HomeAbout MeClassesOn-line ClassesPressRosa & JosieContact

Friday, June 19, 2009

the beginning

Is tomorrow the first day of the rest of my (teaching) life?
This is a question I have asked myself a couple of times this week, while preparing for my very first class. It is small (and private), but it is still teaching. I am prepared, but still have questions. Am I really ready to begin?
Yesterday I showed my husband, who by the way is an excellent teacher, the flyer I had prepared for the class. He read it patiently, and expressed that he liked it. Ah, thank you! Then looked at me, and said, "You must be patient". What? Me? Yes, I know. I am that kind. Not with friends, and this is one coming over to learn tomorrow. Then he looked at me, with very kind eyes, and said, "I have known you for over 30 years". Yes, he has. And, yes, I will be. Thank you for reminding me.
On my bus ride into town, the one I take every morning, which by the way is a very comfortable Park & Ride bus, I thought back on the teachers I loved and respected in school. They were strict, but fair. They demanded alot from me, as well as ALL the students in their class. This worked for me.
But this is not school. I am not even thinking about teaching that way. I am thinking about the teachers I have enjoyed at different art retreats.
I have a short list.
The very first teacher, at the very first Art & Soul I attended, was Albie Smith. VERY organized, knew her stuff, gave handouts; AND I walked away with a finished project that day! She pushed us. Gently, but firmly. That is what I like. I LOVED that class. Albie is GREAT!
Susan Lenart Kazmer was another one I dearly love. I will attend her classes until forever if possible. She is quite the instructor. She shares from down deep within, and makes everyone feel as if their project is the best. Her jewelry design skills are remarkable, innovative and beautiful. She is EXCELLENT!
Then, most recent, was my adventure with Stephanie Lee. Oh, I cannot tell you what that weekend with her did for me. I simply must say, it was the BEST. She is a divine teacher. She is patient. And, her knowledge runs out like water. She teaches from her heart.
That is what I want to do when I grow up.
Teach from the heart.
Love from the heart.
Live from the heart.
Give from the heart.
So.....wish me the best. I am taking the step, be it small. With help from my Lord, I will do what He has called me to to do......tomorrow.
This is all He asks.
*************************
Let’s Play Princess
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
10 am – 4 pm
Learn the basic knowledge needed to make your very own
Crystal Princess

14 comments:

Debbie / Prairie Emporium said...

Wish I could take you class, I know you will do a wonderful job. Each class is different, you can think you are so prepared and it just depends on the students what road the class will take. Good luck (you will have great students).

Fanciful Expressions said...

Good luck, I know you'll do well. The Crystal Princess is lovely and I'm sure your students will be happy to take their own creation home.
I hope you'll show us some pictures.

Carolyn

Charlene said...

OH I WOULD LOVE TO BE AT THAT CLASS! I know you will be an excellent teacher. Post a photo of your class project so we can all drool over it & wish even more that we were there. I loved your hubby's remark... Be Kind Have fun & all will be well.

Tina(Taken over by her daughter, Nicole) said...

Oh, I sooooo want to take your class!!! Good luck!!!

Beth Hikes said...

What fun! You are embarking on the teaching path. I love the Crystal Princess and I wish you the aliveness in every moment of giving and receiving from your students.

Tammy's Treasure Chest said...

You're going to be just as good, and kind, and helpful as all those teachers you admire! I wish I could be there!

Cindy said...

How exciting...that first step in to teaching. You've been a teacher in so many ways already, you may not realize it. What a mentor you have been to me online from across a great distance. :-) What lucky students to be there in person and take a class with you! And to learn to make such a beautiful necklace. Have fun on your first of many classes!

Daryl said...

Oh you will be wonderful. Its something you love to do so you will be fabulous ..

Diana said...

Your Princess necklace is lovely and I know deep down in my heart that you were a great teacher today.
Hugs
Diana

The Joy of Nesting said...

You will do just fine, you have been teaching all your life you just haven't realised that you were. :) Make your husband's work for you. Yes be patient oh but most important of all is be Patient with yourself!!!!!

Have fun, play,make art and laugh!!

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mexico

A bird in the hand said...

I'm sure you'll do just fine. You may even surprise yourself ... we never know our strengths until we up and do something! xoxo

Stephani Gorman said...

Hi Diane, It is so pretty! I wish I could take your class, if you where just a little closer I would. Hope everything went well and you were pleased with what you accomplished. Enjoy! I am thinking of teaching my first class in Aug. I am working on getting that going this week. We will see if it is meant to be. Have a good evening. Hugs, Stephani

Riki Schumacher said...

Diane, you are a natural teacher. Did you know that? You have all the elements people will seek out. Kindness, patience, fun, knowledge, fun! I know anyone who gets instruction from you will walk away with what they wanted to learn, and know you shared your best parts with them. Have a ball, that's the bottom line.

TesoriTrovati said...

You have lovely thoughts to share. I came over from Deryn...I am in awe. You have such a relaxed elegance in your style, and you write from a comfortable place. I enjoy so reading about the inspirations of other artists. I agree about the teaching...patience wins out everytime. I took a class with Susan last year and she is most excellent. I heard she was just in France with 12 lucky people designing and shopping and eating and soaking up the French-ness of it all. So lime with envy. You will have a blast in Austin. And as I told Deryn, you will no doubt come back invigorated and ready to translate the experience into your stunning jewelry. You have a new follower. Enjoy the day! Erin