I recently had the BEST teaching experience I have ever had, in 11 years of being a "road warrior" Traveling Quilt Teacher.
Flights to and from Austin were uneventful, even arriving early each of the 4 flights. That's "Traveling Mercies" these days.
The Fabric and Fiber Quilting club at Sun City brought me to town. They are a delightful group and the Classroom Studio was beautiful--large, bright, more than enough electrical outlets. And the BEST technical set up I've ever had. My PowerPoint was an easy set-up with their system, I really appreciate when that part of the job is all set and goes off without a hitch.
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At the Podium for the Lecture Time Management for Quilters
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POLL: Care to vote, long hair or short?
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| Electrical cords hang overhead as well as on the tables, so much power |
The Home2Suites at Georgetown Austin North was my home for 4 nights. It is an excellent hotel, with a great breakfast, and well-trained employees. There is a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and real dishes and silverware for bringing meals in. It was a joy to stay there:
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| I always sleep under my own quilt |
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Breakfast was good and healthy
Each day starts with a workout, 5-6 am: |
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Half what I do at home but enough to enjoy all the great meals I get
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Class Friday and Saturday was Western Sun. The students ranged from very experienced to very new. Everyone did great and seemed to absorb my tips and tricks. I was so impressed with what all 25 of these women accomplished in our two days together:
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| Student work all gathered to appear as if it's one quilt |
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| Marthe decided ONE block was sufficient to learn the skills it teaches. Great job! |
I was so incredibly well-cared for on this trip. From the Welcome Goodie Bag to the amazing meals, from Gayland's tour guide skills around the wonderful square in Georgetown, I felt honored to be treated so well. I was even treated to dinner at a member's home, wonderful BBQ prepared by Karen's husband--no photos, we just relaxed and enjoyed the evening:
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| My Welcome Goodie Bag from the guild, so kind and appreciated |
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| Dinner with a friend at Tony & Luigi's--awesome!! Salmon and Salad |
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| Great restaurant on the square |
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| Macadamia crusted Jumbo Shrimp with mango rice and snow peas |
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| The county courthouse--an iconic Southern square |
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| Dinner on my own from 2020 Market--right across the street from the hotel, Salmon and Salad |
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| Texas Flags are everywhere--they have a lot of state pride |
Sun City is a Del Webb retirement community of some size. The part I saw was beautifully landscaped, walking trails I would love, nice homes, very serene. As I went to the restroom Saturday morning I happened to explore the area surrounding the class Studio--look how lovely:
The primary reason I teach these classes all over the country is to share what I have learned how to do over 40+ years with those who want to learn. After class ended Saturday afternoon I think every woman spoke to me privately about what they learned, how much they enjoyed it, how glad they were they invested the time to be there. Those words of appreciation are PRICELESS! It is those moments that make all the travel and planning worthwhile. And they know I will be happy to come back should they want me again. It really was the BEST GIG ever.
No class is complete without the group photo:
And a special thanks to Jennifer, who handled all the arrangements for months in advance and was the primary driver for getting me where I needed to go. We moved me to the Austin airport area after class Saturday as I had an early morning flight the next day. She is a gem!
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| Jennifer and I at a Jamaican Jerked Chicken food truck for the last night's dinner, what could be more "Austin"? |
Chamber of Commerce weather was a special treat. The funny thing is, this week was chosen so that I might see fields of Bluebonnets in full bloom--a BUCKET LIST for me. Alas, I was too early this year, last Fall's lack of rain slowed the blooms. I did see a few in bloom beside Culver's Custard, thanks, Sherry! But for now, I get to enjoy my screensaver every day:
Until I return to Texas again, a huge THANK YOU to the wonderful women of the Fabric and Fiber Quilting Club of Sun City, TX!
Let's quilt.
Barbara
