2nd Runner Up - Ultimate Stacy Contest

Well, we said this was not an easy contest to judge - thank goodness Stacy herself helped us make the final decision! We were touched, moved, and inspired by the entries. Because of the passion that was shown by our 10 contest entrants, even if you don't win the Ultimate Stacy Package - we're holding you a spot at the Opening Ceremonies! That's right - if you entered the contest - should the tickets to the Opening Ceremonies sell out before you are able to purchase one - just contact us - we'll make sure you are able to purchase one.

Not to belabor the point - but this was a tough contest to judge! So, we've picked a 2nd runner up and a 1st runner up in addition to the Ultimate Stacy Contest winner! The 2nd runner up will recieve a signed copy of Stacy's book "Big Picture Scrapbooking". The 1st runner up will recieve a signed copy of Stacy's newest book "Photo Freedom".

And, as you all know - the winner will recieve the Ultimate Stacy Package - which includes entry into our ALL NEW Opening Ceremonies Event on Wednesday, May 7th where you’ll enjoy wine, cheese and crackers and other special treats! There will be contests and prizes and displays from some of our exhibitors showing you all the great products the Mega Meet has to offer – and then comes the moment we’re all waiting for – Stacy’s keynote address! But wait – there’s MORE! You’ll get a signed copy of Stacy’s new book Photo Freedom! And guess what – it’s not the ULTIMATE package unless you also get to attend Stacy’s class, Finish Line Scrapbooking, on Thursday morning!

So, without further ado - the 2nd runner up is Donna Kert! Congratulations Donna!

Here is Donna's entry:

The Chance by Donna Kert

I feel like I've known her forever but, in reality, we've never even met. I visit her blog for daily inspiration, read everything she writes, and listen to her voice as my teacher on "streaming audio." This is as close as I've come to "meeting" Stacy Julian and yet, it feels like she's an old friend of mine. All of this is wonderful but nothing would beat the chance to meet her in person. You see, I have something important to tell her.

For years, I have been inspired by her. Inspired to create, learn, stretch, and grow. The impact that Stacy has had on me goes far beyond photos, paper, glue, and this crazy exciting hobby called scrapbooking. She has enriched my life by the lessons she teaches and the lifestyle she leads. Her "big picture" philosophy and "altogether too happy" approach to life has been a constant source of sunshine in my studio. She reminds me to live consciously, play more, celebrate everyday life, and never stop learning. For all of this, I would love the chance....the chance to finally meet her in person, look her in the eye, and shake her hand. The chance to say what I've wanted to say to her since the first time I picked up a Simple Scrapbooks Magazine...the chance to say, "thank you!"

In one year, I'll be turning 40 years old. With this milestone coming up, I created a gift for myself in the form of a scrapbook. The title of my book is "40 Things" and consists of 40 things I want to do, see, learn, create, and experience before my 40th birthday. Meeting Stacy Julian is one of those things. When I created the book, I imagined all the places that I might need to travel to finally meet her but never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would meet her right here in my own hometown! I'm so excited to finally see her, hear her inspirational words "live", be her student once again, and maybe...just maybe...I'll get the chance to shake her hand and say, "thank you."

=============================

We'll announce the 1st runner up tomorrow - and the winner on Friday!