Did you hear the one about the Scrapbooker. . . ?

I once read on 2peas the story of a gal who invited another she had never met in person to be a bridesmaid at her wedding! I'm serious! You'll have to trust me on this one, as I can't locate the thread now. These gals had only met online, but they felt like they had known each other since childhood. They only met face to face just moments before the walk down the aisle!

And you know what - I can understand that!

Scrapbookers are awesome people, and I can certainly understand how two ladies could develop a friendship of wedding party calibre over years of regular chats on a message board and blogs, despite whatever geographic distance exists between them.

About now, you're probably wondering what my story has to do with the above photo of the July 2008 Scrap Pack from Just Cre8, aren't you? Let me tell you.

Last month, I was lucky enough to be the winner of this gorgeous kit through a message board contest over at Just Cre8. Just Cre8 is a Canadian monthly kit club that allows you to customize your kit using some or all of the product offered each month. It's a wonderfully flexible idea, and the kits Sue puts together are both stunning as well as creative.

When Sue started Just Cre8 over a year ago, I purchased one of her kits, and loved it! I joined the message board, and regularly peruse the gallery, where their very talented Cre8ive Crew design team posts tons of inspiring pages. My friend Lori is one of the Cre8ive Crew, and creates beautiful work with these kits. Check out the gallery here.

So I took a photo of this kit, which I can't wait to dig into when I get a chance, and started this post. Then, as I typed, I found myself writing that "not only does Sue put together an awesome monthly kit, but she's one of the coolest gals you could meet..." Then I realized - I've never met Sue in person! I did a bit of a double take as I typed, because truly, I feel like I've known Sue forever. I met Sue on the very first scrapping message board I joined years ago, and have "known" her ever since. Our kids are similar in age, we obviously share a passion for scrapbooking, but also share family values of education and faith, as well as a love of photography, a sense of humour, and so much more. I drop by her blog regularly and stay up to date on her family's antics. I feel like we go way back, despite that we've only ever chatted on message boards!

So a big thank you to Just Cre8 and to Sue for this great kit. I'll post creations with it as soon as I can - although I won't EVER promise Sue that I'll remove all of the centres from my chipboard letters! ;-)

And if you haven't yet, check out Just Cre8, and stay tuned here for some creations with this "gr8" kit, coming (relatively) soon!