I hate bragging. Really, I do. Don’t like it in other people, don’t like it in myself.
But I’m going to brag for a second.
I got to go to dinner with a bunch of superstars. And you’re not going to believe me because I don’t even have pictures to prove it. I left the camera at home, assuming there would be lots of pictures taken, but as luck would have it, I can think of only two pictures taken of the whole group, neither by someone I know personally.
(*eta- just found one of Grace and me that Elsie posted on the GG board…I was trying to look cool, but failed miserably!) 
But, believe me or not, I had a delightful evening with the lovely garden girls Carrie O., Elsie, Grace, Emily, Tara, as well as the ultra-fabulous Cathy Z and Ali E. (They rhyme…cool…) and a couple other girls (Ana, and Dona, who I met that night). They were all here for CKU San Jose, where I just happen to live. Lucky me.
Can I just say I felt like I had somehow snuck in and hoped they wouldn’t tell me to leave? But at the same time I’ve never felt more comfortable with a group of women. It was SO FUN. I have met only a precious few of my online friends. It’s always weird, walking up to meet them, knowing you have never met in real life but feel like good friends anyway, just a weird feeling. And SUCH a relief when you do meet and you are instantly comfortable.
But to meet THESE GIRLS. People I have idolized. Loved from a distance. And now speak to almost daily It was just extra special to me. I was telling Tara at dinner how it was SHE that got me started on this whole scrapbooking journey. Her layouts in that one HOF book. Her life somewhat similar to mine. Her clean, classic style. Her gorgeous photography. All of these just suddenly hit me with a "hey…I can do this. I NEED TO do this." Her stuff spoke to me. I felt like we were friends, even though she didn’t know me (I realize she has this effect on almost everyone, though, she’s just that way). So to get to the point where she considers me a friend in return and in light of the journey she inspired me to start, seriously, almost had me (and her) in tears. Just. wow. So fun for me.
Not to single out Tara, though… Emily. My gosh. The cutest accent. Delightful person. I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home, just so I could listen to her. Any time she talked, I would stop what I was doing, just so I could marvel over the way she formed her words. Wishing I could, in a couple hours, figure out how to make that sound myself and talk like that for the rest of my life. Grace. I’m so delighted that we finally met. And that she lives close enough that we can do it more. She is SO fun and easy to talk to and just…wonderful. Elsie. Even cuter than I imagined. And I imagined her really cute. But she is just so sweet and adorable and unique…I think I might have actually been able to put her in my pocket. I saw Carrie. Lovely Carrie. I went to her class and she is an amazing teacher. So comfortable and open and real. Of course Ali and Cathy were delightful too. Totally deserving of all the success and adoration they have. All in all, one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The whole thing just made me so happy. PLUS I got to bring home the leftovers, since the other girls couldn’t.
So, there. Neener, neener.
11 Comments
Shannon! So glad you were able to sneak in for a bit. Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you, got all caught up in what was going on and then I turned around and you were gone. Sounds like all you girlies had a great time at dinner though. Thanks again for the pictures, everyone in my track LOVED them!!
Wow… sounds like an awesome night! So glad you could enjoy that!
i felt like *I* was a stow-away myself! i think they let me stay cos of my accent! hehe. i gotta work it when i can. i am SO GLAD we got to meet! that dinner was just the best i think i have ever had. you are so wonderful yourself!!! we were all thrilled you could come join in the fun!
e xx
You are too funny Shannon- but I so agree- I’ve met Ali a few times now and well she just plain rocks- a lot. And well yep, I am jealous you got to meet Tara and Emily and Grace and Cathy- man so can’t wait to meet some of them! anywho- loved your post- your enthusiasm is too cute!!
You know I was sitting here thinking that the dinner sounded like so much fun and then you threw in that you got to keep the leftovers. Lucky!!
me
(Practicing using capital letters like a big girl, but still not committed to using full sentances and proper puncutation.)
Shyeah! I’m jealous! Mainly because they all got to meet *you* though
And here I thought my town was kinda boring! San Jose was pretty cool this past weekend. Glad you got to meet so many cool people who inspired you.
Sounds like soooo much fun!! By the time we ran into you in the hall Saturday I was sooo heading for home to see my boy
to quote someone whom i adore
you
suck
kellicrowe
guess what??? I got to see YOU!!
I was so excited to see you!! Thanks so much for being the friendly face before my class - it helped me so much! You’re a great person and I am so happy that I can call you a friend! 
c
hi shannon! i met you at suzy’s on wednesday night, and i did take some shots, and am happy to send them to you. my email is erin_yamabe@yahoo.com (i’m a garage girl with kent)
you’re so funny! i think of you as one of the celebrities! as i have loved your work since i saw your cheesy pleesy layout a few years ago, when i started this awesome hobby!
cheers,
erin