I love Christmas-time and all it brings --- glimmering decorations, twinkling lights, sappy television, sentimental cards, and, yes...even crowded malls and corny holiday sweaters!
But, amid all
the festivity and frivolity, it can be a real challenge to keep one's mind
on tasks at hand! So, though I enjoy convention planning very much, I decided
it would be nice to take a little time off to "recharge" and think
about options...
I've missed the
experience of a "real live" doll show with the fellowship of
friends all gathering to compare found treasures. Given the opportunity to
join a small group of doll buddies from the Ohio/Kentucky area on a
weekend bus trip to the legendary Gaithersburg holiday doll show...and to meet
a whole busload of new friends in the process...I couldn't resist!
This trip was all I had hoped for, and more! What fun we had!And, predictably,
I couldn't leave work behind COMPLETELY, so the treasures I came home
with just MAY decorate future convention goodies...
Now that I've piqued
your interest...I'm delighted to go a bit further and say that we
have decided on a place and date for the 2012 Sandra Stillwell Presents convention! I can't
share all details just yet, as contracts are still being finalized, but please
save the date, June 6-9, for this not to be missed event! As always, we are
working on some very special offsite tours, so you may want to extend
your time with us if possible.
If all goes as planned,
I hope to make an announcement shortly after the New Year, so, while
you're waiting to hear more exciting convention details, be sure to check
out the updates here on the Sandra
Stillwell Presents blog. For some last minute Christmas shopping,
you won't want to miss the refreshed sales pages...where you'll find VERY
limited quantities of much sought after
fashions. Whether they've been "naughty" or
"nice", you're sure to find the perfect holiday treat for even the
most discriminating "doll" in your life!
Speaking of
"naughty or nice"... I think someone needs to speak to Santa, who has
surely gotten me mixed up with someone else on his list this year!
Because, though I PROMISE I've been good, my Christmas
"surprises" were BOTH my car and computer pooping out within
weeks of each other (and thus, my silence lately!! )
In the spirit of making
sweet from sour, my "new" ride is a striking, high metallic,
candy apple red sleigh of sorts...a retro styled (what else??) 2011 Chevy
HHR! The glistening red makes me smile, while THREE Sirius Radio Christmas
stations set the mood for festive holiday happenings!
The computer issues have
proven to be more challenging, as the selection process can be quite
daunting for a non techie such as myself! :) The bright side is that technology
has grown leaps and bounds since I bought my last laptop in 2009, and, with any
luck, I'll have a nice shiny new, fast as lightening computer to work on soon!
My final thought before
closing is how often... especially during this holiday
season... I am reminded of one of my favorite songs, "Angels Among
Us". I have been blessed with so many
"angels" in my life.
I may not tell you
each individually, but just know that whether you have welcomed me into your
home, volunteered at or attended one of my conventions, made a purchase, shared
a picture of your dolls modeling a Sandra
Stillwell Presents design, sent an email to say how much
the conventions have meant to you or how much you enjoy the fashions, if
you lent an understanding ear, extended a word of encouragement, or reached out
to simply say, "Hello, how are you"--you have been an angel to me.
I thank you all
for your kindness, your friendship, and for touching my heart -- and
wonder if you can ever really know how greatly you've impacted my
life.
May each of us have the
opportunity to be an "angel" to someone we encounter along the way...
whether we realize it or not...
Wishing you all
a joyous holiday season filled with love and laughter...
I hope to see you in
2012!
Sincerely,
Sandra
