A Reversal of Roles

When you travel and teach and try to run a business, you get so involved that you often forget to take time for yourself. There just aren't enough hours in the day. I am either at the computer or in the airport but this weekend I am giving myself a gift. I am packing but not for a teaching gig. I am packing for a trip as a student. My excitement is growing daily.
As i have mentioned earlier in posts, I am attending the Creativity for Life retreat in Taos conducted by Eric Maisel. Eric was, probably will always be, my coach. He opened many new doors for me but it was all by phone or email. The prospect of meeting this amazing, gifted mentor in person has me feeling like a kid meeting Santa Claus.
This couldn't be happening at a worse time with trying to get ready for Houston Market and Festival looming on the horizon.....but I am going regardless. For many reasons, this is absolutely necessary. First, to kick start or continue the transition in my work. Second, so I can bring more to my students when I teach. Teaching has been a gift for me as all of you who teach know you often learn more from your students than they realize. However, I have never been satisfied with developing a class and then just continuing to teach it in exactly the same way each time.
To me teaching is also a learning process in which I continue to study the subject matter to bring new ideas and possibilities to the class through time. Just recently, I purchased three new books to work through for new approaches to two of my classes. My reverse applique class has always done well but i decided there needed to be more offer. Put on my thinking cap and have developed two new techniques to present to the students. It is so exciting to see the light bulbs turn on when students are presented with new material. You can see the wheels turning as they are thinking how they can apply this to their work.
However, occasionally the teacher needs to become the student....and this is my opportunity. I need to add some water to the well....so in turn I can bring fresh ideas back to my teaching. Also, I need to get back to the studio to re-charge my batteries. Can you tell I am ready to be there already?
I am taking my laptop so will try to post some of the events. I have no idea how the class will be formatted but I know it will be worthwhile and invaluable. So while sweet Ronnie is enjoying his retirement, I am still enchanted with opening doors to potential.
While retirement is appealing, since it would mean I could devote all my time to making art. I haven't reached the point yet where I am willing to give up the exchange between teacher and student. So I guess you are stuck with me for a little longer....like the bad penny that keeps coming back.
Wishing you all a productive fall and hope fully will have good news to report from Taos.