I’m so happy Monday is here because now I can work on all of the projects that I need to get done since I couldn’t quite relax this weekend with deadlines looming. Today is also a special day because Blogging Your Way began and will continue for the next four weeks. I love teaching online, I can’t believe that I’m a month shy of two years of teaching this class – it’s crazy to think about how quickly time passes. It’s very exciting to teach because each course brings in an entirely new batch of students from all over the world that I can mix and mingle with quite intimately and it’s a nice feeling. While students are receiving their new wings to prepare them for a creative journey, I am dusting off my own and discovering new pieces of myself as I work with them. Teaching can be therapeutic, encouraging and eye opening to more than just the pupil!
Teaching in a room or a closed environment online feels so cozy! I also enjoy passing out homework each week because the idea of inspiring others to really dig deep and peel back the layers excites me. I always wonder what a student will take from the course and most importantly, what will click inside of them that is the one click that will make a difference.
How are you? What did you do this weekend? I spent a lot of time writing lessons for my class and hanging out with some friends, along with my mother-in-law who joined us for dinner on Saturday (so nice to have family in the same district). My mother in Boston got a copy of my book and called me because she was really! excited! and! had! a! ton! of! questions! She made me laugh. That phone call will stay with me for awhile. She was proud of me and that felt nice. No matter how old we get, or how far from home we live, a high five from a parent can be almost as satisfying now as it was when we were kids.
(image: holly becker for decor8)
February 28th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
I’m so happy about this course!! I also wrote about it in my Monday post!
See you on the class Holly!
Ilaria xxx
Ilaria´s last [type] ..Have a lovely week! Im a BYW student!
February 28th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Have fun with your new students. BYW was one of the best things I ever did for myself.
This weekend: I launched my bookbinding/craft classes. Upon moving to Singapore, I quickly discovered that NO ONE is teaching these traditional arts here and I am trying to fill the vacuum. Very excited. Very nervous. Very motivated. I hope my students inspire me as much as yours do you.
notabilia´s last [type] ..Mise En SIN at The Substation
February 28th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Hello Holly!
I also couldn’t relax during this weekend. I worked a lot on my blog and I felt really inspired, so I’m happy with that.
I simply can’t wait to see what this new week will bring! :-)
Have a blessed week!
xo
February 28th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Happy monday sweet lady! I am so glad your week is getting off to a bang up start! Mine too…feeling good & forging ahead despite the yucky rain. :) Absolutley….how could she not be proud of you? You are amazing :)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Monday inspiration
February 28th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Oh, Holly…your post has just brought the sweetest memories to my mind from when I used to be a teacher. And one of the best things I keep from those times – 14 yeara ago…- is when a former student comes to me and recognises me in the street. :-) No, I don’t feel older. I feel wiser :-)
Regarding the weekend I spent it trying to fix my sewing machine… Despite that I managed to sew and photograph a camera strap for my Canon and an i-Pad cover for my shop. Now I need to ring someone to come home and fix the old sewing machine.. well, in the end everything will be ok :-)))
Margarida´s last [type] ..Camera strap tutorial
February 28th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Of course she´s proud over you – as she should be! :-)
Oh, it was a calm weekend – just made a pillow and went shopping a little. Other than that, I was just happy being able to sip my coffee in peace and read the news for an hour! :-D
tinajo´s last [type] ..Keeping my promise
February 28th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
We finally found an amazing Chinese restaurant that was so fresh and non-greasy; we totally indulged! That’s ok, though, because we had worked hard helping a friend move into her new apt and I couldn’t be more thrilled for her; it’s so sunny and bright and just c.u.t.e.!
juliette´s last [type] ..Favorite moments remembered- Oh Pioneer!
February 28th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Wish I could join you all, maybe next time!
-Chic Done Cheap
Chic Done Cheap´s last [type] ..Tray Chic
February 28th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
love love love your blog, i find it all really inspiring. loved reading this, thank you for sharing. your class sounds wonderful. x
February 28th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Aw I love getting phone calls like that from my mum! I spent lots of time working on my journal and baking for my Oscar party last night. Lots of fun to spend time with close friends.
Vanessa Elizabeth l Ruffled Rose´s last [type] ..New York by Gehry
February 28th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
The thing you said about our parents’ appreciation for our work meaning the same as it did for us as children is so true…whatever i do in my life, my parents feelings are always at the back of my mind…always guiding…and at times restraing but always in the right direction..thankyou for this lovely post, Holly…have a great week ahead….xx meenal
meenal @ maison marigold´s last [type] ..Oscar 2011- The ladies who ruled the red carpet
February 28th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Oh I remember my first day of Blogging you way. I never thought I’d be so excited in a class… It was such a great experience for me. The best part I really learned a lot… I wish I was on the class again :p
iam_artisan´s last [type] ..Just dropping by
February 28th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Holly I had a great weekend with my grandaughter Isabella! Shopping, painting, went to the aquarium!
Join my Artfful Offering and Read a great Interview at my site.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Karena´s last [type] ..A Special Painting Offering by Artist Carol Schiff
February 28th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
I am glad you are enjoying yourself. Have a beautiful Monday sweet Holly!
Yoli´s last [type] ..Maybe not this day but some day
February 28th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Teaching rocks. Granted I teach an entirely different thing, swim, to babies. There is just something so fulfilling about it that I love.
We had a low key weekend. I worked on some new tutorials to release this week and too down the valentine’s decor to make room for spring.
Holly´s last [type] ..Sweet Makes- Sweet Stego Hoodie! Giveaway!
February 28th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
i am so sad i didn’t have time to sign up again – but i promise myself i will!
February 28th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I hope your new students enjoy the class as much I did! This weekend I went to roller derby and I am 100% hooked. Amazing stuff.
Cindy´s last [type] ..Think about it
February 28th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Hello Holly…All the best on your new class, I loved it back in September and I am sure your new students will benefit tremendously too. And what I also love in your post today are the Istanbul postcards! The first one is of the Bosphorus Strait in very old times, considering the mansions, only some of which are preserved today. And the second one is of the Ortakoy mosque right by the water. If you look at photos of the mosque today (just google it) you will see an addition to the scenery – the 1st Bosphorus Bridge. But the beauty of the spot is still the same. I just wanted to add some ‘local’ info when I saw your pretty composition :) All the best!
Ebru Goktan´s last [type] ..Istanbul Eye Candy – Happy Monday
February 28th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
My weekend. was a blur. Saturdays are not really part of the weekend mainly because I have school. But now that you reminded me I am set to do my paper for our Teaching of Literature class and I’m kinda into it. I really would love to teach!
Marija (Sachiko Lamb)´s last [type] ..Photo
February 28th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
I am sooo looking forward to this week, along with beginning the class! I’m so happy to be able to take it for the second time, and I can’t wait to get started! The last class really taught me so many things, and I feel like I really improved as an artist & blogger. I really look forward to connecting with other bloggers through the course.
Thanks again for the opportunity, and cheers to BYW!
February 28th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
These images are so nice! They make me want to write a whole bunch of letters! And I so wish I could afford the course… it sounds fantastic! Have fun teaching!
Eva @ Four Leaf Clover´s last [type] ..People of the trees
February 28th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
I was so excited to see the Week One class up this week, and am looking forward to doing the homework assignment! Very glad I signed up!
Laura@JourneyChic´s last [type] ..Cheap Chic- Chinoiserie in the Shower
February 28th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
I’ve been thinking about blogging for some time now but it always get put in the back of my other projects, maybe taking your class would give me the extra push I need. Have fun teaching your class and have a blessed week!
Candi´s last [type] ..Princess Lesedi
February 28th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
I loved the pictures and the styling. And I recognized the lovely city in the postcards. Lots of love to you from modern-day-Bebek in Istanbul.
musinginistanbul´s last [type] ..a good catch
February 28th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
I checked my Facebook this morning and saw a lot “Ugh, it’s Monday.” It was kind of depressing, so I am so happy to see someone embrace Monday with energy and ready to go! I am going to take your cue and adopt a can-do attitude :)
March 1st, 2011 at 12:51 am
Hi Holly. I am hoping you can give me your opinion.
I want to buy your book. I live in Australia and I don’t know whether to order from England or America. They both have different covers and I was not sure about the inside of the book or paper quality. I am wondering if you have a preference…
Congratulations and Warmest wishes
-leah x
March 1st, 2011 at 1:40 am
I’m joining your class and am so excited to start. Thanks for being an inspiration and sharing your passion and knowledge!
Marielle´s last [type] ..Small Space Office Design
March 1st, 2011 at 1:53 am
Oh, Holly, I’m just about to log in to start BYW! Having this time difference in Australia means I’ve had to wait just that little longer. The suspense is killing me! J x
Jane´s last [type] ..Tutorial- handling comments and email replies with Blogger
March 1st, 2011 at 2:47 am
I am loving your class! I AM inspired!! Wheeeee!!!! I made a blog notebook, just for this class! :-)
Shari´s last [type] ..Color Palette Blog Walk!
March 1st, 2011 at 11:26 am
@Leah – Order the one from Amazon.co.uk because it releases first and so you’ll get it in time. Paper quality is the same for both books though the British one has some AMAZING papers on the inside flaps. You can also order the Australian version – it releases there in April and has the same amazing papers but has the US cover on it. Murdoch is releasing it there so you should be able to find it at most large booksellers in April.
March 2nd, 2011 at 4:16 am
I cant wait to start the e course with you… yay! and meeting other fabulous people outside there :)
March 5th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I just discovered Decor8, I cannot believe it, where have I been? I am having the most delightful Saturday morning browsing through the archives and I am off to make another pot of coffee and then will settle down to continue. You have lifted my weekend.