Made it home last night from a very exciting trip to sunny (it rained) southern California, Anaheim to be exact for the Craft & Hobby Association's amazing winter show.   I arrived Saturday and hit the ground running by going to a total stalker-fan's house for a wii party where no one played wii, and where I may or may have not had my very first martini, which, by the way, one may or may not need to try three before one decides if one likes them.  One might not remember the next day.  I'm just saying is all.

(For those of you that follow me on Twitter or Facebook some of this may be a repeat for you.)

On Sunday I did a two-hour "make & take" at the Lark Books booth along with the uber-talented Vickie Howell.  The theme was "Bangles & Beer Cozies".    In fact, you can see some really great photos on her blog by clicking her name up there  (please note the pajama party and the dufuss that took that to heart and was the ONLY one wearing his pajamas):   Then Monday & Tuesday we did one hour versions of the make & take.  Here is one happy maker & taker:


On Sunday the publisher of Designs for Guys (Lark Books) had a champagne & cheese reception in their booth.  I had a blast meeting tons of industry folks and catching up with friends I hadn't seen in a while.


And the rest of the time was spent scurrying from one meeting to another.  I had a ton of fun and didn't take enough photos (in fact, that one of me holding the book is courtesy of my friend Maria del Pinto - thanks Maria!).  I'm hoping my friends that did take pictures will start passing them around! 

I also brought a bunch of new books home with me so hopefully I can start reviewing them on my blog very soon!  And despite repeated requests to the Universe my luggage won't unpack itself nor with the laundry wash/fold itself.  So, I'm off to get life back to what I call "normal".

*contest update.  The nice people at Craft Cruises will be selecting the winner of an autographed copy of DFG.  So as soon as I touch bases with them I will announce the winner!