Reflections on a Cruise

On the way to Orlando to board the Freedom of the Seas, my darling friend Laura (from Rhinestone Armadillo) made a huge effort to host a tea party for me at the Dallas airport. Logistics were challenging: I had a 2 hour lay-over, but would have to leave the secure area in order to meet Laura. Would my plane by on time? Would all the effort be for naught? Laura researched which gate I would be arriving at and where would be the best place to meet up, albeit with no airport amenities whatsoever. Did I mention that she needed to drive an hour to even get to the airport? Not to be deterred, Laura marshaled her husband, daughter, and all the fixin's for a tea party. There she was, waiting for me just outside the secure area. I was overwhelmed with emotion at the sweetness of this gesture, and at finally getting to hug Laura. Because she and I had never MET, you see. We have become good friends and confidants strictly on the wings of our blogs and an occasional phone call. Truly, this was a once in a lifetime fairy tale experience. Laura's handsome husband, precious daughter, coffee, sweet treats, and Laura who is ever so much more beautiful in real life. Be still my heart.

Well, we did make it to the cruise ship for our 7 day fantasy. Because life on a cruise ship is not like real life. Oh, no. There are pastries 7x24, there is stunning art everywhere, and good music to sing along with in all the public areas, and great entertainers, and terrific booze, service with a smile everywhere...as the boat gently sways in the Caribbean blue sea.

The 14 deck boat was beautifully clean and appointed. The weather was sublime. We had day trips to Coco Cay, St Thomas and St Maarten. All lovely islands surrounded by warm, clear, turquoise water. I was on this voyage for 2 reasons. Of course the Caribbean always beckons. As does an opportunity to learn from Tim Holtz in a series of workshops.

Here is Mary Ann. She and her husband Jeff were our dining table companions and as it turns out, she was my workshop neighbor, too. Now on a cruise, you typically have no choice on whom you sit with at dinner. I was pleased to be seated at a table for 4; just me, Bob, Mary Ann & Jeff. But I didn't know them and what if they were unpleasant people?? As it turns out, they were great company and I like them both very much. Sure Mary Ann and I have love of paper art and Tim in common, but she was also an experienced crafter and a fun companion. A couple of times whilst intensely working on our projects I did something WRONG. Mary Ann never interfered, but when I mentioned to her my trouble, she knew just what to do. Now, that I like!

Here is Margaret. Ah, Margaret. Isn't she gorgeous? She was such a generous help to me in advance of the cruise, with good advice on cruising and the workshops. She is much experienced in these things and I was clueless. It turned out we were in different workshop groups (when there are 180 attendees the groups can't all be in the same place at the same time), and actually didn't meet up until the last night, but that doesn't matter at all. She is my good buddy.

Here are the Artist Trading Cards I collected. I gave out quite a few of my cards to gals who didn't have anything to trade with, which is perfectly fine. Towards the end of the cruise I ended up trading many of my cards during a workshop session when gals saw one of my ATC's and they scrambled to trade with me. That made me feel good. I don't know if I will ever have an opportunity like this again. I will always have Tim Holtz' Caribbean Cruise in my heart.