When last we saw our fearless Jiggle Puff, she was cruising Interstate 10 in a Kia Rondo at 80 mph desperately trying to make it to Los Angeles in time for Kim’s Market Soiree.  I guess I have been married to Chucklebutt for too long because I got away about two hours later than expected.  I made it into L.A. around 8pm and promptly got lost.  Sheesh!  What a city!

I called Chuck and thank goodness for google maps.  He got me to where I needed to be, just in time to spend a lot of money on gorgeous goodies at Holly’s,  Kim’s and Dollybelle’s booth.  Talk about a dangerous good time.

Afterwards, I headed to my hotel and to meet my dear friend Paula D.  Now, the last time I went to L.A. I stayed with Mom in a magnificent BnB.  This time, I figured since I was by myself, I would get something cheap (of course cheap is a relative word when you’re talking about a major metropolitan city.)  Chuck is a Motel 6 guy all the way — me, not so much.  But I figured I would take my chances on Rodeway Inn.  It was only a mile from the venue so I figured it couldn’t be that bad.

When I pulled up, the parking lot was in an alleyway.  Are you for real?!  I decided to take my chances in the underground parking lot.  The entrance was as wide as my vehicle — I mean there was NO room for error.  Once inside, I had only one choice of spots.  I hemmed and hawed and after some tricky maneuvering, I managed my way in.  I’ll admit it wasn’t pretty and it did take me a few tries, but I made it.  Once upstairs at the front desk, I realized that the receptionist had a front row view to my horrible parking skills.  She sorta chuckled, made a snarky comment and sent me on my way.

The hotel definitely gave off a Bates Motel feel, but once inside, the room was clean, the pillows were perfect and the ac worked.  What more could I ask for?  Oh yeah, and it was right across the street from CBS Studios.  I kept hoping to catch a glimpse of Gibbs, Ziva or DiNozza (NCIS anyone?).

My gal pal Paula met me soon after and we talked to the wee hours of the morning.  Once she left, I had to get my crafting groove on and finish my paper dolls.  Then the morning came and it was game day!

For those of you that have been to Kim’s events, you know how delicious they are.  Her attention to detail is unmatched and the weekend is truly magical.

I was assigned to lucky table #7.  Once at our tables, we were greeted with awesome “swag” bags (my friend Paula’s word) and an adorable notebook embellished by Kim.

How cute is that idea?  I so what a ruffly crinoline so I can use it to entertain my ladies at work!

My pics really don’t do the space any justice.  Check out Lisa’s Flickr Group to see all the amazing stuff (that’s for you Mom).  Side note — by the end of the night, those cute pom poms were driving us nuts.  They were flying in the wind and blocking our light.  It was hilarious and Earleene (the gal sitting down) was getting ready to cut them down.

Our first class was taught by the whimsical Lisa Kettell.  We had such a good time making our dragonfly ladies.

Lisa and I mugging for the camera.  She was so awesome and definitely “keeps it real!”  I guess that’s because she is from New Jersey.  She even had a faint Jersey accent which was refreshing to hear — made me miss my mom’s sisters.

The next class was taught by Julie Haymaker Thompson.  Talk about fun!  I’ll take some pics of it this weekend so everyone can see my final project.  Despite the fact that I didn’t have a lot of expectations regarding this class, I think it was my favorite.  I think I am going to try and do something similar with my crafting ladies at work.

These were the gals at my table — clockwise starting at my left, Andrea, Earleene, Annette, Colleen and Sherry.  With the exception of Andrea, we are all from the Phoenix area — Arizona in the House!!

By the end of the day, I had accumulated so much stuff, it looked like urban sprawl around my chair.  I’m glad Chucklebutt wasn’t there.  He would have made some snide comment about my piles.  My Bopka – god rest her soul — would have called me a “cowflop.”

Our last class was taught by Ruth Rae.  Again, I’ll take pics this weekend, but as it is right now, I don’t have any.  We were crafting from 9 in the morning until 9 at night.  Around 7:30, I gave up documenting anything.  Check out what I swiped from Lisa and Kim.

Here are all the gals who participated in the Masquerade Ball Swap.  Can you find me?  Can you spot my woodland spirit?

Here we all are after a long day.

Thank you Kim for a great weekend and thank you Chucklebutt for a great Birthday Gift!

Tomorrow, I’ll recap my adventures in Redondo Beach.  Think Episcopal Bishop of L.A., a game of croquet, veterinarian x-ray machines and a gorgeous old Victorian House.  When my friend Paula is involved, it is always an adventure!