What A Feeling!

For you quilters, think of a moment when you created something, stood back, gazed at your accomplishment and smiled. I had exactly that feeling on Tuesday; it just happened to be about ice skating. 

It's official! I passed my ISI FS2 test, which will mean nothing to some readers, but means so much to me. This is a symbolic accomplishment, signifying my first solo test since my skating accident in December 2006, when I thought I wouldn't skate again. What's interesting is that 4 months ago, passing this test so I could participate in ISI Worlds in San Jose, CA in July 2009 wasn't even a goal. But I had the foundation of a beautiful program (thanks to the great work of my coach) to breathtaking music; I knew I wanted to do something special with it because the music (from "Passion of the Christ") speaks to my heart.  

It was about this time that Coach and fellow adult skaters started talking about Worlds. Then Coach asked me if I wanted to participate in Worlds. My first reaction was complete fear; once I got over the stark terror, I knew that Worlds was exactly the right venue for my "Passion" program. Then I realized that I would have to have a technical program, in addition to this dramatic program, to make it to Worlds. So, basically, in 5 weeks time, I learned and passed a technical program to lovely, haunting music from a "The Secret Garden" CD that had been cut for me years (and I do mean years!) ago. 

I arrived at the rink in one of my competition dresses that I had only worn once for a pairs program in April 2006. I took the time to go through all the steps of preparing for a test, including tasteful "show" make-up. I love my dress, so I felt good about that. I have joked saying, "It's doesn't matter how you skate; it's how you look when you skate that really matters." 

In warm-up, I skated the program well and felt confident until Coach told me I would have to do all the elements in my program individually first for the judge before skating my program. EEK! Once I got over the "OMG" butterflies, Coach and I worked on this for about 30 minutes, then I suggested we work on ice dancing until it was time to test. Good strategy. We did the 14-step to music which made me forget about my test because the music is so fast and the dance great fun.

When the judge (our rink's Skating Director) showed up, I mentioned to her that I should get the "old ladies' sympathy vote." Good ice breaker; thank goodness she laughed. Then the test started. The first individual element she asked me to do over. I mused, "Great. I'm in big trouble if this is how it is going to begin!" After I let go and relaxed, the second try was better. Then on to the other elements, especially one that I have been dreading. My first try - BIG BOMB. Second attempt resulted in a splat! Finally, the third try was better and the judge acknowledged that. I knew I was home free after I got past this element because I was confident about everything else. I took a deep breath and took my program's starting position.

The moment the music started, I was transported to another world. It was like no one else was there; just me, the music, and the ice. I skated for me, for my husband (who, despite his fears about my returning to the ice, has supported my skating), for our once-in-a-lifetime Samoyed, Henry, and the sheer beauty of the sport and being able to fly. I loved every minute and 39 seconds of the test. In fact, I didn't want the music to end. There wasn't an element (well, o.k., maybe that "dreaded" one) that I felt I didn't execute well. I nailed my ending pose, got up, and skated over to Coach who gave me a huge hug. Then I looked at the judge and she said, "That was beautiful. I am so impressed with your skating." When she handed me the test sheet, I could not believe the scores. I think I said to the judge, "Are you sure these are mine?" With the exception of one "6" for a relatively simple element, they were all 7s, 8s, and 9s. In addition to the scores, she had written,"So-o-o-o-o-smooth" and "Beautiful program." I nearly cried with joy. Then I looked at Coach who said, "I am so proud of you, Karen. You've come so far." What skater doesn't relish hearing these words from her/his coach? 

At the risk of posting what sounds like an Academy Award acceptance speech, bear with me while I note that I could not have gotten to this point without my 'fab' husband, the support and "gentle pushing" of Coach, and my skating buddies who have been with me through this journey back to the ice. I am blessed by their presence in my life, their advice, counsel, and being my cheerleaders. You know who you are and my deep fondness for you.

What a spectacular day! It started with quilting, included an sought-after skating accomplishment, and ended with quilting. Doesn't get much better than that, I say. Onward in quilting and skating! Life is good.