One Happy Clogging Girl

Having missed Tuesday's clogging class as a result of migraine miasma, I was anxious to take my new beautiful clogging shoes and dance today. 


What a terrific day to clog. Weather beautiful, class filled - but not packed - and feet encased in beautiful black leather shoes with fabulous double taps. What more could a girl ask for? Well, let's not get started on that.


After practicing steps, we did a really cute dance. I got through the entire pattern without one mistake! When we were done, I threw my arms up in the air and let out a "whoop" of sorts, catching the attention of our fantastic instructor, Kathy Kaplan, who came over and gave me a big hug. Then, others in the class gave me a round of sprinkled applause. Remember, I'm the only beginner in this class, so the other ladies (and one gentleman) have to put up with me not knowing what they do. They are so supportive, patient, and fun.


The huge difference between clogging and ice skating (besides the obvious - no ice involved) is that there is absolutely no pressure, no competition, no stolen looks to see who is doing what. I love the tons of laughter and the ladies who continue to introduce themselves and tell me how fast I've caught on. Bless their hearts. They are so welcoming and friendly. 


The second dance we did wasn't so easy. For the most part, I kept up, but there was one section that I just couldn't get the hang of. During the break, this sweet woman (who is 85) motioned me to join the front line. I felt like I had somehow arrived (I usually dance at the back or in the middle line). Maybe I went from total beginner to "confident beginner" (as we say in quilting). 


I stayed a few minutes to watch the intermediate class. Wow! The dance these ladies did was quite fast and included adorable steps from the Charleston and Lindy. It was so cool. I know someday I'll be able to do these dances and really look forward to joining the intermediate ranks. 


I have some friends who want to come clogging with me; one used to ice skate but gave it up to go back to work to "launch" her daughter's college education. She is not working now and loves to dance. I spoke with our instructor today and she said they should wait until January when the new class starts. I'm really hoping some of these people take the class. 


Just read on the Web that clogging burns 400 calories an/hour, so it is great exercise. Doubt that is how many I am burning, but who cares when you are having so much fun. :)


Tomorrow is a skating day. Working on a program for our annual holiday cookie exchange exhibition at the rink. Don't know if I'll be ready to perform, but it's fun to work on. 


Clog, quilt and skate on! 

Applique Quilt & Las Vegas

I finally finished the Country Sewing Center Block-of-the-Month top that I've been working on for what seems like a lifetime. 

There are only four applique blocks - at each corner - because I ran out of time. This is a gift, so I need to get it to the long arm quilter's studio by November 1 to have it in time for Christmas. 

The design called for all the blocks to be appliqued. I adjusted the pattern once I determined I wasn't going to complete all nine using this method. While the top isn't as pretty as the original design I really like the contrasting colors and feminine look. The French feel of the Moda fabric is lovely. I think the pattern was something like "A Breath of Avignon," but don't go looking for it using that name. 

I did the applique by hand, which took longer than I anticipated, and truly enjoyed the process. I know machine applique goes faster, but the in-and-out of the needle that goes with hand applique was very relaxing for me. The first block looks a little "primitive" but by the fourth block, my technique had improved significantly. This project turned out to not only be a good learning project, but opened up a whole world of possibilities to add to my quilting activities.

I signed up for the fall BOM at the Country Sewing Center, which also features applique blocks. This time I will finish the top completing all the blocks using applique. 

As for the ISI Adult Championship in Las Vegas, the experience was great fun. I skated "clean" which was my objective. As the field for my category was small, I was lucky enough to come in first and brought home a blue ribbon to prove it. Had a great time with my friend Maddie, with whom I shared a room. We saw "The Lion King" and "Phantom of the Opera" and both were fantastic and very over-sized, over-the-top, overly expensive, typical Las Vegas experiences! Glad we went even though I had seen Phantom before in Vegas. Worth the price of going again just to see Maddie's look of total wonderment and joy. Tickets to shows: Too costly. Seeing Maddie's enjoyment: Priceless. 

So, my competing days are over, over, over. BTW, my friend Maddie took first place in both her events, despite the fact that she is turning 69 next week. She was radiant on the ice; the skating director at the event rink even told her that he gave her 12s for each event (the maximum being 6). She loves to perform, is very talented, and it really shows in her skating. 

My three other skating buddies also did extremely well in their events, so many blue ribbons and points were accrued by Skatetown in Roseville. I was proud to represent the rink. In addition, I made some skating friends from across the country, which was an added benefit to attending the competition. 

I was very happy to leave Las Vegas and come home to the peace and quiet of our country setting. And, while I am writing about "country" while I was walking the dogs early yesterday morning, we spotted a bobcat in our development. He was about 20 yards away from us. Pretty darn amazing. From now on, I am waiting until it is completely light before taking the doggies out. They absolutely froze even before I saw the bobcat; they obviously knew something was amiss! 

Back on the ice later today. Had a great time clogging yesterday. Learned two dances, so we are now beyond only learning steps. Still completely entranced by this dance form, but still don't have my shoes :(

Clogging onward. 

This Is It!

All the practice, the time, the concerns - and did I mention $$$? - come to fruition next Saturday, October 9, at 10:10 am in Las Vegas. Two minutes on the ice, that's it. In preparation for this skating event, I found this quote that I will print and keep with me, next to a beautiful one provided by my best skating buddy, Janet. Truly hope this will help as I practice on Friday at the event rink and perform my program on Saturday.

"Think big and your deeds will grow. Think that you can, and you will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're out classed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. Life's battle doesn't always go to the stronger or faster man; but sooner or later, the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can." Author unknown

I am so grateful to Dear Husband who has put up with my fears, complaining, funded this expensive hobby, and been a stand-up guy while doing all the cooking, too! What more could a girl ask for? 

I am skating to "Home," music from The Wiz. It's a beautiful song with an equally lovely message: "When I think of home, I think of a place where's there's love overflowing." So true for me. 

My friend, Madeleine, and I leave on Thursday mid-day, to give us plenty of time to get to Las Vegas and settled in before others arrive. Friday night, four of us are taking Coach Jayne out to dinner at The Venetian as a "thank you" for everything she has done to help us prepare for this competition. She is THE best. Should be a really great evening. Sunday night (after all the hysteria of the event is over), Maddie and I are going to dinner and then to see "Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian. Really looking forward to that. I've seen it already in Vegas and it's absolutely incredible. 

I so appreciate all the support I have gotten from my skating friends (especially Janet) who have been in the thick of this with me from the moment I said "Yes" to Madeleine's idea that we participate in this competition. What would I do without you, J? 

Onward with confidence, optimism and excitement!