I have been away for a few days on a conference and whilst it was useful and productive it was very very tiring.
I feel I have had no real off time since Wednesday early morning and I am shattered.
Brighton is not a great place to get to as the roads are pretty rubbish being filled with endless roundabouts and lots and lots of traffic. However, it was nice to be by the sea ... but possibly not as nice as for some of the delegates as at least I live by the sea all the time. However I was staying right by the sea at the Metropole on the seafront. It was next door to the Grand (where the black tie dinner took place) and the conference centre was just next door to that hotel - so all very centrally located with great sea views. It stayed dry the whole time - though I rarely saw outside - though it was pretty windy. The room used for breakfast was very grand (no not AT the Grand just grand!) and had sea views and I really did enjoy my breakfast. Best meal of the day.

I had an hour off on the first afternoon and walked to Chockywockydoodah (thanks Dawn for telling us about it) but really wish I hadn't as the windows were all decked for Halloween - as was the whole store - and I don't 'do' halloween. I also don't do walking in ill fitting shoes that were designed to sit at a conference not walkj the streets of Brighton. I paid the price for that the rest of the trip with a massive blister that hurt like crazy.





The exhibition was good, it was great to network with colleagues and to hear inspiring lectures and seminars which always sends you back re-energised and filled with enthusiasm. Or at least I am sure it will after a good night's sleep. One of the speakers was Curtis Jobling (wereworld and Bob the Builder) and he was so fascinating, amusing and inspiring and I now have my very own sketch - hand drawn personally - of Bob the Builder. Does that make me very bad to be thrilled! I was far more impressed with him that the Chairman of HSBC bank!
Last night the black tie dinner was at the Grand and it was very Grand! I had to get all poshed up.

It was a lovely evening and I much enjoyed sharing time with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. Miriam Margolyes was the after dinner speaker and she was brilliant. Very moving, very funny and totally captivating. However, I didn't get back to my room until far too late (I am a 'bed by ten' girl) and then slept very badly. Result - I am shattered and plan on sleeping really soon!
It is good to be home. It is good to have comfy clothes not suits on, it is good to have wifi (that WAS a drama) and I am pleased it is the weekend as I can now catch up on work as being away for three days doesn't mean work stops it means it just piles up a bit higher.
I do have scrapping from last weekend to share though.
Dawn Inskip has an amazing new collection out called Autumn. I love the soft colours, the wooden backgrounds, the elements - just lovely

This is what I made with it - another for the digital Florida album as this picture was taken in Wilderness Lodge in July.

Today I am thankful for
- a very productive few days
- feeling priviledged to be in the position I am in where I am
- safe travel
- BEING HOME
- MY OWN BED

