I signed up for a wool felting class. I have seen this particular artist's work before, and wanted to spend time learning her technique. The workshop was part of a larger event involving hundreds of quilts, and dozens of vendors. I arrived a couple of hours before it began which gave me a chance to both enjoy the displays, and spend money. Vendors know how to get the attention of women in my demographic, and I was sucked into a demo of marbeling, and another on stained glass window designs. I went away with both starter kits. 

I began looking for the classroom for the workshop, and no one seemed clear about its location. I wandered around getting conflicting advice, and finally ended up in a room with one other woman. She too thought this was the right place, so we waited. There was no signage. Eight other felting wannabes arrived before the teacher, and we found our seats. 

It was a while before I realized the class had started. The teacher never introduced herself, welcomed us, or gave any general instructions. We had each bought kits, and I took mine out and began to read. I followed the directions, as did the women around me, and occasionally the teacher walked by and made a comment. That was it. She had her own samples to be inspired by, and I looked closely at the details. They were gorgeous. Then I worked on my own. Other people seemed content with the level of guidance, so I decided not to be discontent. I had paid a chunk for the privilege of being there, and chose to bring my full attention. Once I overheard her talking to a woman. 

"The trick is..." and

"The important thing to remember is..."

But I never found out what. 

I am happy with the project, and will add bead eyes, as well as a bit more embroidery. 

Sometimes we learn things in a deliberate way. A science class is designed to help the students discover how chemicals respond, and a physical trainer makes suggestions for building strength. But other times we are left to be inquisitive. If we feel drawn to the attributes of someone else, we may look closely at how they create those qualities. They may not spell out the steps to becoming more kind, or resilient. But maybe if we keep our eyes open we can learn a few things.