"I've been there" 
The unintentional movement of the eyes say it all…..the body language is blatantly clear and unless the group is lodged behind a table in a booth, there will often be a subtle, general exodus.
I talk little about travel when I get home.
I don't show my pictures to my friends or regular quilt group. They have continued a life while I was absent and have pressing and meaningful life experiences to discuss.
It's not just travel, but generalities that are left in the suitcase when I get home.
At a recent forum on Teachers, I did try to talk to my Guild about the teaching methods I use overseas, and got re-buffed by an indignant shop owner who had probably had 3 or 4 American Tutors teach in her shop (many years ago).
"I've seen how Americans teach, it's no different to here" most times I just smile and inwardly shake my head in resignation.
I'm sure you have all had similar experiences. the only people you could drag your photo album out to was your 90 year old Aunt Mabel who loved anything you did and would sit patiently glazed as you relate one story after another.
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind, its a personal journey, in some instances never to be shared.
Some 15 years ago I spent a wonderful lunch with business partner Cynthia who had returned from a trip to Britain. We sat for hours pouring over her photos.
The happiness in her voice as she related the experiences fired my enthusiasm for travel.
Maybe I look at things differently. !!!!!
Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness in the "I've been there" syndrome.
I count myself privileged to travel and work as I do.
I share my experiences in travel through my designs, filming, writing and presentations……the exciting thing, is that I get paid to do so.!!!!!
As for the generalities… sharing my expertise on teaching methods… I have been asked to consider becoming a consultant….!!!!! Yes, that means I get paid to impart knowledge.
It's seems ironic ~ when I offer to do it all for free.!!!!!
The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. ~Henry Boye
Hey Pam,
I’d love to hear about the differences in how American teachers teach when compared to those from other countries. We can always learn something new!
Beth
Pam,
I’ve been reading your blog for months because I find what you have to say absolutely fascinating. In my mind the teacher/ student relationship is a symbiotic one. Keep up the good work you inspire people you don’t even know!
Hi Pam,
I feel sad for people who are so closed off to new idea’s and other peoples experiences. Opportunities are given to us everyday and we need to grab as many as we can. I love your blog and the way you view life, you are a great inspiration and all those places I long to visit one day I can view through your eyes in the meantime. Keep up the great work.
Pam,
From a personal perspective, I enjoy reading about your adventures and I am very interested in what you see and do and the people that you meet. It gives me a different perspective on life. There are a lot of people out there with very busy lives, doing the day to day stuff. It is great for some of us to escape by reading or hearing about other peoples travels. It reminds us that there is a big world out there and we should aim to do something different each day.
I have been lucky enough to learn some of what you teach in class, and something about how you teach. Both are important to me!
You can show me your photos any day! I will happily look at all of them. I get the same thing Pammy. None of my friends are interested in looking at photos of quilts or hearing the ins and outs of Quilt Market….but I still make an effort to take an interest in their day to day life that has continued while I have been overseas. Ignore the odd comment you get…there are many Aussie store owners or tutors who would love to hear your experiences.
A good teacher is flexible.
A good teacher adapts to the needs of the students.
A good teacher has stories to share, adventures to draw on and lots of little pearls of wisdom packed away in her little backpack of life’s experiences.
A good teacher is entertaining, gives from the heaqrt and soul and is deeply reflective.
A good teacher is creative, thinks outside the box and takes risks.
You, Pam, are a GREAT teacher!
I was dismayed and very sad to read of the attitude you encountered when attempting to share at a Guild Teacher Forum. Your experiences are the ones we need to hear and learn from if we are ever to rise above mediocre. Be assured there are many of us (including me) who soak up whatever you choose to share so that we too can learn and pass on our skills and experiences. XX & hugs