Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Bloom Brigade!

I am so proud and excited to stand beside these ladies today and let you get to know us better.  I think they are some of the most talented people in the industry, but what’s also special about them is that we have a really special sisterhood, we’ve journeyed through a lot of things together.  Joyful and painful, we’ve laughed and cried together.   I respect and appreciate each of them.  I know you’ll love them all too.  



With a little bit of the story of Power Poppy unveiled yesterday, today we get to share some of the "faces" that will help bring Power Poppy to full bloom! We affectionately call this fabulous and fierce team "The Bloom Brigade" because as you'll soon see - each one has a wild and beautiful facet that they bring with them to this very creative team! Want to learn a little more about this wildly talented force of artistic talent? Marcella asked each of us a question and many of them made us say... "Hmmmm...." Just click HERE to see for yourself! 

See me up there?  I’m on the swing that my kids made to hang in the front-yard tree last summer.  I love to swing!  And now,  here is my question :)

Q. A place I visited that made a lasting impact was…? 

A.   Last summer we packed up our family of five and headed out on an adventure.  We love to travel together because it does impact each of us in such special ways.  This trip happened because my husband and I are blessed to work at a church where Pastors earn a sabbatical break after 7 years of service.  We enjoyed every single one of those five months we had away from our jobs!  With our kids getting older we decided that as soon as they finished school for the summer we would take what we called our "American Adventure". It was full of amazing sights, memories and time that we’ll never forget as a family.  A lot of it’s impact was because of friends and family that we went to see, that was really special.  But it’s quite hard to pick just one place that had a lasting impact, so I’ll list a few places and why they were special.   In Spearfish, SD we encountered badlands, rugged mountains, gentle waterfalls and deep earth caves, there was such a peaceful old west feel to our time there.  In Colorado Springs, CO we visited places I had read about in novels, a castle, and spectacular red rock formations in the middle of the city.  I felt like it brought pages from books to life for me.  In Moab, UT we encountered enormous red rock arches and towers like I had never seen before.  The majesty, vastness and peacefulness of Moab still sticks with me.  And in Montana we saw pounding mountain waterfalls and earth heated geysers, so unique and awe inspiring.  I feel like the trip enriched our family in countless ways, but it also expanded our spirits and hearts seeing such beauty in God’s creation.   We’re so blessed to live in Canada and enjoy beautiful scenery around us, but we were full of wonder in adventuring to new places.  We often talk about our Adventure as a family, and look at our 3000 pictures we took, and I know that the riches from that time will continue to impact all of us!  

The rest of these wonderfully dynamic women all have different "sides" to their lives! Head on over to see what makes their creativity click! Learn a little more as you hop on over and see.....

Allison Cope
Christine Okken you are here :)
Cindy Lawrence
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Julie Koerber
Kathy Jones
Katie Sims
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan
Tosha Leyendekker

Tomorrow, we get one step closer to the big sneaks with a peek into Marcella's sketch books. What inspired her first Power Poppy release? She'll share with all of YOU!

10 comments:

Stacy Morgan said...

Christine... my spiritual sister at heart. Your "American Adventure" impacted my family as well with our YS trip. As I told Cindy that tripped sealed the deal for us, but it also sealed the deal with my family. My boys will never forget those 3 days and I know I will cherish that until our next time, maybe in your beautiful area. I can always count on you to be there with an encouraging word and prayer when needed. THANK YOU for always being such a blessing. I love ya girlie! Faith, friendship, creating and Lego's are our glue girl. hee hee Big hugs! :-)

Marisa said...

Loved seeing the picks from your trip - looked amazing and how fun to be able to meet up with Stacey and Tosh too :)

Unknown said...

My question is, how BIG is your scrapbook with 3000 photos? lol Looking forward to seeing the beautiful inspiration from the Bloom Brigade!

Kathy Jones said...

Oh Christine, you brought those places to life with your words....I'm going to have to google them and experience their beauty through my computer while living on the other side of the world. :)

dpkennedy said...

Wow, what incredible experiences for you and your family! You are so worldly! I loved reading your story!

Leslie Miller said...

Ahhhh, grand places! How could you not experience a lasting impact? I've been to most of those sites, stood in wonder and left in awe. Beautifully descriptive words, Christine. I'm looking forward to this trip we're taking together.

Tosha Leyendekker said...

Girl, I felt like I just went on that trip with you. And you've given me some more places to add to my bucket list too. What a unique treasure to be able to make such special memories with your family. And, I know first hand what gems your kids are. That's a testament to how well you two raised them. I was blessed to spend a few days with y'all in YS, and I truly treasure that time. You, my friend, are a treasure!!

Julie Koerber said...

I was so happy that some of us gals made it onto your map of "must sees!" What memories we all made during your American Adventure! You are such a gem to me and I can't believe we are here again together on another fun-filled journey! Like I've been saying all along -- I'm buckled in and ready!!! :-)

Katie Sims said...

Christine...I think you can add incredible writing skills to your seriously loooooong list of attributes. I'm with Kathy...they way you described scenery makes me want to go there and explore. I have long admired your beautiful work and your sweet supportive way. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all of you...I know that I will learn so much and I am excited for the journey to start...let's go! :)

Dawn B. said...

What a fabulous time you must have had. I love family adventures. They grow up too quickly and those days slip by. I am so happy to be designing with you again. You were the very first "flower" stamper whose work I fell in love with.