posted
I'm sitting at my desk, alone for the first time in days... but the few still here will be back soon. Its Monday morning, early.
Our workshop unofficially started last Sunday with the arrival of Henry from Sweden. The last of our guests will depart tomorrow. That makes me more than a little sad.
Its been an over the top experience for me... for while we plan and prepare every detail, ultimately the experience is shaped by those who attend.
Every single person who attended our workshop jumped in with their whole heart. It was information overload and PASSION times 14. You had to be here to experience it. While I happily shared everything I could, every other person freely gave of their knowlege too. I was the benificiary. I laughed more in the last week than I have in a long time. Each of our guests were of the same mind, eager to learn and share of themselves.
Janis, Michelle and Donna jumped in behind the scenes and made it happen flawlessly from my point of view. Our caterer did a great job!
Tom Penner showed us EnRoute in ways we couldn't imagine. Each attendee asked questions and provided input which illuminated the somewhat difficult concepts for those of us who were looking for answers. It was an intense training session presented in a FUN way!
Since it was our first time hosting the event we learned a few things about the technical aspects of presenting. Our guests were extremely patient as we sorted these things out. Next time will be even better.
It is my sincere desire and hope that everyone else who came got as much.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It was MAGIC!
A somewhat tired but grateful heart in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ October 22, 2007, 11:52 AM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8740 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
The weekend did a tremendous amount of good for me too. I had been feeling a little separated from the rest of the world, happens frequently for me when you bury yourself in your basement and work away. Landing in the middle of the buzz is the best medicine!
Dan and Tom had very different styles of teaching and each method had tremendous value. I couldn't have imagined one without the other. It was a perfect balance of technical and artistic. Tom's delivery was intense yet extremely comical and colourful. It truley removed alot of the intensity you'd otherwise feel. And then Dan kicked open the door and allowed you to step inside his mind. It's a fantasy land in there and a very wild ride at that!
One thing I'm really glad the group experienced were a couple of Dan's more personal talks. I often get the opportunity to receive them with every conversation we have. I am spoiled. They are about much more than how to make money. Money isn't even close. Those that attended get it.
Seeing friends again just makes for stronger bonds. Finally meeting Henry from years of chat and posting was a highlight for me. A true gentleman in every way. And adding the new friends into the mix just makes for a richer experience in every way. I loved watching those that 'needed' to step in and help and learn and be hands on. I saw something special in their eyes, a telltale sign that something big was about to emerge once they got home.
And the food was fantastic! I honestly haven't eaten this well in a very long time. It felt so good to be taken care of for a change rather than the other way around.
The experience left me feeling extremely proud with whom I work along side with. Dan is much more than simply a boss and friend. He's about inspiration and he knows how to fullfill what you require. He knows how to make you achieve. And when you're at that place, there's just no stopping you.
May everyone that came to the workshop be left with the glow of accomplishment, friendship and inspiration.
posted
That photo is pretty small. Can you post a larger one? Can you post pictures of the projects you worked on? I'm excited to see what you all accomplished.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Well, right on target, the Letterhead aftermath is hitting me now. I was on such a high working today those around me thought I was on some toxic chemical. Now I'm missing everyone. I'm going to really be happy to see the dryer delivery guy tomorrow... sad but true. LOL
Russ, we dabbled with samples, but it was mainly a technical router teaching kind of workshop. The name samples you see us holding were painted by Becky and Michelle before the guests arrived.
posted
I had the priviledge of being one of that original crew and it sure was an exciting experiment. The people, the laughter, the food, the good times, the knowledge shared, the learning... I wouldn't know where to start.
It was my second visit to SawatzkyLand, and was as impressive as the first. I got to meet new people and made real good friends like Henry and Danny. Got to see people again like my big cartoon buddy Greer, Dan's crew Donna and Michelle (what a funny girl...) and of course Janis.
I was having breakfast this morning just staring at my copy of this same picture and wishing I was still there...
Now is the time to sort out all of this new bagage and getting back to business enriched of this wonderfull experiment.
posted
I just got out of the taxi at home here, and brought straight back to the real world, by fixing our pelletsburner, before I start telling the family about my trip, so I have it chugging in the background, and take a couple of minutes to express my greatest thanks to Dan, Janis, Becky Michelle, Donna for all there hard work for making it a week I'll never forget, for making me feel apart of their family, for all Dan had to share,both from his heart his passion for life and his amazing work ethics.
I'm abit confused at the moment, its 4pm here but 7am Yarrow time so I need some sleep, been on the go 24 hours now without much.
Will post a couple of larger pics tomorrow from work.
I like Rene feel like I've made a bunch of new friends through those that attended and put real personalities to faces I feel I have known here for years. I wish my trip to Canada had been longer, the welcome far exceeded my expectations and left a tear in my eye when leaving.
posted
All the comments about the Router Retreat have been dead on. The atmosphere was at times sensory overload and the attendees quickly bonded and formed friendships that seemed to be years in the making, not days. Dan and his family did a tremendous job of welcoming us in to, not just their home, but there life. We all felt as if we were part of the Sawatzky's magic... even if just for a few days. Monday came and there was an emptiness inside me..... a feeling that I can not explain.
Hope these pictures bring back a few good memories for everyone that was there. I would love to see more pictures of the event and even pictures of your new router projects that have some of the "Sawatzky Magic" in them.
-------------------- Cody Reich Columbia Signs Posts: 300 | From: Vancouver, WA | Registered: Aug 2007
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Congratulations on the successful weekend Dan (and crew)!! I would have really enjoyed attending but I have routers and I have computers but I don't have a computerized router.......yet.
I know how inspirational Dan can be, even if he DOES walk too fast, and can only imagine how much fun y'all had!!
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Today the sun was shining bright and cheerful, and REALLY warm outside. Just Danny Baronian is here now, the others all sadly gone back home. I'm still very much on a high... pumped up and ready to go!
This morning early I had to make a quick trip up to Hell's gate in the Fraser Canyon - about a hundred miles distant. Danny Baronian volunteered to go along and we had a grand time... a personal, back scenes look at the attraction. It was awesome! We also got some one on one time which I cherish! Then it was time for Danny to leave and in doing so unofficially ended the first (of many) (next one is in February) Router Magic workshops.
It was the perfect ending to an event that was over the top for me in every way. While we were kept busy keeping things going during the event those in attendance helped us along the way giving me the opportunity to enjoy every second myself.
Now we frantically get organized for a trip south to Florida... early tomorrow morning... panic city once again... but we will make it, as always, and will be sure to smell the flowers along the way.
Thanks to each and every one who made this event over the top!
Basking in the glow (at a fast pace) in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ October 23, 2007, 06:29 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8740 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Parker McWhorter and I are sitting in the Seattle airport waiting for the red-eye back to Dallas. Although this was a "use technology to the max" workshop, it was also my anti-technology tour of the Pacific Northwest.
My cell phone broke the day we arrived in Seattle, our web host got our account mixed up with someone else's and cancelled our email, rendering it kaput for a few days until they corrected their error, I started smelling smoke in the rent car and the AC went out, leaving us to crawl through Seattle's rush hour on a very warm day without cooling after I made the mistake of wearing a flannel shirt today. Our flight was delayed and we are still here in the airport.
We'll get in about 7 AM. I have a 9:30 appointment with a customer that wants to talk price on heavily textured signs. I'd better get some coffee and/or sleep or he'll get the deal of a lifetime.
If anyone has doubts about getting his money's worth on the February workshop, toss those negative thoughts in the dumpster. This was an awesome experience. Arrive before the workshop and stay later--you'll just soak up that much more! The instructors are not just Dan and Tom, they included all working at the shop and everyone visiting. Dan and his crew are an extremely talented and hospitable bunch, getting to know them better is a privilege.
I don't have a router and I wasn't familiar with the software before this but I was able to follow and sometimes had my "eureka!" moments before the experienced ones did. Although EnRoute, MultiCam and Precision Board were the featured characters, the techniques and principles taught could be applied to anyone's combination of CNC, software, and materials. Don't fall into the "I don't use EnRoute, so it doesn't apply to me" pattern of thinking. I highly recommend this workshop to any who are considering it.
Although I don't have it now, I will get EnRoute. Parker is my lifelong friend with the MultiCam payment book (everyone should have one of those friends). Having EnRoute will enable me to design that much better, because I will be able to communicate my ideas to Parker within the capabilities of the machine.
I'm tired but pumped!
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5099 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Wow! It sure looked like you all had a great time. Makes me want to get a router, I'd love to ne able to offer that type of work around here, the signs around these parts are pretty boring...Great Job Dan, I truely hope to meet you someday.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Those are great pictures Cody! Thanks for putting a smile back on my face! It was a complete pleasure meeting you and watching your passion emerge through your eyes. You get it!
I'm so grateful to be able to mingle with like minded folks at this time of my life. Raising a young little guy on your own limits what you can do. It's such a blessing for me to live close to someone who intends to keep inviting my kinda people over! It truely is another part of my dream being fullfilled. It just never seems to stop getting better.
I look forward to meeting more of you in the near future. You won't regret the experience of being here. It's as much spiritual as artistic.
[ October 24, 2007, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
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Come on Donna...all those nice words are just going to swell up Dan's head. Can't you throw in a few negative things every now and then just to make things level out.
Seriously, it does sound like a great time was had by all. Sure wish I could have been there. At some point I will pass through those doors and get to experience the magic first hand.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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As low as it is, I’m wondering who move the step ladder that would allow you to reach your designated area without being on your tip-toes when signing?
-------------------- Bob Gilliland InKnowVative Communications Harrisburg PA, USA
"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself." Benjamin Franklin Posts: 642 | From: Harrisburg, PA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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A weekend i will never forget. My emotions are still on high and as I read the recent posts of router majic a tear falls down my cheek in rememberance of all of you. THE SOUL WOULD NO OF NO RAINBOWS IF THE EYES NEVER HELD ANY TEARS. I have a new extended family and I am so grateful and honored to have come to know of all you. I wish you all the best and many blessings to you and your famalies hope to see you all real soon. LOVE AND LAUGHTER MICHELLE(DADDY DANS CREW)
posted
One of the reasons Dan and Janis can take off to do Disney "research" is because of quality people like Michelle, Donna and the rest. They are self starting, hard working, helpful and caring people who don't need to be coached. When they saw something that needed to be done, they were on it immediately and helped greatly to make the workshop the success it was. The Imagination Corporation is truly a fine team.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5099 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dan's in Florida and we are all back at work. But with a smile on my face with great memories of all my new friends. I have come back to lots of routering jobs! Just need to remember all those fish bowl moves.
No zzzzz around here
Thank you all for such a good time. I have started my way to Dan's philosophy of live your dream and be happy. Happy Days and many route paths ahead
Marg (the router Queen)
Posts: 8 | From: Shelburne, Ont. Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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I wanna plan a trip to Yarrow now... Maybe next year will be a good time to visit! Can't do Feb. because of the Melbourne Migration (and I'll probably be gunning to get back home to my new grandson by the time that's over) but maybe later in the year?... Sounds like y'all had a great time!
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
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This is actually what we do with the minis as they are not for riding... but don't worry, you don't have to dress in evening wear to have a try. That's just for showing.
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I just wanted to say that I too enjoyed the weekend. I couldn't be around a lot as I had a horse show, but I can't wait to be a bigger part of the next one! I got to hang out with Henry and Marg as they came a couple days early and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone who attended!
Oh, and Danny, if you read this... I did name the new little guy Napoleon as your wife suggested!
-------------------- Bec "Phoebe's Mom" Bermudez Sawatzky's Imagination Corporation Yarrow, BC Posts: 103 | From: Yarrow, BC | Registered: Oct 2007
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