weekend of happiness...

Hello Friends...

As you may know, this past weekend I traveled to Eugene, OR (two hour drive) to teach my very first class on Saturday. Just about every quarter, Jill and Emily host the OH-SO-LOVERLY ComePlay:Eugene event and they invited me to be a part of it!

Well, in hindsight, I can honestly say the whole weekend was FABULOUS! Of course the teaching gig was fun fun fun but the experience of spending some quality time with such wonderful women was just priceless! The trip on Sunday to the Coburg Antique Fair sure didn't hurt to make this a memorable weekend either! That event will now forever be on my radar. Marvelous! I'll share pix of my treatly treats later!

So about the teaching...I had SUCH a great time. And it wasn't that I did such a great job teaching (learned a few things, let's just leave it at that) but now I know why people love to teach. It feeds the soul! Even though I was the one doing most of the instruction and leading the class, I got SO much positive energy in return. After teaching the two classes, I actually didn't feel tired. Amazing!

I've often wondered how I would be in front of a class, teaching something I was very passionate and cared about. Now I know. And I wasn't nervous AT ALL and felt like I was able to think on my feet, which was kinda important since I made a few boo boos. I was a bit anxious because I really didn't get a chance to do a mock "run through" of the class but I quickly learned a few things in the first class and so was able to make some adjustments immediately for the second class. That was an ideal scenario, kind of like Cirque du Soleil. If a performer makes a mistake, he/she has to do the trick again during the performance. I always thought that was so cool. 

Oh and I want to mention that if any of the girlies who were in the class are visiting me here, starting next week, I will be posting some tutorials on my blog of the little miscellaneous projects I intended to teach in the class. Big hugs to each and every one of you...so happy you were there!

The greatest thing I enjoyed about this teaching gig was absolutely the people. Both groups were full of the most supremely patient, talented and encouraging women. I quickly felt very close to everyone because they were so warm and kind. That helped a lot. There were no whiners, no haters, no meanies. I can't say that I'm surprised since the women that attended this event were drawn to it because of Jill, Emily, Tricia and Ali, whom are all just pure lovely and good, good people. 

Adored seeing Kim again too!

I'll just leave you with a few pictures...this is the first class (one person left already)...

 

This is the second class...

 

I took this pic while we were gathering to go to the antique fair. It's 6:00 am which is why it is SOOOO dark and just about everyone's holding a cup of coffee!!!! :-)

 

Some pix from the fair...

 

 

 

 

A couple of sweet girlies...Amy and Sandy...these two girls were an absolute delight and they're next door neighbors! What fun!!!

And LOVED spending lots of time with Kelleigh...

and Jill!

Both pix snagged from Emily's blog! Thanks! :-)

Okay...gotta scoot...I have to go finish getting ready for the next big thing...a trip to SoCal to attend Kim Caldwell's Artistic Affaire L'Automne! I'll be staying with the incredile Cheryl and there are gonna be some fabulous girlies there! Can't wait can't wait!

Comments

[Wanda]

Michelle, It sounds like you did a great job and had fun to boot. :) Did you find anything for your vendor table?? I love hearing about what everyone else is selling. Have fun in California!! Can't wait to see what you make.

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

What a great weekend!!! Isn't teaching the best?! I used to teach a lot and haven't taught in several years and I DO miss it. You described it perfectly! It does feed the soul and you get so much in return from your students. I used to love seeing a smile on their face when they finished the class and they wanted to do more! Gosh I really should think about teaching again. Anyway so glad your first teaching experience was a great one!!! Have fun in CA...wish I could come! HUGS!

[emily ruth]

hi michelle! what fun we had! you are awesome & you did so great teaching! i see your future & it includes many more classes with you at the helm...many more :) i'm so glad you got to go coburg, too...it's a kick isn't it? so fun :) love to you up I-5...

ps those girlies names are amy & sandy :)

[Jana]

Thanks for the update! So wish I could have been at your class... but the Mad Hatter's wedding was something I just couldn't miss (my brother would not have understood...!) Oh those cowboy boots at Coberg are too much! Eliza scored a pair of Tony Lama boots that fit her at an estate sale this summer---just $5 if I remember correctly!! Yay Coberg! Have a great week!

[Cheryl K. Bennett]

OOOOOOhhhhh, Michelle, I wish I were the incredible Cheryl that you were staying with.
The duggles drug me to a rummage this summer...she had LEATHER boots priced at fifty cents a pair! I said "I'll take these...these and these. Black cowgirl boots that look like they've never been worn...suade (how do you spell that?)...boots with FRINGE on the side (I've already worn those to a concert!) and soft doeskin booties that will be so cozy with slacks this winter. aaahhhh!
hugs,
Cheryl in IN
WHOSYERGURL

[kelleighr]

It was so wonderful to meet you Michelle! I'll be checking in often for updates on my little mini!! I'm SO inspired by our project. So many wonderful applications, and it really stretched me! Thank you!!

[ArtsyMama]

Oh Michelle, HOW FUN!!! So glad it went well.
Kari

[kismet art]

Michelle, you are such a warm and fun and wonderful teacher- it was just like hanging out with an old friend who was sharing something they are passionate about! I am so glad that I have had a chance to meet you, create with you, and hope to hang out with you more in the future. Thanks for the inspiration and all the fun ephemera- can't wait to work more on my book. And next year I might just have to follow the path that you and Jill took in Coburg!