I am AnneofAlamo; a guest Polly at the Lily Pad. This is a great experience and fantastically good time. I am not exactly sure how the term Polly came to be, so I shall make up a story, and I hope you give me a bit of artistic leeway.

Once upon a time, in a digital land far away to some and yet very much close in others hearts was a dream to open a store.  Not an everyday kinda store, but a type of magical and extraordinary store.  The shelves would be filled with items of wonder and love. Hand crafted and thought out goods that would stand above all the rest. The merchandise was well crafted and lovingly placed into the store. The place would be called The-Lily Pad. (the dash is for one of the heroines named Peppermint, but that is a whole different story)

Those that were personally and carefully picked to bring their handiwork to barter were artists and virtuosos of high abilities and skill. The artisans produced such dynamic items it was noticed by all.  They needed support to show others how this wonderful commodity could be used, so they would desire to have such amazing goods also.  This support birthed the group called The Pollys. 

The dream continued with a comfortable place to gather around, and laugh about how you used the things you found in the store.  The laughter was intermingled with support, prayers and sometimes tears for the others you met while gathered here.  The Pollys could be seen throughout the symposiums conversing and encouraging others to enjoy the benefits of this craft called Scrapbooking. Spectators grew, and as they increased a portico was opened to house the works of others arranging their elements and blending their papers.  A gallery of sorts for them to hang their canvases was needed, and the Pollys were there to encourage and spread the love of The-Lily Pad to each and every one.

The Pollys are a sweet and giving group of people, they also merrily make page after page for the designers at The-Lily Pad, and help to keep the wonderful dream alive.  Each month 7 challenges are set out to the public to help them to create pages for themselves, and the honor to be a guest Polly.  For of all those that finish the quest of every challenge, their names are entered into a random selector, and the lucky one enters the majestic gates to a world of splendor and amazement.

You enter with a private message, and it begins the adventures. The adventure is 4 weeks, start to finish.  You see the workings of The-Lily Pad and it is like no other.  You are amazed as the designs begin to unfold, sometimes slowly, sometimes so fast you are overwhelmed.  The designers bring new and fantastic things for you to play.  They ask not much, just to use what you take, and to show others what you made.  Join with the Pollys and help keep The-Lily Pad dream alive and healthy.  

This little tale is filled with blatant over-use of a thesaurus, but also with a giggle in my heart.  You see, I won that quest. I have been a Guest Polly now for almost 2 months.  It has been amazing. I have made so many pages in the last 6 weeks, that I love with all my heart, that will be printed in this years book. I have been stunned at the professionalism by each and every designer and the amazing Pollys.  This is a very organized machine, and I count it lucky to have been asked to be here a little bit longer.  I write this for fun, and to also encourage you to give the challenges a go, because you will have 7 pages done, you didn’t have before.  Then you have the chance to be a guest Polly, and this month, there are two guest spots being awarded! 

Go and become a part of the story of The-Lily Pad.

~never lose your joy

anneofalamo