Monday, August 24, 2009

Fun Monday - Back To School Edition

It is Monday again, and it will certainly be a FUN one for me because I will be at Hershey Park in PA today with my family. Since I will not be around for most of the day, I will do my best to get to everyone's blogs by tomorrow evening. Faye at Summit Musings is our studious Fun Monday hostess and she wants us to share our thoughts on lifelong learning, or more specifically:

--Do you still think of yourself as a student? A lifelong learner?--If so, what would you like to learn? Something job related to improve your work performance? Technology skills to keep up with the modern times? Personal financial management skills? Stress management strategies? Playing bridge? Belly dancing? Writing? Better blogging? Speaking another language? Car maintenance? DIY home improvements? You get the idea--the list of learning options for adults is endless.--Are you currently taking a class or online study? What is this experience like? What are you learning? --If not actually in a class, how do you learn something new? Tutorials on computer or TV? How to books? One on one with an instructor or coach? Practice on your own?

Following high school, I attended a community college and obtained my Associates Degree in Business Administration. After 2 years of college, I had no interest in continuing my education. I was more interested in getting married (check) and starting my family (check). This was acceptable to me then and still is today, as I have continued learning in other ways. Just not in a classroom setting. I have read many self improvement books, attended seminars, surfed the information highway, listened to talk radio, etc. It is true that we learn something new every day, hence making us all lifelong learners.

In addition to improving my writing and photography skills, I have always wanted to learn how to quilt. Besides the fact that I can barely sew on a button, and knowing that quilting is a very tedious and time consuming hobby, now is probably not the best time in my life for me to learn. As a parent and busy mom of 2 daughters, my schedule does not leave me too much free time. Perhaps after my kids are not so reliant on me, I will have the time to learn to make a quilt like this one:


My dear galfriend, Kirsten (pictured on the right) made this especially for my 40th birthday and I treasure it. The only process I was involved in making this quilt was picking out the fabric. Kirsten does not know it, but my hope is that one day she will teach me to quilt. Of course, by the time I get around to it, I may have gray hair, feeble hands and poor eyesight! I already have the poor eye sight and a few gray hairs creeping in!

Be sure to click here to see what the other FM participants are sharing.

11 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

I've always envied those who can start and COMPLETE a beautiful quilt!!

Great post....my F M is now posted if you'd like to stop by for a visit. I'm sending with this comment, happy day wishes to you and yours.

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

I love quilting too! Fun, fun, fun! I have not tried it in a few years, as photography has taken over ;0)

Swampy said...

Quilts are storybooks...I LOVE quilts ! Always impessed with those who can quilt ! What special treasures you have there...quilt AND friend.
As for the gray hair "creeping" in...mine seem to be in a track meet running for the finish line...my head.

margaret said...

I'll make you a deal, my friend. Let me know when you decide to learn to quilt, and I'll start learning too. We can post bloggy updates or something :-) I have always wanted to learn to quilt. I fancy myself a pretty good seamstress, but quilting is a whole other set of skills.

I tried once, way back when, and the result was a disaster. I felt that I had failed, and gave up. Of course, I hadn't taken any lessons or anything - go figure! So, maybe when my art and writing classes are done or in recess, quilting might be the next thing on my list. Keep me posted, please, Oh Great Potential Learning Buddy/Motivator ;-)

Faye said...

Sounds like you knew exactly what you wanted Church Lady! School, good husband, lovely daughters-check, check, check. And all along as an adult you can learn whatever you fancy at the moment and in so many different ways. You seem to get a lot of pleasure out of your home so I would recommend that you keep after the quilting goal. I come from a family of quilters--beautiful fine needlework that's still so functional. I took a quilting class at a local fabric shop and completed the top (in my favorite "hen pheasant" colors of black, brown, tan). Now I need to do the quilting itself and will have a lovely wall hanging. Is that how you use the quilt your friend made for you?

Janis said...

I highly recommend you learn to quilt...it would make a lovely B.day gift for your cherished Mom.hint hint...lol. Kirsten gave you a gift that is timeless. Thanks for sharing Kel, come on over and sign up wed for the next FM.

Quilly said...

My pholosophy as a teacher is -- teach a student to read and to think and s/he can teach her/himself from that point on.

Anytime I want to learn something new, I start with the Internet and books, then move on to personal experience (either seeking human guidance or diving right in). Not being afraid to learn and try new things keeps one's mind healthy and active.

Don't wait too long to learn quilting. If your daughters are old enough -- and interested without force -- it could be a fun bonding bonding activity. Quilts are all about sewing memories, aren't they?

ChrisB said...

I know a couple of people who are passionate quilters. I did try it many years ago, but never really took to it in a big way. Now I have the time my eye sight is not that brilliant for any kind of sewing.
I'm sure your friend will be delighted teach you when you feel the time is right.

MommyWizdom said...

Wow, what a gorgeous quilt and what a great friend! Good luck with learning how to quilt - I tried it once but I don't have the patience.

Great post!


MommyWizdom

Jill said...

my post ended up being nothing like anyone else's. Sounded more like a cry for help. Sad, but true. I taught myself how to cross stitch/embroider off of the internet, because its something my paternal grandmother liked to do. I have given several days of the week tea towels away as gifts and they have gone over very well. i even did some while the baby was really little. Now I dont know if I could keep her out of the needles or not! but I think your kids are bigger, so you might have a shot at doing that while they are doing their homework?

karisma said...

That is a beautiful Quilt. Talk about jumping in at the deep end though. I have been sewing and crafting for years but still have not tried quilting. Funny I dont have the patience for it yet I will sit and cross stitch for hours!

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