Thursday, July 28, 2011

Life, Summer, Travel, and More

It feels like I have been traveling abroad as I balance all of the daily life events and my schedule.  This blogpost is an update of all the activity in my life from June - July ( just the first week).  Lots of exciting events are going on.


Quilt Displayed at the Museum - June
In my post in January, I featured a picture of my first quilt which is now proudly displayed at the Owen Arts Place Museum in Guthrie, OK.  This great honor was given to me, by our guild founder Beverly Kirk, who organized the exhibit to share our annual project Quilting Through the Generations. 

IMPACT conference - June 2011
Chicago, IL
This conference was so refreshing!!!


CARS 2 movie with Jason and his entourage
We went to the opening night release of CARS 2 in Chicago, IL and it was so exciting!  The movie started at 8:30pm, and I was sure Jason would fall asleep, but he stayed awake and engaged the entire movie.  By the time we got back to the hotel, he had talked the entire time in the car and given a synopsis of the movie to all in earshot.  LOL.  Well worth the memory!


Podcast Ideas:
Opened up an account on podbean about three months ago when I started listening to my quilting podcast favorites.  I finally think I know what I want to talk about.  Ideas for managing our lives as mothers, parents, and creative people - practical tips for everyday living - and everyday life.  Tag line:  Family Life - Simple Living - Creative Inspiration.  Sounds like something I would listen too, how about you?  Drop me an email or respond to this blog if you have other ideas. 

Quilting Projects and Such

Wool Crazy group at Oklahoma Quiltworks
I joined the Wool Crazy group last month.  Loving the fellowship and just sitting working on my project with experienced quilters and store employees.  Check out my progress so far...
 (Pictures)

Make time for friends - Day trips with friends.....
This is just an idea of something I would like to incorporate into my busy life.  Friendships and relationships are key in our lives.  We make time for the things that are important to us.  I meet once a month with my quilt buddy, Beverly and once a month with my craft/photography/scrapbooking buddy Valerie.  This is my gift to myself, to keep inspiration going.  Next step a day trip to go and explore......, antiquing,...quilting stores,...and just plain old fun. 

Career Updates


In April I was the keynote speaker for the Austin AEYC (Asscociation for the Education of Young Children) and presented a breakout session on reflective practices as an ECE professional.  This was a great honor, that I never imagined would be possible.  There I stood on the stage, powerpoint loaded, participants gathering, thinking, " OMG they are all waiting to here from me.  :)" 
I've attended many ECE conferences in my career over the past 25 years, and this time I was the feature presentation.  With great joy, and a little fear I began to share my heart, with my mom and aunt in the audience cheering me on.  They came to Texas, must to be present with me. 

Many times we journey through life with our plans and goals in place, making progress and moving through without realizing the impact we are having on others as we just do our work.  This keynote speaking engagement showed me that all of my labor and work over the years has now come to a culmination of events.  This marks the beginning of a new and greater work with teachers. 

During this presentation as I shared my ideas of dealing with challenges as professionals and reflecting on our daily work, I began to get new ideas of how to expand my work for this next decade.  My next phase will include the launching the DPI Director's Network.  The birthing begins with the new Director's Network that will work with agencies to promote best practices around reflective teaching practices, professional development,  and maintaining a work environment that promotes excellence in service to children and families. 

Joining other colleagues is also a part of the next phase of my work.  As a new associate with ECE Trainers and  Harvest Associates, we will be opening doors to dialogue with colleagues from around the world. 

Scrap Swap Updated!

Well I recieved all three of my scrap bags from my partners on the scrap swap.  I am so excited.  We had our quilt guild meeting on Saturday, and of course I brought my scraps to show and tell.  Now what will I make, to use up these awesome scraps.  Here's a picture of what I recieved:




I Love my Scrap Bag Goodies!