The class on embellished quilts went well, and a group of incredible women have since formed an ongoing class where artistic challenges are set and met (most of the time!) Over the course of many months, including many hours of tear-inducing laughter, we've all become friends. Judy Hartman, Barbara Goddeau, Rosalie Sadowski, Amy Falk, Aimee Arsenian, Andrea Wiley, Kathleen Sheehan, Barbara Malek (I could go on and on!)-- I am grateful to call all of you friends thanks to Create. The wonderful people who come to Create have pushed me to develop more ideas into classes (hits and misses, but they are great about both!) and even love my eclectus, Cairo. He is allowed to sit on my head during class, the way he likes it, and group members are unfazed. AnnMarie has been part of all the classes, being a creative and highly skilled dynamo within each group.
Yesterday AnnMarie and I collaborated to host a birthday party for one of the ladies who has taken classes at Create. (Happy Birthday again, Ms. Kathleen!) I was again impressed to see AnnMarie in action with participants, encouraging and applauding creative work. Her attitude and zest is contagious, and despite coming to Create to teach, I am the one who has been learning. So much! I hope to have a place like this of my own some day, should I have any energy and life left after completing my teaching in Reading. It would never be the same without her infectious laughter and colorful speech, however. Until then, I hope to support her fantastic efforts and help make Create the special place that it has become. So thank you, AnnMarie, for letting me be part of your magical place, being an outstanding role model for me, and for being a great friend to boot!
What will you "CREATE" today?