Clover update: I answered so many emails about Clover and posted on Facebook about her, but I forgot to mention here, that she was OK. She had an abscessed tooth that got so bad, her tonsil got an abscess that grew so large it was cutting off her breathing and she needed emergency surgery to drain the swelling.
She woke up feeling "super" as she told the nurse. She's on antibiotics for now and is home from the hospital and back in school.
Its terrifying to think that a tooth ache can become life threatening!
Now that my little chicks have flown the coop and my studio is empty once again, I've been reflecting on just how lucky I am to have such a wonderful group of ladies come to see me.
Here is a before photo, taken while I was waiting for the group to arrive. Who knew my studio could clean up that well?? I was able to comfortably (at least everyone assured me, they were okay and comfy) seat 25 ladies.
To save space, I didn't do centerpieces, instead I simply drew on the plastic table cloths to foof them up a bit. At first, I was going to do a seating chart and write their names on the table (my pal, Lori's idea) but Beth told me that I should let them chose their own seats and I think she was right. Lori meant that I needed a personal touch, not just a seating chart.
I went with inspirational quotes featuring birds instead and added some quickie pictures. It was about a 15 minute project to do all five tables, so not the greatest art, but it was just "atmosphere".
Each table had a roll of paper towels and a box of baby wipes. Not so fancy, but necessary. I was going for practical and comfortable instead of gorgeous. And every inch of space counts when you are trying to create at a full table!
(I snitched this photo from Beth's blog- its taken before the table cloth got put on the garden tables)
Luckily the weather mostly cooperated and we could have meals outdoors. On Sunday, things got chillier, so I decided to build a bonfire for everyone to warm up by if they didn't want to stay indoors during lunch break. You should have seen me scurrying through the woods grabbing fallen branches and twigs for kindling! But by the time lunch was ready, I had a roaring fire going and was pretty proud of myself.
But its not easy to build bonfires while setting out lunch and I had a nagging feeling that I'd forgotten something. And yep, in my fridge sits a neglected vat of homemade coleslaw. It looks like a lifetime supply, but coleslaw does not quite last a lifetime.
My studio feels so empty with everyone gone.
About half way through Sunday afternoon, I was already starting to miss them and they hadn't even left yet. Luckily, the ones who weren't too worn out and those who weren't travelling that night or early the next day started making plans to go out to dinner and I was able to join in. I wasn't ready to say goodbye!
And the next day, I still had Sherry and Lisa at the house. Sherry treated me to lunch downtown before she flew home, and that helped.
But today? I miss them all!!!
Over the weekend, it was just too hard to express how much the weekend meant to me. I tried a few times, and would start to cry when I attempted to tell the girls.
So maybe I can say it here, in writing. Where you can't see my nose turning red and my eyes welling up.
When I cry, my nose goes all Rudolph on me.
You know I love blogworld, right? I've met some wonderful people online. And at various events around the country, that I've been lucky enough to attend. There is such a feeling of community, and creativity in the air at these places.
Silver Bella was the first that I attended and it got me hooked. I'll miss going there and am sad about its demise. But it wasn't the event itself, it was the people I met that mattered. (That place had its flaws, which I was able to overlook till this year.) Now, after flying out to Kim's weekends in CA, hosting my own, and making plans to go to Jenn's and to Paper Cowgirls, I see that we don't have to go to Omaha to capture the feeling. We can snatch it no matter where we gather, and honestly, I think that these smaller, more intimate gatherings are even more chock full of that glittery glow than the giant affairs are.
It meant the world to me that these women travelled from all over to be HERE, with me, that they trusted me with their precious time off from work and family and would come all the way to Kansas (a place not exactly in the top ten of vacation hot spots) to play in my studio with me.
Life has not always been golden for me, and I think it takes some really bad times to know just how blessed the good ones are. But having gone through rough periods, it can also be hard to have a healthy sense of worth, being beaten down can always leave a person doubting themselves no matter how hard they have worked to build up a new and positive life over the ruins of an old one.
So, I have to say that at some points during Birdsong, I was overwhelmed thinking that all these kind ladies flocked in from all over the country to come to my cottage in Kansas. And that caused some verklempt-ness. I felt a bit like Sally Field at the Oscars when she said, "you like me, you really like me!"
But luckily, I just got weepy instead of embarrassing myself with dopey words. Oops, I just wrote them for thousands of people instead of saying them in front of a couple dozen.
Am I a little too worked up over such a small gathering? Well, it wasn't 200 people that is for sure. But I know how hard it is to budget time and incomes and to pull off a girl's weekend for most busy moms or grandmas. So whether it was 5 people or 500 people, it touched my heart that these ladies each chose to come here.
I hope they know how much I appreciate that choice they made with their vacation time.
But now, its back to my every day life, with no big weekend to plan for. I thought I'd feel let down and lonely, but with this little fairy friend to keep me company, how could I? Plus, the weekend was just too good to feel down now.
Oh Karla, you think you enjoyed it? We had so much fun & for many of us, it was a dream come true to visit you. I'm not your only stalker, you know.....just the most vocal! LOL Your cottage was even more beautiful in person than it is in pics (I wouldn't have thought that possible!) & you are one of the friendliest, most thoughtful women I have ever met...I will always treasure the memories that I brought home from Karla's Cottage!
Posted by: Cami @ Creating Myself | May 04, 2011 at 04:41 PM
I loved the weekend, your lovely home, good company, classes, all of it...but I loved the way you made each and every detail so special which in turn made me feel special....Thank You!
Posted by: lisa orme | May 04, 2011 at 05:08 PM
What a beautiful, poignant post, Karla! From the friendliness you exude thru your blog, it is no wonder to me why those fabulous ladies would flock (pun intended) to your home. ;-) I pray that some day I could be one of them..
Blessings,
Myrna
Posted by: Myrna | May 04, 2011 at 05:19 PM
And what a blessing you are in all of our lives, Karla. Thank you for sharing you event and heart with us here in the blogsphere, too!
Posted by: Soarenth | May 04, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Oh Karla, I so wished I could have been at your intimate gathering! You are the best, and there are not enough words to describe what a wonderful, kind and great soul you have! Please put me on your list of invites for your next gathering as I would love to spend time laughing with you on your turf! Blessings to you my dear and funny friend!
Posted by: Julie B. | May 04, 2011 at 06:59 PM
as happy as you were to have your friends there, they were happier that you opened up your home to them and let them mingle and create in such a wonderful setting! It goes both ways Karla! Silver Bella felt too " BIG" for me and I didn't feel like i really got to talk and meet people for more than a few passing minutes. This atmosphere you created is MUCH MORE fun i'm sure!
Posted by: Robin | May 04, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Karla it sounds like a wonderful event, I'm so glad all went well. There's nothing better than girlfriends and creating at the same time.
Posted by: Karen | May 04, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Please don't feel down, friend Karla!
This past year our 31 year old son was diagnosed with a sarcoma, cancer in his calf at 10 cm across. Then two months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We both have been through surgery, chemo and radiation, he in Texas and me in Az. We are both now doing well with a clean bill of health! My husband and I are going through bankruptcy (oy vey! such paperwork!) but all in all we are content and even joyful that we are alive and able and we have discovered the important things in life are not THINGS, as the saying goes.
As you have discovered...friends are delightful and God is available for each of us! love you through your blog!
Posted by: kate | May 04, 2011 at 08:26 PM
What a wonderful post Karla!!!! And your studio is absolutely amazing girl!!!! I love that you were able to fit so many students, too ~ Isn't it amazing when you gather together with so many like-minded friends??? Having never met before in real life but knowing you love the same things makes it so easy ~ what I love most is knowing that you are just as wonderful in person as you are on your blog :) hugs and love, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn @ The Feathered Nest | May 04, 2011 at 08:42 PM
That was beautiful and heartfelt, you had me getting all rudolphy! I know from experience what a magnificent and caring hostess you are - I can imagine these lucky ladies thoroughly enjoyed their time in your gorgeous studio. And they got one of your famous bonfires!
Karla you are one exceptional lady and I'm so glad I got to meet you, and will be able to see you again in 5 months! Xxoo
Posted by: Natasha Burns | May 04, 2011 at 08:45 PM
They were drawn to your kindness,and joy of life!
Posted by: Vicki Cotnoir | May 04, 2011 at 08:45 PM
So well written Karla... I too started with Silver Bella years ago! I met my best friend there the one time I went, and we have traveled far and wide taking classes since then. I've met incredible teachers and a few who are not so incredible, I've made great friends as well as seen a side to some women that makes me shake my head. But I'm with you... I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I too like the more intimate gatherings where you can truly get to know one another and build lasting friendships. It sounds like you have brought into your own life more of what suites you best. Bravo smart girl, bravo!
Posted by: Dede Warren | May 04, 2011 at 09:13 PM
"Too worked up over a small gathering?"...I don't think it's possible to ever be too grateful or appreciative of the blessings in our lives. I'm sure all of the ladies who attended feel just as blessed as you do. All the love you poured into your event really shows.
Posted by: Samantha | May 04, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Oh it looks and sounds like you ladies had a wonderful time. I wished so badly that I could of joined you. I see many familiar faces from Silver Bella and blog land. I think that you touch the ladies hearts and lives forever. It amazing what creativity, friends and living generousity can do to ones soul. I hope you plan another event in the future so I can attend. Thanks for sharing your heart and self! Hugs Pinkie
Posted by: Pinkie DeNIse | May 04, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I am thinking I might have to add 'Karla's Cottage' to my bucket list...Just sayin'
So lovley of you to open up your home and share the love and fellowship with sister's of the heart.
Posted by: fairyrocks | May 04, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Karla, It was the ultimate!! Wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China. I finally got home tonight and Kansas IS the ulitmate vacation destination for me. Like Dorothy said "There's no place like home!" San Antonio is where I live but Kansas will always be HOME!!!!!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | May 05, 2011 at 01:19 AM
The connection is pure joy when friends want to play with you. Glad it was a good time for everyone.
Posted by: Peggy | May 05, 2011 at 07:07 AM
Before I write anything else - that little girl is a pure beauty!
As for the rest of this post, it's making me tear up just reading about it. Aren't women lucky to have all these emotions to play with? When we're sad - we cry. When we're happy - we cry. When we feel loved - we cry!
Posted by: Jill | May 05, 2011 at 07:37 AM
It sure sounds and looks like you had a wonderful weekend Karla. It most have been so much fun and all the projects looked so wonderful.
xo Tina
Posted by: Tina | May 05, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Your house will always be on my top 10 list of places to visit! We all loved being there as much as you loved having us -- that is for sure! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR FRIEND!!!!
Posted by: Laurie | May 05, 2011 at 10:23 AM
What a lovely heartfelt post. You have truly told us how genuinely important this entire world of creativity is. From the photos and the smiles on everyone's faces your event was a huge success. Marvelous May to you...
Posted by: Saucy Chick Sherry | May 05, 2011 at 10:30 AM
What a sweet post! It looks like Birdsong was a huge success, and it's because of all the special care you took in making it happen. I hope to be able to attend one of your events, especially since I'm not too far away. But my oh my how the time gets away from me, and the days fill up quickly.
I'm glad Clover is doing well. That must have been frightening for everyone.
Take care and have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Posted by: Alice | May 05, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Karla,
What a lovely post! The women who shared your home and creative spirit were so lucky and it sounds as if you received such blessings from your efforts. Thanks for the lesson that although we are in cyberspace, we touch and support each other in special ways. Sometimes, we're fortunate to do that at the home of a friend too! Val
Posted by: Valorie | May 05, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Dear Karla,
I think they all came, because of you being an incredible sweet,and exiting woman to visit---so wonderful you had the most beautiful week-end, too- Karla.
****
And I`m happy for you and your family that Clover is ok,-must have been frightening.
Hugs, from-Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | May 05, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Karla, I have rarely read such beautiful and heartfelt words that so clearly show the person you are than that last paragraph. To spend time with people who have honored you with their time is indeed wonderful. But the fact is, over time you have shown us not only how creative you are and what a fine teacher, but how caring, thoughtful and full of love and joy you are as well. Honestly, who wouldn't want to be with you, learning, laughing, sharing time with kindred spirits? I wish I'd been there too.
Posted by: jeanie | May 05, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Ohh what a beautiful weekend, I sooooo wish I lived closer as I'd have loved to have attended. Hugs, Mandy x
Posted by: Amanda Howard | May 05, 2011 at 04:56 PM
It sounds like you created an amazing event for the people that were lucky enough to be there. I have LOVED to have been able to be there. Maybe you'll do it again next year, and I'll be able to figure out a way to make it work. It sounds amazing!
Posted by: Rebecca | May 06, 2011 at 02:01 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Karla! Hopefully you had a great day and got spoiled a lot!
Your studio is really amazing and it looks like everybody had so much fun! I'm sure all the girls were excited to attend such a well prepared event in such a wonderful environment. I never had the chance to participate in such kind of event but I would always prefer such a smaller and personal one like yours.
Hugs,
Julia
Posted by: Julia - Vintage with Laces | May 06, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Karla I'm so glad for your success!
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 06, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I have to admit it, I am a little envious of the girls who had the good fortune to spend time with you at such a wonderful event. Your studio looks beautiful, really truly inspiring, and the photos I have seen on other blogs as well show what an amazing time everybody had. You sure know how to make people welcome and comfortable. And that smile of yours, it lights up any room. Love the bedroom slippers, btw ;-).
Posted by: Lululiz | May 09, 2011 at 01:52 PM