Lasting Friendships, Creative Connections …

 THE CREATIVE CONNECTION … it was an event that was created for women to share their knowledge, their skills, their perceptions and sensibilities, their accomplishments, and yes, even some of their secrets. What actually  happened was an “experience” where women gave to each other “everything” they had to give. 

At the Crowne Plaza in St. Paul, September 15-17, 2011,  the women who came created a “shelter in the storm” where dreams were confessed, hopes were repeated out loud, problems and setbacks were worn as a badge of courage, knowledge and experience were given freely, and confidence was entrusted to all of us, by each of us, without hesitation and with elegance, polish, and sincerity. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an important part of my dream and proving that anything is possible … we simply need to believe in ourselves, in each other, and quiet those on the outside who profess their skepticism, hesitation, and distrust. 

If I had but one wish for each of you (besides a Marcus Leaver in your life), it would be that you receive what you so freely give.

Much love always
Jo

Did you make THE CREATIVE CONNECTION? If so, we want to hear from you! Please share the link to your TCC blog post below by clicking on “Mr. Linky”. We can’t wait read all about your experiences! If you didn’t make it to the event, don’t fret! We’ve got a TCC swag bag (worth $200!) for TWO lucky commenters!

Simply leave your comment below and you’re entered!  We’ll leave the comments open until Tuesday, September 29th at Midnight (MST), so get your comments in by then. GOOD LUCK! 

 


134 Responses to Lasting Friendships, Creative Connections …

  1. Starr Reynolds says:

    Oh my gosh…What a cute bag…I can only imagine the wonderful things in it….Hope I win so I can do more then jut imagine :O)

  2. I posted parts one and two! Way to much fun to get into just one! Thank you, thank you, thank you! One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself!

  3. One of the best things I’ve ever done for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  4. Kathleen Mehus says:

    Because of family “stuff” I did not arrive until Saturday morning……the moment I entered the Crown Plaza…I could feel the energy and hear the laughter and chatting down stairs…the rest of my day was so magical. Everyone was so sweet, so helpful…

  5. Bev says:

    Looks like a FABULOUS event….wish I could have been there. It’ s fun to read about it from the bloggers.

  6. Kass Hall says:

    YAY I have posted on my blog my first thoughts….many more will come I am sure! Thankyou ALL!

  7. Dear Ladies………..(there are so many of you to Thank)
    Where does one begin to put into words an Experience that was created in the Stars and delivered to a Galaxy of Women who were so ready to bask in the Light and Energy that was present?
    This was my first time and I knew it would be a beyond words “Experience” but I had no idea that it would also be Life Changing.
    The Friendships, Connections, Inspirations, and Lessons just to name a few were just what was needed by all the amazingly, talented women I met.
    The kindness, hospitality, and eagnerness to share were but a few of the traits that were common among all.
    I will forever be indebted to so many whom I met that made such an inpact on my Life. It might have been for a brief moment or over drinks in the quiet after hours.
    I came home totally energized and motivated to begin ANEW.
    I wanted to put my thoughts and lessons learned into something tangible that I could utilize to start my planning process so I came up with Top 10 Take Aways.
    It has helped me to stay Grounded and Focused since returning home and I also know that it is a complete Reflection of all the Knowledge and Encouragement that was shared from ALL the WOMEN for our benefit.
    http://www.debbiesaviano.blogspot.com
    I am redesigning my entire Blog and know that from this point on much of what I do will be a direct reflection of the Journey I made to St. Paul.
    I also know that we live in challenging times but I also know that there are WOMEN who will Create and Connect and together we can Make a Difference.
    From the bottom of my Heart I say Thanks……………..hugs from Debbie in Dallas

  8. Jen Clark says:

    Oh, how much fun it sounds like!!! I so hope I get to attend in the future!! Thanks for the chance to win one of the gorgeous bags!

  9. Tana says:

    Hoping to win a TCC goody bag! :-)

  10. kate blue says:

    wow…just looked amazing and so wish this was something I could attend just once !!! Looks like there was just sooo much variety!

  11. Chris Wooten says:

    Wow what an awesome time to find your site….I would love to win this prize…thank you so much…love, love this site….

    New follower

    Chris Wooten
    mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

    http;//turnedgypsy.blogspot.com

  12. Chris Wooten says:

    I joined on face book

    Wow what an awesome time to find your site….I would love to win this prize…thank you so much…love, love this site….

    New follower

    Chris Wooten
    mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

    http;//turnedgypsy.blogspot.com

  13. Chris Wooten says:

    I twitter and follow you on twitter
    Wow what an awesome time to find your site….I would love to win this prize…thank you so much…love, love this site….

    New follower

    Chris Wooten
    mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

    http;//turnedgypsy.blogspot.com

  14. Chris Wooten says:

    I join this blog

    Wow what an awesome time to find your site….I would love to win this prize…thank you so much…love, love this site….

    New follower

    Chris Wooten
    mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

    http;//turnedgypsy.blogspot.com

  15. oh! i’m so sorry i missed this event! i am enjoying to read all the blog posts… and seeing all the pictures… but honestly … feeling a bit bittersweet! ;) maybe next year! ( would loooove to win the swag bag!)

  16. Gabriela says:

    Hello,

    I really wish I could have been there…but life gets in the way…I would love to win a TCC swag bag, please add my name to the draw.
    Thanks so much for your generosity!

    Gabriela

  17. Molly B says:

    I so wish I could have gone to this. . .looks like a GREAT time!

  18. I had the most wonderful time at TCC11, the encouragement, support, and connections were incredible! I had some mishaps on the way to my first day at TCC; you can read about it on my blog!

  19. I wish that I could have been there again this year, but my Dad had a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma and needed someone to be with him for the first 6 weeks of the transplant. Maybe next year!

  20. Patty says:

    I love reading your blog. The photos are wonderful!

  21. It is a pleasure to be connected with so many generous, sharing and talented people. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it.

  22. marianne Ingersoll says:

    I haved enjoyed reading all about the Creative Connection online and so hope to make it next year! A family wedding made it impossible to drive this Sept. but have it circled for next! Thanks!

  23. Heather says:

    Thank you. It was such a blast!! I learned a lot and met a lot of ‘wonder women’.

    Keep shining.

    xo.Heather

  24. Allison Schaeffer says:

    Oh how I would have loved to attend this event. I will keep my fingers crossed for next year. Would love to get a chance to win the goodies too. Have a great day!

  25. Kate says:

    Will the future TCCs be in St. Paul/Twin Cities or elsewhere? I was soooooo bummed to learn about the event after it was done, all the more because the view from my living room is of the Crowne Plaza hotel and the Mississippi river, I’m literally on the same city block! Sounds like such an amazing event, I hope to attend the next one.

  26. Amanda says:

    This event was so wonderful! Thank you to all the coordinators for your hard work. My head is still spinning with all the great ideas!

  27. Pamala says:

    I would have loved to come to the Creative Connection event. I sure hope someday my dream will come true.

  28. I would love to win!!!!
    I wanted to attend so badly! Next year, for sure!

  29. Kay DiMarco says:

    So wish I could have been there!

  30. Kristy Stites says:

    I have to say, this looks like such a fun, inspiring event – what a fabulous idea and I love how you have all these creative, artistic minds sharing and collaborating! Sad I didn’t see this in time to attend – I will certainly be looking for this next year! Kudos on the Creative Connection from a girl who loves to try new things and everything arts & crafts!!!

  31. Susan Dodge says:

    Fun, Fun, Fun, I hope to make it there someday!

  32. Traci Bixby says:

    Thanks so much for the chance to win.

  33. Beverly Watters says:

    I hope to someday be able to attend one of these awesome events!

  34. Debbie says:

    Oh how I desperately wanted to attend the Creative Connection this year!! As an educator/librarian in a junior high, the timing was impossible for me. We just CANNOT take 2 days off 4 weeks after school has started. So….. I just have to look at the photos and the posts and dream of the day when I retire from the public school system and can take time when I need to take time to do the things that have become so important to me. Thanks for helping me dream!!

  35. How I wish I could have been there! Maybe next year. I can not wait to see what is in my bag!

  36. Diana says:

    Pick me! I wish I could have gone. Hopefully next year.

  37. so nice to meet everyone! thank you!

    xo, juliette

  38. SusanG says:

    I was so disappointed that I was unable to attend this wonderful event. A family emergency kept me away. How great that you are giving away a couple of swag bags. Love, love to win one of those. I’m sure it is amazing. Hope to see you all next year!

  39. Our experience at TCC far exceeded expectations. We were overwhelmed by the abilities and open hearts & minds of our students. We would be thrilled to come back next year and teach again. The best part by far was re-connecting with old friends and making brand new ones. It was so easy to approach complete strangers knowing that if they are there at TCC then we must have a million things in common. Please visit my blog to see my pics and read about our personal experiences there. Thanks so so much for this amazing opportunity!! xoxo, Jenny Holiday…and Aaron!

    http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/2011/09/creative-connectiona-recap.html

  40. Erin Vandervelde says:

    Thanks for the chances to win this bag!

  41. Nancy Malay says:

    After going to TCC last year, I knew I had to attend again. So, when Blogher asked me to speak on a panel, I was thrilled! Being from MN, I’m partial to St. Paul, and I think the Crowne Plaza did a great job. The food was delicious, and everything was so organized. Seeing old friends; making new ones; being inspired by the speakers and panelists; taking classes and shopping at the handmade market ~ in a word AWESOME!!!! Thank you, Jo, the sponsors and everyone who made TCC such a fantastic event! Nancy Malay

  42. Candice says:

    Thank you for this opportunity! TCC is definitely on my bucket list! :}

    squirmywormstudio {at} gmail {dot} com

  43. Lisa Cooper says:

    I would have so loved to have been there but a bag of goodies from there would be the next best thing. Would love to win this.

  44. Mitzi Curi says:

    I want to thank you for the wonderful event that was TCC! I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and learned so much during the panel discussions and presentations. I’ve never felt this inspired and excited about my business….I can barely sleep! I hope you feel that all of your hard work and time was well spent. I consider TCC a “life-changing” experience!

  45. Cheryl W. says:

    Hope to be able to attend the event one year!

  46. Maria says:

    It looks like a wonderful event! I’d love to attend sometime!

  47. Thanks for sharing with us! Looks like we missed out on a great event. :)

  48. Sally says:

    This looks like an awesome event. Thanks for the chance to win.

  49. Susannah Turner says:

    This looks like an amazing event. So cool!

  50. liz says:

    how great! and thanks to becky for sending me over here!

    liz
    harrisburg, pa

  51. Louise Dunn says:

    Wish I could have been in such a concentrated creative atmosphere! Thanks for the chance to win, though!

  52. Judy says:

    Fabulous website. Fabulous event. Fabulous give-a-way!

  53. Laura says:

    Wish I could have been there! :)

  54. What an amazing event! One of these days I’m going to make it to fun stuff like the TCC. Until then I’ll just keep up with it online. Thanks for posting photos and fun!

  55. Amy W. says:

    Love all of the buttons and flowers on the bag. :)

  56. Aimee Snyder says:

    I would love LOVED to have been even a fly on the wall at CC!! Looks like a blast and I would so love to win one of those swag bags!!!

  57. shelly says:

    With big changes coming up in my family’s lives, I am looking forward to being able to allow my creative passions to grow.

  58. BillieJo Mustard says:

    Wish I was at the Creative Connection as I could really use some creative energy at the moment! Would love for a bit of it to be sent to me!

  59. Wow! Lovely, Lovely, Lovely!

  60. Steph Helmke says:

    Just popped over from Becky Higgins’ blog…looks like it was a FABULOUS time! :) Thank you for the chance to win one of the giveaways.

  61. Tashia D says:

    Would love this since I couldn’t be there in person!

  62. Linda Hagerty says:

    Please SWAG me. Thanks!

  63. kimber ramski says:

    Love the swag would love to be able to create with it.!!!

  64. Amber says:

    Wonderful event!

  65. Pam Kiyoi says:

    I would love to win one of your bags! I’m in CA & just can’t afford to get out your way. I’ve read some blogs of those who were able to attend & it sounded so great — wish I could have been there!

  66. Julia Hull says:

    Here’s to women who Create! *clink*!

  67. Tracy says:

    Looks like fantastic stuff!

  68. Yvonne Gronau says:

    What a fabulous event! I love how all of you truly support and encourage each other. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!

  69. Megan says:

    I’ve loved reading about this event and I’m putting it on my list for someday! Thanks for the opportunity to win the cool swag bag!
    Megan
    Napa, Ca

  70. Rebecca W says:

    Yay! Would love to win!!

  71. Jen I says:

    I love the bag! I bet the goodies inside are even better!

  72. krystal says:

    adorable bag! thanks ladies for all the inspiration! hope i am one of the lucky winners :)

    krystal

  73. Carolyn says:

    I SOOO wished I’d have made it there. It’s so inspiring to see and read about what went on there. Being creative is a great blessing. It brings me great joy!

  74. Jamia says:

    I would really like to be one of the attendees of TCC, man the inspiration and motivation floating around had to be intoxiCating!!

  75. Kimberly Pax says:

    This sounds like it was an awesome event. The bag is great. Thanks for a chance to win!

  76. Sheryl Pyle says:

    Love all the creative people on this site. I am amazed!! Have a great day.

  77. Tirzah Shirley says:

    Thanks for doing this giveaway!

  78. Gina says:

    what a great event ans so wish i could have been there. have been reading the updates from House of Smiths and Becky Higgins and just drooling over all the speakers and things that they did!! Thanks for the chance! hope I win!

  79. Mary Calvert says:

    Looks like a lot of fun!

  80. Mary Calvert says:

    Looks like so much fun!

  81. Dara Cohen says:

    I wish I could have been there. It looks like it was a wonderful nurturing experience.
    Dara

  82. This sounds wonderful, and I love the magazine “Where Woman Create” Hope there is another conference that I can attend.

  83. Love this hope there is a next time.

  84. Bhea Barcarse says:

    It would be lovely to win some swag!

  85. Kelly T. says:

    Wish I could have made it! Maybe I’ll win to make me feel better:)

  86. Have I been hiding under a rock? Somehow I missed all the fun, excitement, and adventure! This event sounds fabulous! I hope I can attend someday!

    Ladies, my hat is off to you, I tip my cup to you (cafe latte, of course), a hearty cheer to you! :)

    May we all be what we were called to be, and create what we were called to create!

    Blessings! teresa

  87. Thien-Kim says:

    Looks like so much fun! I wish I could have gone.

  88. Robynn Y says:

    Looks like a fantastic event. Not in my neighborhood so didn’t get to check it out. But would love to win a swag bag of goodies!

  89. Lillian P. says:

    Looks like a wonderful time! I would love a swag bag!

  90. kate says:

    What a great event, I hope to maybe attend one day. I’d love to win the bag!

  91. michelle :) says:

    oh this would be just the connection i need…..i want to live what that bag says!

  92. Lindsay P says:

    I’d love to be entered to win, Thank you!!

  93. Swati says:

    What a fantastic event! I hope I can attend it someday!

  94. Julia Prohaska says:

    What a FABULOUS give away! Have followed this event for the last two year, no more, next year, I’m coming! It all just looks like a PHENOMENAL event, gathering, learning, sharing, FUN time!

  95. Samantha Miller says:

    Thanks for giving us a chance to win some goodies!

  96. Michelle says:

    I did attend this year- and it was insanely inspiring. I was overwhelmed with excitement and I only attended 2 classes and the VIP breakfast! I was honored to meet Lisa McCue, Melody Ross and Kellierae Roberts.

  97. Kristin A. says:

    No, I didn’t make it to TCC. :( Thanks for the chance to win a swag bag!!! I am crossing my fingers!

  98. catherine s. says:

    Visiting from WWC blog and WANTING that awesome swag bag! I was with you in spirit this year, but hope to be there in person next year. So, I am writing you, probably prematurely, to inquire about next year’s dates. Because once they’re on the calendar for me, they’re set…*ahem* I just need to convince hubby about that now ;) If he see how COOL the swag bag is, he’ll have no reservations…he might even come along!

    Thanks for putting on something as AWESOME as this – can’t wait to be a part of it in the future!

    Catherine S.

  99. Jana Harrer says:

    I am so sad to have missed Creative Connections this year. I had to fly out of town for work at the last minute even though I have had the day scheduled off to attend for months. A definite must for next year. But a swag bag would be nice!

  100. Nikki says:

    I didn’t get attend this event because I just discovered your magazine! I am in love with it! Thanks for all that you do!

  101. Korey says:

    Looks like fun!

  102. I so wish I had been able to make it this year! I loved it so much last year! Hopefully next year! The swag bag alone was worth the trip!

  103. i wasn’t there (big sigh) :( but i will be someday! i would love to win a swag bag. what a great giveaway! thank you. carlanda

  104. Kathy says:

    One day I am going to win one of these : )
    Kathy

  105. until recently, I had never heard of the creative connection. Looks super inspiring and fun! And yeah, what I wouldn’t do for that swag…

  106. Oh I wish I could have been there! :( Can’t wait to hear about everyone’s wonderful experiences!!! Lucky lucky people! :) I’m so happy for all of you!

  107. Julia S says:

    Hi..unfortunately due to a change at work I could not attend this year. I hope that next year…I will be one of those lucky attendees! Given I am called the Craft Mom it’s just what I would enjoy! ;-)

  108. Nikki says:

    Oh,how I would love to be a part of this! So much inspiration and talent in one event. :)

  109. Beth A. says:

    I would so love to get that bag! I a bag HOG! :) Hubby hates it. Of course, I’d love to have the stuff inside too!

  110. Heather Ellis says:

    Love this!

  111. Amber Rose says:

    My bag from the previous year was STOLEN out of my mini-van when it was broken in the past spring:( Oh how I miss it sooo!! I would be great to get one from this year in it’s place..thanks!! (going to stroke my lucky rabbit’s foot..stat!)

  112. Jennifer says:

    Love all the ideas! Wish I coulda been there!

  113. traci severson says:

    sounds like TCC was a wonderful event….sad I missed it.

  114. Robin Thomas says:

    I came to the event last year and thought i would never miss another. Then came my daughter’s senior year and Friday night and, well, send me the bag ’cause i missed the real deal!

    Thank you!

  115. Cathy Wegner says:

    I would love to try to make to thc Creative Connection next year but in the meantime it would be wonderful to win the swag bag. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

  116. I unfortunately couldn’t make it to the event but have heard it was life changing! I would love to win a swag bag ~ choose me please!

  117. I would love a chance to win a swag bag valued at 200 dollars! I was in Minneapolis that weekend and even remember seeing the Crown Plaza as I drove by. Wish I would have known about the creative juices and brains flowing in that hotel before I planned my trip there. Very fun.

  118. The Creative Connection was such an amazing event! Thanks to all you women who came out for MaryJanesFarm day.

  119. Judy Cook says:

    One of these days I’m gonna make it to TCC!! In the meantime, I’d love to have a swag bag.

  120. Sandy Oberweiser says:

    I was soooo hoping to go this year with my Mom. But….life takes over and things happen. I will keep my eye out for future events.

    I hope it is not to late to try to win a fab SWAG BAG. It’s actually Wed, Sept 28.
    Thanks!

  121. Lee Wehner says:

    TCC is on my wish list; I would love to see, learn, share, and experience all that these wonderful creative women have to share. I look forward to reading more about them. Thank you!

  122. Veronica says:

    All the posts I have read about TTC make me so sad that I wasnt there. However, I know someday I will be! It looks like a great time. And such a generous giveaway.

  123. wishful*thinking says:

    Attending next year *I hope* ~ in the meantime sure would love to win a TCC swag bag!

  124. Jennifer Crotty says:

    I am dying for a bag!!!!

  125. Lee Ann Wren says:

    I love your products, and to be able to have the bag and goodies would be a thrill for me… I subscribe to “where women create” for my mom and I … she and I are your biggest fans!

  126. Patty McNally says:

    I did not get to attend but I absolutely believe that we simply need to believe in ourselves and others…and share our experiences in a positive way. Thanks for the chance to win a TTC swag bag, good luck everyone!

    Patty

  127. barb says:

    I wish I could have attended this year but finances wouldn’t allow it. A swag bag sure would make me feel better though!

  128. Janet Hedrick says:

    I wish I had been there! Sounds fantastic! Hope this becomes an annual event – if so, I plan to be there in 2012!

  129. Kim McM says:

    Thank you for all of your crafting inspiration! Love it!

  130. kristin says:

    # fan right here, cheers to you !

  131. traci severson says:

    what a wonderful event to inspire, uplift, share and grow as well as meet new friends. i wish i would have been able to attend.

  132. Words can’t describe my feelings about this event….blessed, fulfilled yet yearning for more, aspiring. It was amazing…I’m ready to head back there again!

  133. Pingback: The people you meet! | The Creative Connection

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