Monday, May 2, 2016

Merci Beaucoup

A very happy and talented group after finishing Catherine's beautiful Santos project.
 
 
I truly can not say those two words," merci beaucoup" enough or to the many, many people who worked together to make this year's Paris Flea Market Glitter Retreat such an amazing success! It is a collaborative effort by so very many and you all performed to perfection.
 
 
First I would like to thank my artistic friends (and I think all the teachers would agree, we count each of you as a new or dear friend) who took a chance on this art retreat in a little store in Oklahoma. We appreciate your taking an entire weekend from your families to spend with us. Time is a precious commodity and it means a great deal to each of us that you chose to spend it with us.
 
Those of you who traveled to join us; we are humbled. We had 4 from California (Elisa & Alice drove- what a road trip), 3 from Kansas, Catherine from Florida, & 3 from towns in Oklahoma outside the city. Thank you for going to that extra expense and joining us. We love making new friends and sharing the "Oklahoma Standard."
 
 
 
To the my team of talented teachers I can not say thank you to you enough. Your talent amazes me, your generosity overwhelms me and your kindness fills all of our hearts. I have said it many times but I believe the best talent in the country is in my own backyard. Jackie you are my angel, there is nothing you can't do and won't do for me and Paper Crown. Angie you always make me smile and I love coloring with you; we might need to populate the store with life sized dolls. Thank you also for the Paper Crown canvas, I really looked at it yesterday and it is gorgeous. Medeah I love our deep conversations and your art; you are a whirling dirvish of creativity.
 
Catherine I hope this weekend gave you a glimpse of  how much joy your art has brought to so many people. We adore your stamps and are thrilled we could take a class from you. Hopefully this weekend showed you how you have touched our heARTS! Please remember, you are always welcome at Paper Crown- yep I'm starting all over again.
 
Thank you to Amy for manning the counter during the retreat, doing whatever I ask & basically holding the store and me together. You are the amazing Canadian and we love you. Oh and thanks for taking care of those 40 planner girls that showed up on Saturday- you are the best!
 
Thank you also to all the hubbies who support us in our creative adventures. Jason & Zane had extra kiddo duty, poor Dale was by himself for a weekend and I have a feeling pulled a lot of stamps, Austin you take order well and thanks for doing whatever crazy thing I ask & finally Tom who helped get one of our guest's cars ready for the long ride home. This is a full service retreat.     
 
Thank you to Jan and Cheryl for opening your stores to our group and extending such warm hospitality. We had fun on our field trips and I appreciate your making our group feel so very welcome.
 
Thanks to one of our participants Greg who shared his craft, Tamari, with the group. It was fun to hear about this art form that was new to most of us and to be awed by your creations. A class at Paper Crown is in your future friend!
 
I hope I haven't forgotten someone but chances are I have. As you can see this is a team effort and I have to say we are a pretty good team. Medeah has promised to send me her pictures today so as I receive them I will post. First and foremost I want to say Merci Beaucoup from a very grateful heart. 

3 comments:

  1. Merci beaucoup to you - and everyone mentioned above - for a perfect retreat! It was simply amazing, from the classes to the food and everything in between. I'm so happy that I found Paper Crown and all of you six years ago!

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  2. Merci beaucoup to you Cindy! The retreat was amazing--no surprise. I know you give 150% of yourself to making it so. Thanks to all the teachers, and to all the artists!! I made some new friends this weekend and reconnected with some old ones! It was magical!

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  3. I said it a few times over the course of the weekend, but I will say it again . . . this was over the top fabulous and I cannot even begin to fathom all the time, energy and resources that came together to craft this absolutely perfect Glitter Retreat. You looked so calm and cool and together under pressure Cindy. You are the most gracious of hosts, and an inspiration. Thank you so much for including me. Xo

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