I remember getting ready to teach my first workshop about eight years ago. I was a wreck. I packed too much. I was worried I wouldn't live up to the expectations of my students. I was sure I would get off track and forget something important. I had stagefright.
Nothing much has changed except that now I have the experience to know what really matters ~ show your true self, fire up some confidence and enthusiasm in your students, and get them to realize they have it within them to make cool stuff. It doesn't even matter what the class is - the point of it all is to relish in the time set aside to honor our creative selves.
Valley Ridge is the kind of place that makes that time even more special. The atmosphere is unmatched. There are not many venues that provide two and three day classes. Having that second day is such a gift. You get to stroll into the workroom where your supplies are already unpacked. You get to pat yourself on the back for what you've accomplished and then you get to take advantage of another whole day to dig in deeper, ask more questions, learn from your instructor and your neighbors.
These two classes were an absolute blast. Such a great group of artists! I left VR feeling fulfilled in every way. It felt good to be intense and deliberate in creating. It was rewarding to see the fabulous work. I loved seeing old friends, and made some new ones. My spirit is soaring!
I can't believe I don't have any detail shots of the Parlor books! Hopefully some friends will share their pictures with me - I know Kathy will have some....there were terrific tricks happening in our parlors! Here is a cute story....The first night Kathy and I were remembering the first time I came to VR to teach Roll With It (2005). We were thinking of the students and I was asking about some of the ones I hadn't heard from in a while. We mentioned Cindy. Two days later SHE CALLED at 9:30 pm to ask if the there was room in the Sat/Sun class. She arrived from Iowa the next morning! <enter twilight zone music> I met her at her car....in the backseat was her pillow....No way! I had just made a sign for my Parlor Tricks book, see below. Lyrics from Hotel California! Love that kind of synchronicity!
Terrific to spend time with Kathy. So special to have Mom playing along with us. I think she the most 'commitments' by adding content in her book. (Of course she was the teacher's pet *grin*) Loved every minute of it. Crossing fingers we can convince Kathy to emerge from sabbatical next fall for another gathering at her amazing place.
Thank you. * blows kisses*
