My trip to Sparrow Studioz
So, I have been home for as long as I was away. It has been crazy catching up and today I finally cleaned the whole house, even the bathrooms ;-) I have a few hours to catch my breath and then I will spend next week, starting Monday getting ready for HMQS. I knew Spring was going to be crazy with my teaching schedule, and it has been - but it has been worth it.
Jess traveled with me to Canada and I am so glad that she came. I can not imagine taking that trip by myself - I am sure I could have put my big girl pants on and would have been able to do it, but I am so glad she came with me.
As soon as we got to Sparrow Studioz - Bradie took us out to dinner. I had a fabulous fish taco entree at a restaurant I don't rember right now, but it was ooh so good! I planned on losing weight while I was gone (I put on 5 lbs, bleh). I had the thought that I wouldn't be eating all that well, boy was I wrong! I was spoiled by Matt and Bradie and we had several wonderful meals together. Not to mention the yummy lunch during each retreat - Quinoa Salad from Costco in Canada is something I will never forget. I want some now...
Jess had to get a picture of the Canadian flag while we were there. It is a beautiful flag and a beautiful country.
The first day. I wasn't tired yet, but totally nervous. These ladies made it easy though. They were so good to me, seriously. I felt so welcome and at home.
Since this was my second time teaching, I was learning my grove and these ladies were patient with me. We had a lot of fun together.
Since it was a hands on learning experience, I tried to give each student one-on-one time. It was so fun getting to know each student as well.
Jeni and I connected on Instagram, but it wasn't until Sparrow Studioz that we met in person. Instant friends for life. We had a lot of fun together.
The second group of ladies were a riot.
They drew quilting on a banana for me. I have never laughed so hard. Thanks for making it so fun!
You have seen this picture, but I have to share this again. Matt and Bradie are amazing. Seriously, we became instant friends. They are a great example of a loving couple who work so hard and well together, not to mention they have 10 children. I am in total awe of them!
Jess and I had time over the weekend to find the LDS Edmonton Temple. It was really neat to be able to spend time with Jess and also be able to go to the temple.
We also made it to the West Edmonton Mall. That was fun. There were so many people there, you can't tell from the picture above because of my super ninja camera skills. Jess was like a kid in the candy store at Lulu Lemon. Best stretchy pants ever! I now have another pair of quilting comfy pants.
Meanwhile, back at home... the back yard was put in. Well, half of it anyway. Clint did a wonderful job of watching the kids and taking care of the business while I was away - he is pretty darn amazing!
I won't deny that it was hard being gone for so long. I was gone for 10 days and at times I wonder how I got here, but I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given through quilting. I am learning so much about myself.
The last group was a wonderful group of ladies too! I really enjoyed each group I was able to work with. I really love teaching and I hope they had a good time.
It was fun to know that my quilting samples were "auctioned" off to the highest bidder, not really, but they had a good tug of war over it. ;-)
This was my last picture in Edmonton at the airport. It was surreal. 10 days seems so long, but when you get home it just gets back to normal quick. The trip was originally going to be only Monday through Saturday, but the Sparrows convinced me to stay for another retreat, that is why it was such a long trip. Anyway, I am home now and I just have HMQS and Market Schoolhouse to finish out in May - then I won't have to leave my family until September when I go to Australia for AMQF. I am so glad we will have the summer together.
Stay tuned for my Solar Flares to be revealed next week.
