Mama birds at The Art Nest
What an amazing day today was! Not just because I got to teach 21 incredibly talented and brave women and not just because they all did wonderful work. But also because I came here prepared to do a "job" and I'm being nourished in so many ways - more than I ever imagined. More than any old "job" could do! I'm reminded that there are beautiful women who radiate with the joy of life, with sincere enthusiasm, who are always open to learning. I saw no egos standing in the way of effort today. Not one speck. What a delight.
I must say, Julie and Candice have gone above and beyond. Their little touches are everywhere at this wonderful place in Park City. A little vintage letter banner hangs from the mantle of the inn's fireplace. Our name tags and little welcome packets put together and presented so thoughtfully. Sandwiches wrapped in cute little baggies with cookies to die for and pomegranate soda for lunch! I could live like this. I could live with two kind and thoughtful mama birdies keeping me fat and sassy. Yes. This will do just fine thankyouverymuch.
Today I taught Junk Drawer Metalsmithing to all the ladies (we're all together in this wonderful old restored school-house-turned-inn at the top of the hill within walking distance to the art center where class is held and to all things cool in Park City).
The student work was amazing and I was blown away by the many who had never even touched a torch before become old hats at it by the end of the day. Can you say "perseverance?" My goodness!! And just look at this room where we held our show and tell!! Look at those beautiful trees!!
Tomorrow I get to be a student. I've LONGED to be one for a while. Missing that place. And tomorrow...I get to learn from the talented and beautiful Carla. And the next day from Alma. She had some goodies out on her bed tonight in our spacious and ridiculously comfortable room we three are sharing and Carla and I kept oohing and aahing and handling and fondling her fabric creations. I don't even know how to describe them so I won't, Just know that I am giddy with excitement! Giddy, i tell you. Feels sooooo good to be giddy. It seems like it's been a while.....
I visited with my dad and his lovely wife for the evening and morning before I came up here. I have family close and Park City is just an hour up the canyon from dad's house. The very canyon that I could see the mouth of when playing in the backyard as a kid. The very canyon flanked by the imposing and beautiful mountains I stared out the sliding glass door at...on Sunday afternoons, after Sunday dinner, still in my Sunday dress.
Big brother and I would roll off our dining chairs into the neighboring living room and lie flat on our backs staring at the mountains (dad snoozing in his chair, of course) while listening to stories on tapes dad put on every Sunday at dinner. I got to drive straight through those mountains yesterday and it occurred to me that it was the first time in my life that I, as a driver, traveled that road and the only time I've ever done it alone. I've been up once as an adult with my little family (and many times as a kid) and how strange it was to notice that all my energy shifted into childhood mode. It didn't make sense for a while...and then I remembered that i've only known these mountains as a child. Really known them...in a way that is in my bones that I don't even think about when I'm not seeing them. Strange. Fun, but strange. These grand Rockies can do that to a girl.
Here are the lovely Alma and Carla in front of the Inn. See that lamp up top? That's our room. With my cot tucked in the dormer facing south east and the quaking aspen outside my window. I awoke to it's quivering int he morning breeze...the breeze that came right through the open window and across my face. The aspens that sit in my bones like the mountains.
More tomorrow.....
