Today’s first event was the IQA Luncheon. The top eight award winners had the dubious honor of sitting on the stage while we ate. Afterwards, we each had to get up and make a short speech. I never did hear how long it was supposed to be until we were being introduced.
For those who have known me for any length of time, you’ll know that public speaking is not my favorite thing to do (somehow speaking at a quilt guild is different), but I didn’t think I was overly nervous until I stood at the podium. I looked at the room of…how many people? Maybe 500? Let’s just put it nicely…tears immediate sprang to my eyes and I was speechless. After a minute or so, I managed to mumble something about my sweet hubby, and how much I appreciate all he does for me. I think I stammered out another couple of sentences and fled to my seat. Crash and burn! They didn’t give me a ribbon for speechmaking! At least I wasn’t the only one who cried. Oh, well…wouldn’t you know, I had ladies come up to me the rest of the day telling me how much they enjoyed my “speech.” Good thing we quilters are a bunch of saps!
In the evening, the quilt festival finally opens their doors. I had to stand next to my quilt and answer questions. An untold number of people thought it would be a good idea to take a picture of me with the quilt. Silly people! Everyone who is taking classes wears a name tag. It was fun to finally meet some people who I’ve chatted with online. I got to see people who belong to guilds where I’ve spoken in the past and some that belong to guilds I’m scheduled to be at in the future. There were also people there from all over the world. There were quite a few very talkative people from Australia, which was a lot of fun. Many Japanese quilters come to the show.
More tomorrow. Maybe some shopping 🙂
Comments
10 responses to “IQF Day 2”
Congratulations Maria! And such a gorgeous portrait of Stephanie! Happened on your blog because our church “Quilt Mother” is there in Houston for this event. What a lovely website in every way. (Too bad Miguel missed the traveling quilt show of the quilt he modeled for…he remembers it) Your accomplishments are awesome and we are glad for you!!
Congratulations, Maria!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very proud of you——although you didn’t acquire your quilting skills from me. I guess I introduced you to fabric and sewing, so that is my “slight” inspiration.
Keep up the good efforts! Each quilt just gets better and better!!!!!!!!!
You have a super eye for color and your quilting innovations are really fantastic!
Love, MOM
Congratulations! I’m sure your speech making was alot better that you think… from the heart always trumps cool perfection.
Have a great day!
Always, Queenie
The news of your super quilt even reached Wisconsin. Congrats! Isn’t our information age amazing where we can see you and your art. Love Aunt Judy
I just love how they displayed your quilt. That ribbon is just plain awesome. I hope you have a wall to display it on at home. You really were a celeb! And, by the way, I probably would have shut down, too, if I would have had to talk in front of all those people.
Your artistry shined. Congrats. Tallahassee, Fl.
I’d like to add my congratulations! I have always admired your work, and you are getting the attention you richly deserve. Just gorgeous!
Blessings,
Nancy
Oh Maria, Thank YOU so much for sharing your speech apprehension. I am so relieved to know I’m not the only one! Last July, just sharing two non finished works at Long Beach Festival I nearly couldn’t speak when Karey handed me the mike. It wasn’t until I started talking technical details that I was able to feel my throat relax & the tears stop. I swear, this menopause crap has just got to be the culprit!
Your quilt is just gorgeous and I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts from Houston!
Thank you again for being ‘human’ and not afraid to share your behind the scenes!
Maria,
I wanted to add my congratulations to the ones that you have received. Your quilt was incredible, so full of life and energy and well deserving of its award for contemporary artistry. I walked by it several times while I was in Houston and hoped that I might catch you to offer my praise in person.
Susan
Hi Maria, I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to speak to you at the Festival. I loved your speech just because! You quilt was just gorgeous and you more than deserved the prize you were awarded. This was the first Festival I have ever been to – I’m one of those ‘chatty’ Aussies – so maybe next year I’ll have a chance to chat with you.