Overflowing...

I had an amazing time in Virginia visiting with Pam Keravuori and friends and teaching at Scrapbooks Plus. Pam and her husband Jouni were fabulous hosts and made me feel so welcome...they're lucky I left!
Our weekend started last Friday with a day of shopping in Leesburg with Kitty Gallanis, celebrating her birthday, and enabling each other to find lots of treasures. If any one of us saw something we liked, we learned to pick it up right away because it was sure to be nabbed by the next one of us that came along. We had a blast!
The Cottage is a darling store that I'd read about on Amy Power's blog. It was wonderful to meet Ann and shop up a storm. As we entered, we unexpectedly saw a familiar face...Karla Nathan from Kansas City, who we met at Silver Bella last year was visiting the area and happened to be in the store right then. What a small world! She joined us for lunch and shopping and came to my class on Saturday. How fun!

After a to-die-for grilled cheese sandwich (grilled cinnamon raisin bread with cheddar cheese and apple butter...yes, I'm still thinking about it!) at Lightfoot Restaurant, we were off to Lucketts to go to On a Whim Antiques with their fabulous pink polka dotted silo and then to Luckett's Store which is part of a complex overflowing with antiques. We barely made a dent in the buildings before they closed. I loved the Beekeeper's Cottage. From the stairway to the shabby chic rooms, it was heavenly.

We shopped till we dropped...literally! The next day was a day of classes at Scrapbooks Plus in Chantilly. It was wonderful to meet everyone and see some familiar faces. The photos will be in an album in the sidebar soon. Pam was so helpful with the large group we had. Debbie and Mark have a great store! Thank you so everyone being so kind and welcoming to me.

Sunday brought more adventures as Pam and I headed off to Maryland to visit The Queen's Ink and spend some delightful time with Patti Euler, the owner. This store just makes you want to create something special. I'm soo excited to be returning for classes at the store in November!

We met the lovely Amy Powers for dinner back in Virginia. We talked and laughed so long that even Starbucks kicked us out when they closed, and we had to continue our conversating in Pam's car. Amy is such a sweet soul and I loved being able to spend some time together.

Yesterday I sadly had to pack up and leave the "Hotel Keravuouri" where the guests are treated like royalty in a luscious bed that you have to step up into and custom made French-pressed Finnish coffee. Much longer and they might have put me out with the squirrels! I can't wait to return.

This Saturday I'll be teaching three classes at By Design Scrapbook Boutique in Houston. They have a fun-filled day planned for National Scrapbook Day with lots of make and takes and prizes and sales and my classes. I'm not sure if the classes are filled yet, but give them a call at 281-488-9100 for more information. This is the last time the Anthropologie Album will be taught and I don't have any more kits, so you can contact them to see if there's room in the class.

Comments

[Jeanette]

It was a delight meeting you, Debby. And I enjoyed the Travelogue class. I was working on it last night and am anxious to begin adding photos and memorabilia to it.

Pam is so warm and friendly. And it looks as though you all had a wonderful time together.

Hope to enjoy more inspiration in person one day soon.

[Jessi Nagy]

How fun!! you just ran into so many Bellas!!
oxoox,
jessi

[pamelajane]

Wishing you a great weekend in Houston -- and can't wait till November :).

[Sher]

I'm glad you enjoyed your time in VA. It was a pleasure to meet you and take your Anthropologie class. I hope I luck out and am able to snag a Travelogue kit.

[Jenn Ellefson]

Oh My Goodness. You're not going to believe this, Debby, but guess where I'm moving? Yes, Leesburg! DH got a new job in Herndon, and we've fallen in love with the Leesburg area. I'm househunting again this weekend! I've driven by On A Whim about a dozen times already (it's hard to miss!) and have been so intrigued. I can't wait to discover all that you did. I didn't realize that Amy lives down there, either - I'm going to have to email her! I am so glad that you had such a fun adventure. Chat with you soon!

[Cricket]

Wow, it looks like an amazing time!! So glad you had such fun!! Those stores look so yummy and inviting..wish we had them around here! LOL

smiles,

[TerryFrias]

Debby, this is Terry, I am the Store Manager at Creative Paradise in Sherman Oaks and I work for Bella Koretz, I met you at CHA in Anaheim. I love your blog, I love your work and in my next life I want to come back as you! Hope to see you soon! :O) terry

[Nancy H.]

Wow! Wow! and Wow! You certainly have been a busy lady lately. I love these pics, i will have to travel there and go through these shops, they look amazing. I can see why it was hard to leave there. I hope you are having a great time in Houston.

[Maggie]

What fun times with such great people...glad you had the opportunity to spend with them!

[Kitty]

Debby, thanks so much for a great weekend! You and Pam made my birthday - and my DH liked the treasures I brought home. It's so much fun to explore with you and Pam - you both have such great taste! And thank you even more for the wonderful classes. I love my acrylic and bag books and have already starting pulling pictures. Jeannette & Denise are bringing their beautiful Travel books with them to our next crop so that I can finish mine.

Can't wait to take another class with you! Thanks again and hope to see you soon. Kitty

[Valerie]

Hello

Would you be so kind to let me know if there is any way to purchase one of your Anna Griffin class kits? I live in South Florida ...

I really LOVE your designs and would be so grateful to actually do your kit. Thank you for your time!
Valerie