Once Upon A Time...

I am embarrassed by the fact that I've been back from my convention for nine days

and I'm just not getting around to writing here.

I (we) had a wonderful time at Convention! 

It was a bit different not having to get on a plane and  travel, 

but I was excited that more of my team members (who are local) were able to attend.

I had 22 team members attend convention with me this year

and it was so wonderful sharing the experience with all of them!

My hubby drove a few of us there in our bus.

The rest came either from opposite directions in Florida or from other states.

I've decided it would be more interesting for you if I just shared some of the pictures I took,

So here you go:

Manny  a.k.a. Bus Driver

Stacey, Theresa H, and Theresa P

(team members who I now call "dear friends")

Because we didn't have to fly, I think we may have overpacked.

We took up a whole bay.

We totally filled up that cart!

Hooking up with some other friends at the hotel.

Brenda and Jacque

We had a special slotted shopping hour in the Swag Store

and we took this cute picture!

Lesley joined us here (long pink dress).

Opening Ceremonies for our Convention was a Night at Epcot.

It took 70 buses to get us there, and I was extremely impressed with how smoothly 

this process worked transporting 5,000 Happy, Happy Ladies!

This was taken when we were done "Finding Nemo"

We had SO MUCH FUN! 

And, we had all you could eat ice cream novelties, cookies and old fashioned bread pudding.

YUM!!!!

Next day back at the Convention Center, they started with the 

General Sessions where we heard amazing speakers and they showed us new products for Fall.

Here were some of the speakers

Our theme at Convention was "Live Sparkly"

and it went along with a Fairy Tale theme.

Then they began some of the New Fall Product Reveal

After the General Session which ended around 1:00pm

we had Breakout Session Workshops.

I loved those! They offered so many classes. I took three that afternoon.

Later in the day I caught a picture with my mentor/sponsor Lori.

She lives in Illinois and I did not know her before joining Origami Owl. 

Even though we live miles apart, she has been a wonderful support to me!

Here are some pictures from the Gala Event Saturday Night

I especially love this picture! 

The three young ladies sitting down in front are called Owlettes

They are allowed to sign up as "Young Designers"

sponsored by a family member or guardian.

Our founder Bella was only 14 when she started this company.

She had no idea what it would evolve into -

she was just  trying to raise money to buy a car.

(You can see the image of Bella to the left on the screen behind us.)

And this picture has special meaning for me, 

because once I signed up with Origami Owl, I was able to pay for our KIA SOUL.

This charm was created to represent Bella's "car" - a Jeep she named "Alice"

but it looks just like my KIA Soul to me! 

It was a wonderful convention! 

God knew I would need this business and the precious ladies I am now surrounded by

for such a time as this! 

It is really helping me to deal with the loss of my mother, 

even though I have meltdowns every now and then

(more lately it seems)

but it gives me purpose and I have sweet friends lifting me  up in prayer

just because they care. 

God is SO GOOD!