What a wonderful week!

Paul's chocolate brownies

Crystallize by Amanda Bell

I've had such a good week. First three days I attended teacher training with two amazing trainers; Andrew Pearce and Lynne Williams from Single Steps Learning. I have never enjoyed myself so much in all the years of working and attending training.   No, let me rephrase that. This has been the best training course I have ever been on, ever! I was with them from Monday to Wednesday and I woke up on Thursday and Friday  (my holiday) wishing I was going for another day of training.  They took a room with 30 odd educators and put them through their paces;  challenging us to believe that as lead learners we should be curious, creative, prepared to take risks, make errors and reflect on our practise throughout. They had us debating, creating, dancing (yes dancing) and crying with laughter, and if I showed you what we were dancing to you would cry too. These two individuals just really had the knack of bringing out the best in everyone, and if you work in education and have a chance to attend their training days, go for it. Throughout all the hilarity I learned loads. Yes! I was exhausted and yes, I passed out on the couch at 8pm, but do you know what? I can't wait for part two to come round in May.

Big Gadget Love!

Some time ago, I purchased a new and much-needed machine to replace my old sewing machine. This was the first machine I purchased when I started working at the tender age of 19.   As you can imagine, I was very reluctant to admit that its retirement was very much needed. 

So after months of yearning, soul searching and trying to justify the cost I decided to purchase a Brother Innov-is 350 sewing machine. This gadget promised to do absolutely everything for me....well, it doesn't make my coffee, so maybe not everything.  However, I am certain about one thing I was like a kid with a brand new toy.  I know, it isn't top of the range and I know, that a lot of crafters don't rate the make, and would favour others over this one, but after owning my old Brother machine for over 22 years and not once having any problems, I decided to stick with the brand.

My old faithful sewing machine had been my constant companion and had served me well over the years; perhaps this was due to me lovingly cleaning and oiling it when necessary. Yes, it had played tricks on me,  losing its foot pedal once, which was renewed, only for the old one to turn up a month later. Then it started developing other little quirks, some, that it didn't have before, that's when I knew it was time to upgrade and move on. Too reluctant to  retire my old machine to sewing machine heaven I had it serviced, so I could store it not only for backup, but for sentimental value too. I know it seems silly to be so attached to an inanimate object, but it has a lot of wonderful memories; my beautiful Aunt that we lost to breast cancer in 2001 at the age of 42 was an accomplished seamstress. She helped me chose my first machine. And, I think she would be proud to hear my family say I have her creative flair and knack for manipulating material.  I wonder if she gets fed up when I talk to her and ask for guidance when a project is vexing me? I don't suppose she does, as my projects nearly always turn out just fine. 

So with a heavy heart, I say "Goodnight old faithful, enjoy your rest, you deserve it."