Phoenix AQS QuiltWeek 2014
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| New shoes and ugly carpet could only mean I am sitting in an airport ;-) |
Last week was a big week for me. A couple of firsts happened. My first solo trip, my first teaching gig and my first time judging in a quilt competition. To say I wasn't nervous is a flat out lie, seriously. Who chooses this? Anyway...it was better than I thought. Read on.
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| My small little airport. |
I have decided that flying isn't all that bad. I don't plan on living in fear for the rest of my life, so I said a prayer to ask for comfort while I traveled, plugged in some seriously calming music on my iPod and I was good to go. It was tough leaving Clint and the kids though, they pulled at my heart strings as I said goodbye Monday morning. Lili was bawling as Clint pulled out of the garage, it was so sad.
Monday night was lonely. I didn't talk to anyone, but I did have a lovely view of the city buildings from my hotel room. It was beautiful.
Tuesday was a bonus day and the start of this great week. I picked out my favorite shirt for the week and headed out early to be a part of judging for the quilt competition. That was fun! I was able to see all the quilts before the show started and I was part of picking out the Best of Show. What a task, but it was fun and I felt more at ease with my upcoming teaching after I left.
I had my own classroom all week - it was all "official" with the sign.
I was able to meet some amazing ladies, I could only get five of them in this picture. They put me at ease and we had the best time in the classroom. I can not thank them enough for taking my classes, they were so good to me.
After the first classes, I felt more at home in the classroom and I realized how fun it is to teach. I didn't realize that this is where I would be headed with my quilting, but I am so grateful that I get to teach what I love to do.
I had a great time with Elaine Brelsford, Executive Editor for AQS Publishing. It was fun to chat with her and she helped me feel at ease when I had to get in front of the camera. I was taped 3 different times and that was new to me, I know there will be a very long blooper reel of me being ridiculous that hopefully never surfaces - fingers crossed ;-)
One of the best parts of the show was being reunited for a moment with my Queen's Cross quilt. It is making the rounds throughout the AQS QuiltWeek shows in the Author's Exhibit, so I haven't had this quilt in my possession for a long time. It is a favorite of mine and I just loved seeing it hung up so beautifully.
After a very long show I was able to put my feet up for a minute. It was amazing. The week went so fast, I am happy to say I had only one, very short breakdown (because I missed my family) on Friday. Being away from them for a week was tough, but we made it through.
I had the chance to go through the show book and saw my quilts pictured on the AQS QuiltWeek page. This was a total honor! Thank you AQS!!
The best part of the week was getting to know the other instructors. I have made some lifelong friends and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Linda and Melinda. They are two very talented women! I met some other great instructors but sadly didn't get pictures with them. Next time for sure!
I made it home. I almost missed my connection in Salt Lake City. I literally ran from gate C to E and had one minute to spare. I felt like I was in a movie and everyone was watching the crazy lady running in the airport. I was so excited to be home though and didn't care one bit that they were watching.
Seriously, there is no place like home.
