It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 weeks since I returned from my Founder's Circle retreat trip to Phoenix & Lake Powell, AZ. I joined about 130 other demonstrators from across the US and Canada for this great award time of sharing and fun, and I was able to see many stamping friends that I hadn't seen since Convention, Cruise, or even since the previous Founder's Trip! Of course it meant making NEW friends too, and that's just as much fun. Needless to say, I took a zillion pictures and I'll be sharing some with you here.

It was a time with many many highs, but also a big low as well. The saddest thing for me of all was that my dear friend and downline Marika was quite ill for most of the trip.

She had earned her spot by achieving the #3 Rising Star position last year, and this was to be her first incentive trip with SU (she's also earned the Bermuda cruise but that's next March). As she is primarily francophone, Stampin' Up! had arranged for a French interpreter for her & Maryse (the other French speaker) so they could get the maximum enjoyment out of their trip. Marek was a real howl, and I got to spend much more time with my little Frenchies on this trip.

So while Marika's fibromyalgia kicked in and it meant she missed most of the activities, she was never far from my heart and I hope she's finally starting to feel better.

Here's the 1st of 3 Photo Galleries that highlight some of the activities, places and people I visited while there. Over the next few days I hope to get some more highlights up for you... I'm away on a field trip with Serena's class tomorrow, then it's WCMD and then TURKEY WEEKEND (for us Canadians anyhow), but I'll do my best!

Happy stamping,
- Caroline