Monday, February 16, 2015

actually THIS is the end of Day one in Tucson!

Well, lot has happened already since I got back from Tucson, but if I don't stay on course with these blog posts, I'll totally lose my way!!  Soooo....
my friend, and longterm blog reader, Connie, requested some beads from Tucson, and so I gave her the hook up!!  She has an Etsy shop (sorry, wish I knew it offhand, Connie), and she makes and sells her jewelry there.  Be looking for some pieces with these beads/ stones. 
The Studio had a big event scheduled for the weekend I got back in town from Tucson, and it was a women's Christian retreat, so I thought these hematite crosses would be great for that event.
I got back to the room on night number one and got to WORK!

I think I might've ended up making 20 pair or so with the crosses.
This is what my bed looked like, even after only one day of shopping.  After years of making this trip, I now know to bring my own tools, organizational bins, and some key findings that I don't want to have to buy, since I have thousands of them at home.
AND... I had a speech that I had to give on the following Friday, so I also spent some time focusing on that one task in the evenings.  Interestingly, I was able to actually focus with none there with me... kids, employees, spouse, or a travel companion.  Nope.... just ME!  I got a LOT done!
These are 7 key questions John Maxwell asks every time he has an opportunity to meet with someone from whom he knows he can learn. (I also had to be prepared to teach my MMPT leadership team on the Thursday morning after I returned on Wednesday afternoon, and it was from the book, Good Leaders Ask Great Questions).  See?  I NEEDED some quiet time!
Just for kicks... I'd love for anyone who is reading this blog and who has an account set up to comment and answer question number two... What are you learning right now?  Let's share!  If you haven't ever set up an account, do that today!  I like to her from you!!

I'm currently learning how to give better presentations.  I read this on my trip...
And I liked how he feels that diagrams are very important to a presentation.  I liked it so much that I hand painted every one of my slides for that speech I was previously mentioning, with watercolors.  And then had that puppy formatted to a power point.  It was definitely unique.  Soooooo... what are you learning now?!

MO

10 comments:

kimybeee said...

I am learning to stay at home all the time again. I quit my job and have scaled way back on the committees I used to serve on all the time. I guess you could say that I am learning to be content by myself. With jeff working 7p to 7a at least five or six days a week I am alone a lot. Both kids are away at school. It is me and the critters most of the time. I am also on baby watch because one of the kids friends is due anytime and we have two cows ready to have calves anytime lol lol. For two weeks I didn't even have a vehicle to drive. I am also trying to work on some crafty things in between my bouts of boredom. Lol

Jerelyne Nemanich said...

I am taking an online certification course on how to teach online and blended learning.

Mama J said...

For years I was a lot like you Mel, blowing and going. Those latter years, I did a lot of growing as well. I surrounded myself with people who aroused my interests and that I gleaned life jewels from. I did a lot of volunteer work and was a court advocate for domestic violence victims. When we made the move to LA about 16 mos ago, I actually stuck with retirement. I have learned that it is ok to be retired from the hustle and bustle and just be still and know. I am enjoying life and look forward to my husband making that step very soon. Now I blow and go thru you Mel! You excite me...

Kathryn said...

I am learning to accept. My mother is slowly, gently drifting away. This is awfully hard. I must accept, and do. I am grateful that she is in NO pain, that she is surrounded by nurses, aides, recreation people. many people who love her and give her such magnificent care. She still remembers who I am, but it is taking longer for that connection to be made from first seeing me to recognition. We spend time talking about when I was little, and that was over 60 years ago now. This has been a long journey so far, but one filled with love, and I learn every day.

Amy K said...

I am learning a new daily/weekly routine that I have set for myself and family, in hopes of improved time management and order in our lives. This is part of my "Cultivate" mantra for 2015.

Emily G said...

What am I learning now? I completely empathize with Kathryn's comment as I am watching my parents slowly drift away-my dad being taken by Alzheimers and my mom, unable to speak anymore, is also slowly drifting from us mentally. I am learning not to focus on what we are losing, but on the many, many good years/memories we had with them. And as I learn that painful lesson, I am also learning to prepare for a little one in the house once again....at 40! We are cleaning out and organizing every nook and cranny of the house to make this transition as easy as possible for two working parents with an almost 17 year old student(not to mention my daily 3 hour round trip commute). Despite it all, God is Good and we are blessed!

Mbeaty19 said...

What am I learning right now? Well being true to my 'busy' lifestyle I have a lot of learning going on. I'm currently studying and preparing to take my tests to get my insurance license. I've been busy researching cameras as I prepare to buy a new one. I'm further growing my photography business and been busy researching shoot and photo ideas to make my upcoming shoots even better. Due to some issues I've recently started looking into homeschooling curriculums as I may become my sons primary schooling. My 'downtime' is full of reading, note taking, and journaling. On top of all that still occasionally subbing for local schools. I'm a big believer that all people should continue to be learners for their whole lives. As you can see I take learning very seriously.

kimybeee said...

I find it very interesting that the learning we are experiencing is not about a skill or trade, but lifestyle changes. They may not all be happy, but they all are very important!!

Unknown said...

What I'm learning right now is to control the things u can and let go of the things you can't. I'm an audiologist and work in a busy clinic with a receptionist. We went through a 4 month period where I didn't have a receptionist and finally got some one who was fired in month 2. Fast forward to the present a month later where the search is still on and to top it off, we are moving to another location. Through all this, the clinic is flourishing as I'm learning to live by the mantra do the best you can and leave the rest to God! No point stressing about things you cannot control.

Unknown said...

Last year my word was overcome. This year it is soar. I have done something very unusual this year, I am focusing on me. This has been an odd transition but, I am learning to prepare for retirement and all that goes along with that stage in life. It is exciting because I am also learning a new profession. Praising God for things I am learning about Him and how He continues to exceedingly bless me and my family with guidance and love.