I've got a Silver Bella Hangover...

I only get them once a year, and man, are they worth it!!!! It was another fantastic, over the top, laugh a minute, hugfest! So many great girls that I got to see again and meet for the first time, it was truly amazing! I don't know how Teresa and the teachers can top the year before, but they always do!

I had a total of 16 hours of sleep in those four days, so I was a little punchy, but Cori (who is the spitting image of my niece Traci, height, smile, awesome personality and all), Jill and I got to be a Bella Roadies for  Teresa, which we both absolutely loved! I didn't take any classes this year, just planned on the table at Vendor Night. Teresa asked if I would help out and of course I said, yes! I got to hang out with the teachers, take them antiquing to the Brass Armadillo on the other side of town, stuff all those wonderful goodie bags for all the Bellas, my word those sponsors went above and beyond, didn't they! Applause, Applause!!!! 

Vendor night was a blast, so many gorgeous prom dresses!!! You girls have way too much fun, but that was the plan, right? So many wonderful tables to shop at, my head is still buzzing with the, "Crap, I should have gotten that, and the why didn't I pick up a business card so I could go online later?!" Oh well, I'll find them sooner or later, I'm sure. 

After vendor night I went home and assembled the candles for the Mary Englebreit luncheon centerpieces on Saturday, and I am happy to say that for not having a set plan on what I was doing, they turned out quite lovely. I forgot to take a picture of them on the tables though on Saturday, if anyone did, let me know! I also should have offered the candles for sale after the luncheon, but I wasn't thinking (16 hours of sleep and a glitter buzz) so if anyone is interested, go here.

My camera settings were way out of whack for shooting in the hotel, so the pictures I took are a little gamey, but you'll get the jist of it. Those Texas Girls,   Heather (plus baby bump) and Jana are always so stinking cute and sweet, gotta get a picture of them. They are setting up a swap, getting it organized for all the lucky Bellas who participated, Heather, which swap was it and do you have pictures on your bloggedy-blog to share?

Then of course, Lonnie and Jana, who are soooo sweet and onery, my favorite kind of Bellas! Lonnie makes the coolest bezel necklaces, I am still kicking myself for not getting one. I will have to stalk her blog here soon. I wanted to get pictures of  me and some of my sweet sisters, Maija, Janey, Amy, Hope, Amanda, Kim, Jessi, Elizabeth, Maggie, Jemellia, Valita, Doris, oh dear, I know there are more, more, more, but my brain is fried, fried, fried!!!

Oh, I also got to meet another neat lady! I kept seeing her at various points and she has such a kind face, I knew I had seen her before. But I couldn't remember which class we had to have been in last year together. I was sure that I had sat by her at some point. Later on, in Sally Jean's last class, she came up to Sally to thank her for the fantastic class and the opportunity and all those things we bellas say, because we are just too happy to be there ( I know, I know, pinch me, I must be dreaming, right?), and she introduced herself to me. It took me a beat, and then it hit me, it's CAROL WINGERT!!! I own her books!!! It was the photos of her and Teena Springer from the books and her blog that were flashing in my head, not that we had sat beside each other and shared a glue bottle, although that would be fun to do! She probably thinks I am the biggest nut, but, well, she isn't too far off, really.

Thanks so much to my lovely family who let me participate this year without question and managed to take care of themselves. Truthfully, I don't think they really missed me that much. But this little face?  Now, I know she missed me terribly because of all the cold kisses I got when I finally did get home. Poor puppy!

Off to tidy up the studio!

Comments

[Cheryl]

Kari,
It was SO great to meet you at Silver Bella! You are such a doll. Looking forward to seeing you next year again in Omaha!
Hugs,
Cheryl

[Debby Schuh]

Thank you for all your hard work! It was great to see you again...I had a blast!

[carol wingert]

It was great to FINALLY meet you! Loved your centerpieces...can't believe you got them done so quickly! Thanks for all you did to make it a great event! Carol

[Vickie]

Sounds like you had a blast! I get giddy just reading this post.

[paige]

oh how i hope that one day i can get there!!
what fun!
just ordered one of your most precious christmas ornaments...my collection of carikraft goodies is growing :)
xo

[Jana]

Girlie, you have NO idea how much I adore you! It makes me happy just being around you, gotta love a girl who can make me laugh as much as you do. Oh how I wish I could hang with you on a regular basis but for now I suppose this has to do! Your centerpieces were devine, did you see all the gals taking photos of them? That speaks volumes! I will think of you & smile when I'm hanging my Cari ornaments on my Christmas tree this year. Love yoU!

[Geralyn Gray]

I was excited to be in vendor faire--there was a lot to see. I visit your blog a lot. I had one of those moments when I saw your booth was right across from mine. I am so happy I got one of your garlands. It's hanging on my inspiration board waiting for Santa. I love your last name too---it's so crafty. You did a great job on the centerpieces. I am seeing pictures on a lot of blogs. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[NATALEA]

you are the bomb-diggity Cari! (well you would be if this were 1984!) You are again a highlight of SB for me! I think you are talent up the waazoo!!
love ya! xo natalea

[karla nathan]

You made the center pieces?? Wow, loved them! And yes, I'd have bought a candle if I'd known they were for sale!! I've shown a photo of them on my blog today, I'll go right now and add your link to it.

[m i c h e l l e]

So so so marvelous to see you, Cari! You.are.fabulous!!!! I'll be looking forward to next year so we can hang out more! Big hugs to you...

Michelle

[Rebecca]

Cari, thank you a million times!!! for driving us all over Nebraska so we could buy stuff. Seriously, you're the best. the centerpieces were beautiful, you were beautiful...it was so nice. I'm thrilled we got to know one another and I can't wait til next time. sending love, Rebecca

[Account Deleted]

hey there miss kraftie gal!

hop on over to my blog to see your gorgeous centerpieces! i managed to take a shot during all the action!

blessings,
danielle
www.thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com

[Maija Lepore]

I understand puppy's feelings! I wanted to kiss on you too! It's so great to see you, Cari! Only once a year, but I get my fix to carry me though to another! You are one rocking girlie!

[Andrea]

Oh my gosh! i wish I could have went, next year for sure !!!Love the candles! xoxo andrea

[Andrea]

P.s( Come by and join my christmas swap!!! )

[Kim Caldwell]

You were the best roadie of Silver Bella ever! The centerpieces (man those candles sold fast) and all the details weren't missed by anyone. It made it all look gorgoeus. Can't wait to play again - does it need to be a WHOLE year!

Hugs, Kim