Once upon a time (the story of Patti and Elke)....

One of my favorite parts of Treasury of Memories (the oh-so-wonderful scrapbooking store formally known as my workplace, formally known as my inspiration spot, formally known as my 2nd home) were all the layouts scattered throughout the store as product samples. It was amazing and inspiring that these creative women were displaying their families, friends, and personal lives for all to soak in.....it really is like reading the personal diaries of some of these women, complete with pictures and a little product for good measure. One day PTG (pre-TOM girl), I happened to be looking at one of Elke's scrapbook layouts where she included multiple pictures of her and her friends' self-portraits (you know the ones....whoever has the longest arm gets to hold the camera awkwardly and then some one's head gets cropped out but it's still fun because hey, every one's smiling). I vividly remember thinking to my self, "Self, that is someone you should be friends with."

Little did I know at that point in time, that TOM would be hiring just 6 months later and I would get a magical part-time job there. Also, little did I know, that when I did meet Elke, we became best friends in a matter of weeks. Elke and I have so much in common including similar faiths, outgoing and social personalities (shocking news, yes I know), a great love of all things local and county-related, scrapbooking and other artsy endeavors, patience in finding boys that will put up with us (and with the other "half" being invited on all their dates) and countless epic and fabulous memories in Whatcom County and beyond (long arm self-portraits included).

I am so excited to get to share this new adventure with Elke in Haiti this August. For all who know Elke, she is in constant service to others in a number of ways, personally and professionally. Now, I get to join with her and serve a group of people and most importantly, children, who need it more than anyone right now....I couldn't think of a better way to spend my summer vacation!

Lots of love and self-portrait taking,
Patti P.S. Be looking for Elke's side of our "fairy tale" friendship coming later this week....