squam prep
August 26, 2008
Squam is only two weeks away now, and I’ve been busily preparing these last few weeks. One of my classes is travel journaling, which I’m really excited about. I have been coming up with interesting prompts to get imagination revved and pens to paper. There’s a big stack of them now… and I’m thinking about sharing these here on the blog after squam, one by one as a fun weekly challenge if people are interested. Perhaps. Still toying…
I have a lot more to do yet. Gotta run out and get some supplies to ship in advance, find some warmer clothes to wear (kind of hard when all my stuff is in storage… all I have out are summer clothes), and finish up planning classes. I hope that the people participating in my events have fun. I am worried that I’m going to be a big flopper and disappoint people… but I’m trying to just let go, have fun with it and just let whatever will be will be. Gotta do your best and then step away, right?
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One last and unrelated note: I think I’m going to try to start responding to questions in the comments at the end of each day. I’m not sure how long it’ll last, but I’ll give it a shot. :)
August 26th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Faith, everything will work out just like it was meant to.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:58 am
You are so awesome, Penelope. Your SQUAM classes will be fantastic. I only wish I had the disposable income (and time) to attend. I’d do it! I think it’s a great idea to post the weekly projects to the site, too. Go for it! (and congrats on the bean!)
August 26th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I’m so excited that I’m going to SQUAM this year, and that I’ll be in one of your classes! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and find your work and your honesty about the process so valuable. You are really inspiring, and I can’t imagine the classes being otherwise! See you in New Hampshire!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Yeaay - please share the promts. SQUAM is to far away for me to go, at least this year. I am thinking that it would make a great “vacation” next year :) Go with it and have lots of fun!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I love the idea of a weekly challenge. Good luck with the planning!
August 26th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks and I’m absolutely sure you can’t disappoint. It’s just not you :P The weekly challenge sounds great too!
August 26th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I bought you 5 long-sleeved “Mama” tops last night, and an adorable brown velour hoodie — that should keep you cozy warm.
Love and hugs
me
August 26th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Oh hey — you’re coming to our part of the world. Safe travels. I, too, have been reading the blog for a few week. And I’m sure your class will not disappoint.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’d love it if you posted those after SQUAM as a weekly challenge, i’m not taking that class. I am taking one with you though. I am so excited to be going, and can’t wait to meet you! Your classes will be awesome I am sure, looks like you are really prepared, can’t wait to see you in New Hampshire.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Maybe next year I will make it with my hubby to squam, or is a girl only thing? I am so looking for something inspiring. I don’t know if you know, but you are a great inspiration to me. I am sure if your classes are anything like your blog or your art, or just life in general they will be totally amazing.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I’ll be seeing you there in a couple weeks! I’m so looking forward to meeting you, you have inspired me for a long time. Your classes are going to be wonderful. We’re all going to be in New Hampshire creating art with other artist… I don’t think there will be much opportunity for disappointing anyone. If it makes you feel any better, I’m nervous too and all I have to do is show up!
August 28th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I am so jealous of you! I used to live right near Squam and it is one of my absolute favourite places on earth. I dunno how much down-time you’ll have or if you’ll be able to get out very much, but some places that are really special in the area: Meredith village is absolutely gorgeous and they’ve got loads of crafty places as well as the Annalee doll factory / museum. You should *definitely* stop by if you get the chance. I still, after years of collecting, cannot decide if they are creepy or endearing and every year they seem to end up in my stocking, just the same.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
You will be amazingly inspiring…you’re a natural teacher just like Colin. And you’re so creative it makes me wanna puke sometimes! I’m jealous. It like, oozes out of you in such a way that I’m not sure you’ve even grasped how impressive it is to others. Especially your knack for decor and landscaping…HELP ME!! My yard looks like someone is either trying to kill it or take it over, and my house looks like my condo threw up in it. I need a new “fall look” for my digs.
xo,
YSIL
August 29th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
This is an incredibly inspiring site! I love how you are making a living making beautiful art…and your passion is evident in your work.
I’m a poet, and constantly battling with how to incorporate creativity with words into a rewarding job.
This gives me hope!
I’ll be checking for more lovely art.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I’m getting ready for Squam, too — including your Travel Journaling class! I’m looking forward to the whole experience, but am also a bit apprehensive, as this is my first art retreat. It seems like so many people are nervous, teachers and students alike. But I think once we get there it will all work out just fine.
August 31st, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I look forward to your wonderful class — I have no doubt it will be a success. I think everybody comes to the class feeling a little bit nervous, so we are all in the same boat — so, let’s have fun!
Susan
September 1st, 2008 at 7:59 am
I am so excited for SQUAM. I wanted to sign up for your class but I signed up late and your lovely class was full. This is a big adventure for me and I am kinda scared about it but extremely excited. I am looking forward to meeting you at squam. Best of luck getting your things ready.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:06 am
Another nervous attendee and blurker here to tell you that you will NOT DISAPPOINT. Your art and blog already inspire us so much that you could sit on a chair and stare at us and we’d be happy! We’re all in this together and we’ll be cheering you on 100 percent! Can’t wait to see you next week! Safe travels.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
My uncensored comment, straight from my monkey brain is:
Dude! You are worried about facilitating the workshops while I am worried about being a decent participant. That is too funny. I am so nervous and excited for Squam I can hardly stand it.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
hi-
usually i read your blog regularly but i haven’t been reading much of anything all summer. i am so, so sorry about alison. so much has happened in your life since the last time i checked in. congratulations on your pregnancy! that is way cool.
i think sharing the squam prompts would be great if you decide to…
maureen
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
one week and one day!
i can’t wait to see you.
xo
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
hey p - don’t forget the sweaters! it is cold already now here at night. looking forward to it all. you will be splendiferous…
see u soon. hugs -s
September 4th, 2008 at 7:24 am
your travel journaling class was already full by the time i registered, so i’d definitely love the chance to participate in a weekly challenge if you end up doing that! i’ll be joining you on thursday for earth project and i’m so looking forward to meeting you!!! i thank you so much for this post, reading it has me feeling a whole lot less nervous…and as the day approaches i’m certain i’m ready to let go, jump in and have some fun.