As you know, I’ve been crazy busy trying to get my new craft room done. One of the reasons I needed to get it done was because I was asked by a great store in New Britain, PA called Byrne Sewing Connection to come and kick off their lecture series. They wanted me to talk about organization, and do two presentations – one on Tuesday evening and the other on Wednesday morning.
Since I have been going through the biggest test of my organizational skills with my room and vast “collections”, I felt I could probably help them out with some tips and lessons I learned while trying to organize my personal “stash”.
Another motivation was my son, his wife, and three grandchildren live in Hershey PA. and my husband was asked to speak that same week in Providence, Rhode Island, so we worked out a plan and surprisingly it all came together.
I flew out on Monday the 4th, and Dale flew out on the 5th. I went straight to my speaking engagement, he flew into Harrisburg, rented a van, and went to my son’s in Hershey. I spoke Tuesday night, and they left Wednesday morning to drive to Rhode Island. After speaking Wednesday, I flew to Rhode Island and got there ten minutes before I was suppose to go out to eat with the doctors that invited Dale to speak. CRAZY – YES! AMBITIOUS – YES! Was it worth it – YES!
The owner, Debbie Byrne picked me up from the airport in Philadelphia and on the drive we started talking and we had sooo many things in common! She told me she grew up with 5 sisters – so did I. I asked her what number she was - #3 – same as me! She adopted twins then got pregnant – I adopted two boys 5 days apart – and then got pregnant! Needless to say -we BONDED!
Here are some pictures of the women at the Tues. evening event.
The Door Prize winner of the 36” Ribbon Organizer Tuesday night.
Some pictures of the Wednesday morning group!
The winner for the 36” Ribbon Organizer for the Wednesday group. 
Congratulations to both winners!
My favorite part of both sessions was the “show and tell” before I spoke, and meeting the customers who came to participate. Seeing the beautiful pieces of quilted artwork was AMAZING! I was so impressed with all of the pieces shown, and how genuinely nice everyone was!
The women who worked for Debbie were all customers at one time and talked about how you get “sucked into Byrne Vortex” and end up going from a customer to valued employee. Thank you again Susan and Linda for being my chauffeurs, helpers, computer set-up and friends while I was there. Thank you Debbie for the hospitality shown to me during my visit! You have a great store, employees and customers! Thanks for letting me be a small part of your world!
Thank you to all the wonderful ladies who showed up to learn about organizing! Sometimes it’s not a subject people want to hear about, or get excited about because it makes them feel guilty, overwhelmed, etc. So thanks for sharing your comments and thoughts and I wish you well on your organizing journey! Remember… enjoy the process!
Renee
…now the second half of my trip!
The rest of my trip was filled with my husband, my son and his wife, and my darling grandkids, beautiful places to see, and lots of fun memories as we did our road trip back from Providence to Hershey!
Outside of the Vanderbilt’s “Breakers” Summer Mansion in Newport. What a gorgeous place!
Restaurant in Cape Cod
Just a few shots from the trip
My grandson is the sweetest thing ever – but he loves to spit up! As you can see, he got both the couch and grandma - but he’s so cute, who cares! The van was a bit crowded, but everyone still had a great time!
Cape Cod – the kids loved the beach, collecting sea shells and whatever else they could find. We did find 5 tiny starfish. It was a beautiful day, but the wind was really blowing so it made it a bit on the chilly side!
The joy of babies and traveling in the car. When he messed his diaper completely up his back side, my son was holding him up so mom could clean him off, and he decided to throw up all over dad. Couldn’t resist taking pictures of it.
Amish buggy ride in Lancaster
Our driver for the ride giving us some information. Dale sat up in front since it was a bit crowded in the back.
The kids did great for being in the car for long periods of time, new beds every night and just being away from home! I LOVED being with my son and seeing what a great dad and husband he is! His wife is the best mom ever and I know my grandkids are in great hands.
Nothing can make me happier than my family!
Thanks for letting me share my “two trips in one” with you!
Renee
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