Sunday – Upon Reflection…..

Sunday – Upon Reflection…..

Hi there.
Thanks for popping in.
Just got home. 5 hours door to door, which isn’t bad in a van –
except when you’re the one in the middle.
It was so hot !!! The next van we buy needs air-con, 
or I’m building a bed in the back!
I remember many years ago taking Grace up to the SECC, 
to the Glasgow Christmas show.  She really was just a youngun, and we made a seat/nest for her in the back. And there she slept, surrounded by boxes and crates, all the way there – and all the way home. I can’t imagine that’s legal nowadays! 
(Or if it even was then!)
I remember she discovered giant Yorkshire Puds filled with sausage & mash at the Harry Ramsdens in Paisley Road, and thought they were the best thing she had EVER eaten! First thing she did when we got home was show her brother how the Scottish eat Yorkshire puds!
Funny isn’t it, the things you remember….
Well yesterday, certainly was a day to remember too.
Coming home in the van today, sandwiched between Paul and Dave, I asked them what I usually ask after an exhibition or event, “what could we have done to improve on yesterday?”
They both went quiet, and reflected on the day.
This is what we concluded:
1. An extra member of staff to help Heather stock up would have been good.
2. More shopping baskets. There weren’t enough to go round.
Well, blow me. If that was all we could think of, I would say that the day was as close to perfect as we will ever get. 
Sure we ran out of things, and of course, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.
A L W A Y S.
But I have to tell you, I feel an immense sense of satisfaction.
Somebody asked me yesterday whether I was enjoying the day, and it stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t honestly tell her at that point. It reminded me of Christmas Day in a way. All the prep and work that goes into the 24th and 25th. All the family comes over, and I spend at least 10 hours in the kitchen, nursing a poxy turkey and sweating bullets over the Christmas Dinner.  
Every year, when it’s over I reflect on the day, and ask myself whether I enjoyed it or not, and the truth is, YES! Of course I did!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS !!!
 The people I love are in the house, hanging out and having a great time. We are all together. And if they are happy and having a good time, then I am happiest of all of them. 
I am pretty certain many of you will be able to identify with that analogy. 
So yes, I enjoyed yesterday thoroughly. 
Because everybody else did.  
You get me. 
Love & Hugs,
Barb
xxx

28 thoughts on “Sunday – Upon Reflection…..

  1. Hi Barb,
    Pleased you had a good journey home – good time too. Well I for one certainly enjoyed it and I know that everyone I spoke too was having a good time. Been playing with the Dorso crayons today and have to say I do like them. Rosie showed me how to use them yesterday which was brilliant. Off to pack now, off to Mull so might not be able to comment this week depending on signal. Once again, thank you for a brilliant day yesterday , love and hugs Alison xxx

  2. If you ever get down to Wiltshire, I will volunteer to be you stock up person, help Dave on the till etc. Would love to be involved in something like this. Just ask, and I'd be there

  3. It was an Ab fab day. Apologies for nearly giving you a heart attack when I dropped my tub of paste on the floor when you very kindly gave me a basket lol. I really enjoyed watching your demo on the new designer parchment pads, I had to have them. All the demos were great and I made it to the snip clinic with Glynis and Chris, most helpful. Just wonderfull to be able to catch up with old friends and make new ones, loved it. Thank you xx

  4. Well It was definately a good day through my eyes. The room was great, the restaurant was a great success as far as my "Crew" Members were concerned and Demonstrating is one of my favourite things to do! If anything could be done better!! Well, I could have done with an assistant to help me find everything under my pile of Gel Prints!!! Glad you are home safe and sound, was lovely to see you if only briefly. X glad you have re-booked the room for next year. X 🌹

  5. Mum and I loved the day and even had a play with the leaf stencils this morning following a demo by Jo (thanks Jo and all the team, you have all put a spring back in the mojo!). Mum is well into her 80s, doesn’t see very well and is a bit shaky, but that doesn’t stop her crafting, she even has a card making group! She was also raving about the day in Leyburn. Mum wants to go again next year. Thanks Barbara and Team, it was perfect. X

  6. Good to know you're home safe 'n sound and had a good trip despite being a bit hot! Yesterday was fab, great buzz in the room and having the extra space definitely paid off (how we all fitted into half last year is a mystery – lol!) Looking forward to coming along next year and definitely don't think you need worry if all that was missing were shopping baskets however an assistant for Heather is a good idea, bless her she still managed to smile and have a very brief chat xxx

  7. Sounds like a total hit for all the involved just wish was there, well cannot have everything enjoyed last weekend. Glad you got home in good time. Was warm today still got door open dog running in and out decided its play time so just given me his toy so guess better play with him in joy your evening hugs Joy xxx

  8. It all sounds like a resounding success – but then I never expected it to be anything but. So glad you had a fabulous day and a safe journey home again. I am sure there is always something you Think you could have done better but if nobody complained then it was actually fine. Keep on doing what you're doing – you do it so well. Xxxx

  9. Well after all the walking I have done today reckon I could easily help Heather. I must look as if I know the answers as I often get asked where things are at your Open Days. I know what you mean about looking around and seeing everyone happy I love that feeling at Christmas. It was a fabulous day, wonderful venue and great people. We are still in Leyburn making a little break of it. Thank-you. xx

  10. Thanks Barbara for a really successful day, when the baskets ran out Dave gave me a Clarity bag, I spent a good while filling it up, so glad you trusted me as no one else would have done that! Steve did offer to just come and get everything for me but I felt sorry for him cos with the amount I bought he would never have been able to carry it in his arms, especially when I showed him my list.

    Now it's time to save up for next year as I will be back.

    See you at the NEC in November.

  11. Glad you are home safe and sound, and in good time too. It was a fabulous day; the only other problem was it was over far too soon! Great to catch up with you, Dave, the rest of the team, and friends old and new. Looking forward to next year already. Love xxx

  12. I and my friend had a fantastic day glad you all got home safe and sound,you made good time.
    Reading everyone’s comments they are all happy so by your analogy you should be extatic lol
    Have a lovely evening Hugs. Theresa x

  13. It really was a remarkable day! The thing I enjoyed was meeting up with lots of people who all have one thing in common, that being ClarityStamps. It's a day where friendships are strengthened and new friendships are made.
    It was great to be a Part of it all!
    Glad you got home safe and sound and look forward to seeing you soon!
    Love and hugs! Xxx

  14. Thank you once again for a truly wonderful day! It exceeded all expectations and it felt a lot like Christmas to me! I had been looking forward to being able to go to one of your Open Days for 2 years and I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment. Bless you Barbara and the rest of Team Clarity for all of the effort that you put into it – for us all. Love and hugs Gilly xxx

  15. Although my trip had to be cut short and was rather a rush, I loved it, even the very twisty tortuous route from one b&b to another. I am sure my satnav, Jane, had a twisted sense of humour when she directed me up the north face of the Eiger. What wonderful views though. The staff at Tennants that I met were really hard-working and helpful and just another part of a great time, thanks to Team Clarity. I had never seen the sheer hard work that goes into preparing even just the Groovi plates for sale. For the benefit of others like me, It is very labour intensive, not just grab off the line and pack. Each one has to be thoroughly cleaned and polished. If any come out next week that are not up to the normal standard, don't blame Clarity. It is probably down to a trainee cleaner – me! On a purely personal level, I had effectively been driving for two days so I was very stiff and sore, so extra chairs would have been welcomed if space could be found in corners. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and will be back next year. When can I have the date as I hope to book the same place and they only have two rooms. xxx Maggie

  16. Hello Barb, well done to you and the team, from reading the comments, there is obviously not much you could do to improve things. Lots of happy comments and people out there. Glad you arrived back safely. Bx

  17. Love the sound of a little sleeping nest in the back of a van – wonder if John will let me have one when we drive down from Inverness to London at Christmas? I doubt it, although I'm prepared to share! Hope you get some time to yourself to recover over the next few days? X

  18. I can identify with the Christmas analogy Barbara and it was obviously a great success, and little tweaks can always be made with any event. Glad your journey home was good and that you have a little 'you' time now. x

  19. Glad it went well. Next time, give me a shout and I will gladly help Heather and anyone else on the team who needs me. It's the least I can do after everything you have done for us xxx

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