travel time

Kaffe always says that when we travel our eyes and minds are open wide to all the new things before us.  He refers to a sense of danger that keeps us alert and as I moved over the sea to San Fran this week I was aware of this feeling...this open aware attitude to what was around me. The diversity of the people, the masses of those diverse people, the style of the houses, the cars on the street, the sounds of people talking and the food...it all connects to bring back a sense of home for me.  There are times I feel as though I have no real home on earth as my heart is split between two countries.  Today I wake up feeling lucky to have two homes on this earth.

 Wendy and I arrived in San Fran and within 24 hours we were in a patchwork shop called New Pieces trollling around the fabric bays pointing and looking at goodies which we found!  Our hostess with the mostest is Cheryl, a long time life friend since we worked at Swatch Watch and lived together  in the 1980's in NYC. 
The beat of the city street, the array of humanity, the many painted walls, the shops, the sounds, the people all made my heart race to put a smile on my dial.  Despite the flight the energy was high so we headed out to investigate the neighborhood...which included many of my favourite shops and sights! 



Mexican food was high on the priority list!  It takes a while to get used to the quantity of food here.  It seems at each meal we could all really split one dish and be satisfied.

This is Wendy's first time in the US of A and it is most fun listening to her excited exclamations.  Elevated highways, decorative trims on homes,the colours of the houses, the fact that we have seen at least 3 people wearing pink tutus in the street...for visual people this is a treat for the eyes and we are loving every minute of it.We took the train to Berkley on Sunday although we were headed somewhere else!  We were so busy looking out the window at all the sights and then realised we were on the wrong train!  It meant we needed to ask a few kind strangers for help.  Everyone was smiling and happily willing to help but none of them were natives of San Fran so it was literally the fifth person I asked for directions that was able to help us out! 


The weekend was enough for us to settle in and on Monday the "work" started at Creative Bug.  If you are not clicked into this fabulous company head straight there now and check it out. Rarely in my life have I ever met so many talented people gathered together in one place. Kelly and I have been working together on skype but meeting her was like meeting an old friend.  Easy.  Some people are made to do what they do and she is definitely one of them.  Completely in control, on top of all the details and really just a pleasure to be around.  In fact, everyone we met at Creative Bug was magnetic.  One might think that making on line classes would be an intimidating or uncomfortable situation but from the minute I walked in the studio at felt at ease and in great hands. Ava was at our door early each day to pick us up, get coffee and then sorted for the days work.  Fernando directed, Brian and Mat on cameras, Jason took care of sound and the stage was set.

I don't know if they were actually interested in anything I had to say or demonstrate but the concentration in the room never lapsed for a second so it was easy to stay on track and mostly...to have an enormous amount of fun...an insane amount of fun. I admit that I take what I do seriously but it is so easy to do when everyone around is on the same level of intensity.

Even having a camera over my shoulder felt normal...

Here is the view from our B&B in Petrero Hill...nice!

Even the Whole Foods veggie display looks like it should be a quilt...

From my side of the table...

and Eva taking the director's seat!

I am not sure what I enjoyed most... it was certainly fun hanging around with such handsome young men but the real joy was learning about their interests, seeing some of their projects (like Brian's collection of one second shots of NYC which I need to find the link!!!) and experiencing their talent in action.  There is something satisfying about working with people that are so professional and focused that makes the job a treat.  Young, intelligent, interesting, creative people that smile when they talk... simply working hard to make it perfect...and me,doing what I love most...presenting patchwork in a way that is easy to manage. 

It did however wear me out.  I was completely spent after two days and relaxed back on the sofa and just soaked up the atmophere in the room.

Creative Bug has all the elements necessary to take over the world.  The right attitude, approach, style and determination.  They pick really fun craft projects to film and then do it with heartfelt style.  Browse through the instructors and then try your hand at a few of the projects.  The more I look at what is on offer the  more I think it is time to schedule a few days off.

Thank you to all the Creative Bug team...tiny tears of joy and friendship...thank you.

 

I found this on the wall outside the studio like a ghost from home...Hi Sam!

Happy Indepence Day to everyone!  We are off to see how the 4th of July rocks San Fran!!!

Comments

[Anita]

Happy Fourth of July. I hope that your enjoying our Bay Area heat wave. (I'm ready for it to be over...)

[Michelle]

I adore New Pieces. sounds like you are having a great trip. Tutus and all!!

[Anna]

hope you have a blast and am looking forward to a week from tomorrow. bought 5 tickets for my sister and her art group because I told them to be prepared to be WOW'd!

[Susan Lindsay]

Sounds like you & Wendy are having a great time :). Susan

[Michelle]

Love reading about your adventures. Keep travelling happy!

[LoriD]

Wow! It sounds like a very enjoyable time with Creative Bug! BTW, you look fantastic!!

[Kim]

Missing you already! Say hi to Cheryl for me and tell her I'll catch her next time xxx

[Alison]

Wondered when the MO gals were going to hit the road! Wendy has the best guide...have a ball!

[Sally]

Glad you're enjoying yourselves. And can't wait for your Creative Bug online class. Whoopee!

[[email protected]]

Your mother is awestruck by it all! It's wonderful to be able to "be with you" on this trip! Love you, Mom

[Kristin Nicholas]

How exciting you did a class for Creativebug when you were in the States. I did 5 of them last November and it was a great - though tiring - experience. Can't wait to hear about your classes. Have a great time in the USA.

[Blue lagoon]

Great time for sure. thanks for sharing