How Vegas changed my life

Yup. It did.
Vegas changed my life.

I’m about to get real y’all.

I’ve been a TpT seller for almost 2 years now.
I create and create.
I blog and post on Instagram/Pinterest.
I contact buyers and hope I create items they need for their classroom.
And I love it.

BUT things seriously changed for me when I started making connections with other TpT sellers.  When I meet a wonderful group of teachers who inspired me to do better. These women changed my TpT experience.
Collaborating and working with them helped me to be a better seller, teacher and friend.

I can’t tell you how special they are to me.
Meeting them in Vegas this past week was a great experience.

We bonded, danced, shopped, learned, and collaborated in our short time together.  

If I could give one piece of advice to a new teacher…or new seller…it would be to make connections.  Go to meet ups.  Email teachers who inspire you.  Share ideas with other people.

It’s the connections we make that help us grow.

Vegas changed my life because I finally got to meet the teachers who inspire me to be better.

These women are awesome!
Melissa from First Grade Smiles
Aimee from Primarily Speaking
Arisbeth from Sailing into Second
Deirdre from A Burst of First
Christy from Crayons and Whimsy

Here a few other pictures from our wonderful, wacky time in Vegas.

This isn’t the best picture.  It’s my room at the Mirage which is right across the street from the Venetian (where the conference was held).  I had the whole room to myself…which was great because I’m a snorer!

My first night in a few of us went to see New Kids on the Block play at Planet Hollywood.  It was a great show! Plus, I got to touch Joey’s shoulder.  It was amazing.

Day of the conference THE Deanna Jump told us all her story.  It was heartwarming and inspiring.  I don’t think there was a dry eye at our table.  She has an incredible story and such a wonderful spirit.

Yup.
That’s me and Deanna. She gave a wonderful presentation with Deedee Wills.  I got to meet both of them after.
Meeting Deanna is another way Vegas changed my life.
She greeted me with open arms and said, “You’re The Tutu Teacher!”
I was in shock.
Then she said, “You know we put the “find someone wearing a tutu” on the BlogHoppin’ scavenger hunt because we knew you’d be here in your tutu.”
I almost lost it.
It was incredible.

This is me and Paul, the founder of TpT.  He gave a great speech. I love that he truly understands and appreciates teachers.

Me and my gals with Paul.

 This is Latoya Reed from Flying into First Grade.  She is super sweet and funny!

This is Angela from The Daily Alphabet.  She’s funny too and I have promised to make her her own tutu!

I truly had an amazing time. I meet some great people and made some wonderful memories.  I learned a lot and have tons of new ideas!

Deirdre is hosting a linky party for all of us who went to Vegas.  Link up and share your story and pictures.

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13 Comments

  1. Deirdre
    July 14, 2014 / 1:43 pm

    I loved hanging with you Vera. Seriously being with you was on the top 5 best things of the trip. And I too was so psyched when Deanna knew you were THE TUTU TEACHER!! Thanks for linking up!
    Deirdre
    A Burst of First

  2. Bright Concepts 4 Teachers
    July 14, 2014 / 3:22 pm

    Vera, I am so glad Vegas brought us together in person! I had the most incredible time chatting, eating, shopping and bonding with you. Love ya, girl!
    -Jaime
    Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

  3. Kelly
    July 14, 2014 / 3:54 pm

    Vegas was absolutely amazing! I didn't get a chance to stop and say hi to you, but I loved seeing your tutu all over the place. I can't wait until next year!

  4. Unknown
    July 14, 2014 / 5:04 pm

    LOVED the tutu…although it's a little sad that it took me a while to "get it"…I'm a little slow on the uptake! lol
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue SKies

  5. Suzanne
    July 14, 2014 / 5:38 pm

    Loved seeing you smiling in your tutu!

    Krazy Town

  6. Aimee
    July 14, 2014 / 5:50 pm

    I am so glad we finally got to meet up, for real!! I loved every minute spent with "my girls." I cannot wait for next year. I'm thinking a whole day of shopping. Are you in?

    Aimee
    Primarily Speaking

  7. kinder-gardening
    July 14, 2014 / 8:10 pm

    Hi Vera! I loved meeting you at my apron booth! You are adorable and I LOVE the tutu!

  8. Molly
    July 15, 2014 / 4:55 am

    Hey Girl Hey! I'm driving everyone crazy around here because I say it all the time now! I love you!! Can't wait till next year!

    Slainte,
    Molly
    Lucky to Be in First

  9. Angela
    July 15, 2014 / 5:27 am

    You touched Joey's shoulder!! EEEK! How cool is that?!
    I loved that you wore your tutu! Girrrrl, you have an infectious smile and only you can work that tutu! I didn't formally introduce myself in Vegas but I did holler at you when I saw you in your tutu! See ya next year. 🙂

  10. Jasmine
    July 15, 2014 / 9:39 pm

    Thanks for sharing your experience! I am going to make it next year by any means necessary! lol

    Jasmine
    Buzzing With Mrs. McClain

  11. Deanna Jump
    July 16, 2014 / 10:27 pm

    YAY! I love your post. You have a beautiful smile and you are seriously too cute for words!! Thanks so much for including me in your post! Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a great year!

  12. The Daily Alphabet
    July 19, 2014 / 3:37 am

    Girl, you know I'm still looking forward to my tutu!!!!!

  13. Sally
    July 19, 2014 / 4:59 am

    Sooooo true about making connections! I felt collaboration was the theme of the day. Plus, it makes everything so much more fun! I'm sorry I didn't run into you in Vegas but I suspect it had something to do with 800 people! Love the tutu!

    So much fun!

    Sally from Elementary Matters