The Chicago Bloggy Thingy.

 First of all, there were women with way cooler cameras and much more talent than I, so hopefully they will be posting soon with more details.  For now, I offer up this scatterbrained account of a most excellent adventure. 

Jen put the thing together with Amy, who hosted at her house.  Which was like stepping into a blog.  Supremely beautiful.  I was kinda gobsmacked (thanks Annie).  Totally fabulous house. 

The food spreads were amazing (and this was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg). I kinda wanted to horde, but restrained myself so as to seem like someone in control of her carb intake.  Anybody fooled?

We had a raffle in which everyone got at least one awesome prize...Here's Janet receiving hers with our hostess Amy behind her:

Penny, who 'decloaked' for the occasion receives her prize (left to right: Tracey, Traci, Penny and Suzanne)

Judy is tickled to get the prize from Pat, who like Penny, delurked for the get together.  (left to right behind Judy: Pat, Anne Marie, Annie, and Tracey again.)

Exchanging info left to right: Rebecca, Amy, and Suzanne

I didn't get pictures of Jen, Joy, Heidi, Joan or Jayme!!!  Ugh...but they're all on the video. Oh alright, I'll stick it in here again. You know, in case you missed it.  Oh go on, watch it again.  It's worth it to see me and Jayme squishing our faces together.
In order of appearance:
Penny discusses, Suzanne gets her camera ready, Heidi pets the kitty, me and my homie Jayme doing, um, what we do.
Next the camera pans over past  Judy and Joan, Pat and Joy, as Rebecca, Tracey, Janet, and Traci duck into the family room.
Then Jen and Amy watch as Annie hugs Anne Marie, Joy exclaimes disappointment with her camera, while Joan introduces herself.

While we were having fun in circle time, telling about our favorite summer vacation how we got started blogging, some other party-goers were partaking:

 

Or just hanging out:

Jen made these for everyone to take home with them...

....which were filled with all manner of goodies.  I might even say a plethora of goodness.  In fact I will say it.  There was  plethora of goodness in every tote. Ok fine, see for yourself:

 

A whole bag full 'o treasures from Joan at anything goes here....

 

From Judy at Intrique Designs...

Goodies sent in from other bloggers too....

Crocheted flower pin...

Soap from yours truly

Beautiful biz cards...

Needing no explanation:

I was lucky enough to win two raffles....the first was from Amy, and wowsa!!!

 

Let me just tease out some of that beauty for you:

  

  

  

 

 

And lookie what else I won!  A valentine glitter wand!

The talent and creativity in that room was incredible, and I was totally impressed with the kindness and generosity of each woman there.  Such beauty of heart in each one.  Can't wait for the next one!

Thanks again to Jen and Amy for pulling it all so perfectly together.  Y'all got some serious cottage instincts.