Week Two 2013 East Coast Spring Teaching Tour

Week Two was more fun than work.  During week two, I was celebrating my birthday, so I decided to take the week to spend time with friends and do things for me.  My week started off with a gorgeous drive through Pennsylvania.   The gals from Pages in Time had recommended I take the scenic route into Philadelphia along Old Philadelphia Pike.  I’m so glad I did.   Most places were closed being that it was Sunday, but the day couldn’t have been any more beautiful.   I couldn’t help be fascinated by the carts and buggies of the Amish communities and was enthralled with the sizes of their farmhouses as I drove by.

I arrived in Philadelphia with an afternoon and evening to myself, so I took the time to explore a little of downtown.  I’ve visited the historic sites before, so I decided to try a few other places.  First stop, was Blick Art Supply.   This was my first visit to any Blick Art Supply and I was hearing the angels sing while walking around.   Oh wait, it was the stupid fire alarm that I heard.  Yes, I was kicked out of Blick Art Supply (actually the entire building was evacuated) while we waiting for the Fire Dept to clear the building.  It was interesting people-watching though.  After the building was cleared, I was able to finish my shopping.   I bought some new mediums and a silicone wedge tool.  (I know…I was good)   After that, I walked into Chinatown and had a very yummy bowl of Pho Tai and spring rolls.

The next day was a trip into the Viva Décor US office. What a welcome it was to arrive and see my name on a poster.  Colleen and the staff were very gracious.  I enjoyed a tour of the warehouse and learned even more about Viva Décor US products and had a chance to play with some new products as well.   Keep an eye out for more classes using Viva Décor US by me and Jen Starr.

I left Viva Décor US office and headed over to New Jersey.  I had the chance to visit with my friend, Kristin Tweedale, and had a fabulous time.

One of our highlights was going into New York City and getting to visit and play in Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s studio.  This was Wednesday, March 13, on my actual birthday.  How amazing of a birthday is that?  Julie is just a wonderful source of inspiration and wisdom.  Julie had an art class to attend that evening, so Kristin and I hit the city after that!

This little country girl is still in awe of big cities; the hustle, the noise, the sounds, smells, and really tall buildings.  We even went down to Adorama and I bought myself a cute little birthday present.   One of my class attendees from Angela’s Happy Stamper, Joanne Howard, had a cute Instax camera in class and I thought it was too cute.   So cute, I had to have my own.   Love the colors available and the cute little instant photos!

Kristin took me shopping to a few other places the next day.  I found some fun purses at Charming Charlie’s and I could barely contain myself in The Container Store.  I think I need to get out more often when I am at home!  I was like a kid in a candy store at almost everywhere we went.

I left Kristin’s on Friday and had the joy of one more social call.   I stopped to visit with Theresa Cifali for a few days.   Her family was so gracious and I had a wonderful time.   I also got to pick Theresa’s brain for help with my website, social media, and my business overall.   …And I had some homemade Italian pasta and meatballs. it was a wonderful chance to recharge in so many ways!

Thank you, ladies, for being wonderful hosts, for sharing your wisdom, for opening your homes, and most especially for being my friends.  I’m tearing up just writing this and realizing that I love my job and all that it has brought me and I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people that love me, support me, and are willing to share their lives with me.

I’m heading to New England next, so hope you will come back to see more.