyle. And I truly can't imagine a day without paper and pretties.

So many opportunities have presented themselves since I pasted my first picture on a piece of paper, and I consider myself to be one heck of a lucky girl, because today I am living my dream, and this road that I am on is better than I ever imagined. Last week, I traveled to Detroit with Luxe to teach mini classes at CKU. Wow! CKU. I've attended as a student before, but I've never been on the other side. I've gotta admit, being on the other side is every bit as fun as attending as a student. There is just something about CKU that makes me smile. I call it Disneyland for Scrapbookers. My first experience teaching at CKU was nothing like I expected it to be - it was better... not scary at all! CKU is truly the happiest place on earth. It's a playground for grown ups. And at the end of the day, that's about the best thing a girl could ask for.

Comments

[Bet]

Hey Kelly,

I'm so glad to hear that CKU went well! I knew you'd ace it.

[BuckeyeSandy]

Oh Kelly! It was great to finally "see" you. You really missed a great dinner, but we will have to make up for that. These are great photos.

[Tawnya]

every pic I see of you you just get cuter and cuter! looks like a blast!

[slammie]

YAY!!! thanks for the pictures!

[Debby]

It was great to see you and get a chance to chat! I have a picture of you and I in my CKU Detroit photo album in the sidebar of my blog. See you next CKU!

[Mary Rogers]

miss you already!

*smooch*

Mary