You'll Never Believe Who I Met!

 Recognize this fabulous lady? It's Melanie from Schoolgirl Style, my all-time favorite teacher blog. I regularly stalk read the Schoolgirl Style blog. Earlier this week, Melanie announced on her blog that she has chosen to step out of the classroom and concentrate full-time on her passion for creating beautiful classroom spaces.

When I read the news, I felt a mix of emotions. Sadness for Melanie (because it's always hard to say goodbye to an important chapter in your life) but thrilled because her inspirational ideas will continue to blossom in new ways.

 Way at the bottom of her announcement were these words that made my heart sing:

I am packing away and hauling everything home for the biggest teacher garage sale you have ever seen!  *I bet you wished you lived by me because you could get some great deals! 

 
It just so happens that I DO live by Melanie.
Well, maybe not right next door.
Not even down the road.
About an hour away.

But I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by. So I emailed Melanie, told her I am also a blogger and I live somewhat nearby and asked for a few more details about her amazing garage sale. Melanie being the super-sweetheart that she is gave me all the details. I recruited another teacher from my school that is also a stalker follower of Schoolgirl Style and we made the 52 mile drive. Neither of us could decide what we were more excited about: meeting Melanie (a woman we love and admire) or stocking up on great items for our classroom.

As it turns out, both were pretty fantastic. Melanie was kind, sweet, and not at all freaked out when we told her how much we love the blog. We also got some great classroom items. Most of which are the basic essentials (manipulatives, books, art supplies, etc.) but we both also bought a set of these fabulous lanterns (which you can buy online.) I have had my eye on them for months!

Photo from www.schoolgirlstyle.com

What an awesome start to the weekend. Three months into blogging and I've already met one of my heroes. I wonder who I will get to meet next!