Blisss-i-mo

I have just come back form beautiful weekend in Italiaaaa, ok well not just, last Sunday to be exact. But it has been manic since I got back!!! 

I was at the PACS show in Castellammare Di Stabia, near Naples, 

Since my 'initiation’3 years ago, I have not travelled out of the country on my own. I was doing great until the day before, when panic set in. All those old, negative thought patterns....there they were again....another layer to fix!!!!! I thought that most of my fears had been conquered....oh nooooooo, here was another one. I would have cancelled everything, if this was a 2 years ago. It was a bit overwhelming. I mediated, and took moments of stillness, to process all my thoughts and fears. I knew I had to go on this huge journey. I had to go through this fear, and knew that on the other side I would be clearer, and more settle, but the panic was still there!!!! What if I didn't like it, what if I didn't like the people, was the taxi driver at the other end safe...what if what if?????? Honestly, the mind can make up some sinister scenarios!!!!!!! 

And I was fine....of course, and had a marvelous time. The flight was wonderful, and I captured some amazing shots with my camera. And the taxi driver Giacomo, brought along his girlfriend who was staying with him, and it turned out that she was from the same small town as my Uncle in the USA, and knew him....oh the Angels were really helping me to relax!

 My Sunny Chair in Sunny Corner of the BA Lounge

 Wonderful food on offer, but I only had eyes for Mini Chedders, and a nice cup of Earl Grey

I was staying at the Hotel Dei Congressi. By the time I arrived it was dark, and rainy, and the hotel was very quiet. I checked in, and inquired about dinner, and was informed it would be a 8,and there were 4 guests. So at 8-ish I wandered over to the dining hall. Ok so picture the scene....the dining hall was enormous, maybe about 60 large white table.  All the lights were off at one end, and in the middle of the room, and table set for 6. It was like something out of the Shining. And not a soul insight!!!!! And eerily quiet. So I stood there, straining to hear a sound, and my mind doing overtime!! Then I sat down at the table, facing the dark side of the room hahaaaaaaaaa!! I could write such a good horror movie. Finally, a sound. Paola, and Silvia arrived, who were both Italian, and Paola was one of the teachers. Then Shir, and Yafit, two lovely girls from Israel, and lastly, Donna Downey. Within moments, the dining hall was filled with our chatter, and laughter..our united nations table!!! Food and drink were consumed, and it was so enjoyable. Donna and I just hit it off straight away.She adored my Sauf Laandaaan accent, and I loved her humour...very dry, just how I like it. We laughed so much, because we is both bonkers!!!

When I awoke the next morning, and opened my shutter, I was greeted with a beautiful view of the coast, and a snow capped mountain, and I exhaled at the beauty. Nature just does it for me. I went back down to the dining hall, and the view from there was just as amazing....huge mountains....stunning. I was on such a high, and adoring every moment

I wasn't doing my first class until 4pm, so I hung around in the event hall, which was decorated like a tea room, and everything was crafted from paper, and cloth...twas lovely. I read, gloried at my goody bag and chatted. Unfortunately, because of the snow in Rome, a lot of people got stuck, so the event was quiet. I was enjoying the freedom, and the change of scenery, and being able to just BE!!

My main reason for visiting the Show was do do Donna’s classes. I adore her work. It is LOVE-LY...simples. I adore her use of colours, and the sense of liberty, and tranquility in every piece, So, her class was wonderful. And I coped really well with messy fingers. Paint, canvas, water, letting it all mix and flow, every piece of work so different.

I have such a block when it comes to being this free, and Donna has defiantly helped me heal this. She rocks!!! 

And her translator,Tita, was the spit of Maggie Gyllenhaal!! Such a lovely person. We will meet when she is next in London 

That evening I meet Celine Navarro, who owns a magazine in France, and is a superb crafter. 

The next day I did a class with Manu, and really didn't want her to translate into English. I love the sound of the italian language. Her class was so enjoyable, and I stitched on card for the first time.

After lunch, the lovely Carmine, Simona’s husband...sorry..Simona runs the event, and owns a craft store in town, gave me a quick and very informative tour of Castellammare Di Stabia, in his car. He and Simona owns a beautiful home in the mountains. He took me up there, but OMG, the tiniest road ever, probably about 1mm of space either side of the car...I was breathing in!!!!! The house was stunning, and the views breathtaking.

After getting back, Celine and I ended up have a big bonding session, and talked about nearly everything, and laughed a bit too hard...cruising is all I have to say!!!!!

That evening, after dinner, there was a cake making competition. There were 6 on my table. We had to make a cake out of crafty stuff. I spent so much time laughing with Donna, and Celine, that I made no contribution, and guess what????.....we won!!! Ok they won, but I got a prize too. Plus I was to busy putting the gorgeous paper, we had taken to craft with, in my bag!!!!

Ok and on this night We laughed so much that I still had jaw, and stomach ache the next day...you know that uncontrollable, howling laughter, with tears and all......smashing, smashing time.

And then it was my last day. Carmine, the Superman, Earth Angel that he is, offered to drive me to the airport. I am so grateful to him, because it was above, and beyond what was expected. I said goodbye to everyone, and although everyone was so nice, I was really sad to say goodbye to Donna, and Celine. I experienced a very special time with them. Again meeting people for the first time, and having an instant friendship, that you know will last. I really cannot wait to see them both again. I adore them.

This picture will always make me laugh..Donna the peacock, And Celine with moi!!!!

The PACS team were just amazing. So much energy, and always with huge smiles on their faces. I had the most amazing and joyous time. Italian crafting is just what I enjoy. Not a dirty grungy poop tag in sight. And I made some wonderful connections...my FB friends list has been added too.

The Amazing PACS Team

A very happy lady!!!!

And it was an amazing journey for me personally. I felt blissful throughout. Im so glad my darling Stewart sent me a text on the Saturday night, I really needed grounding,I was on such a high, and he sensed it!!! I leaped over a huge mental hurdle, and I was soooo right...it is so much sunnier on the other side

Stay always Blessed

Namaste