Have you had the opportunity to experience one of those GPS things that enable you to get from point A to point B without having to unfold and refold your six acre state map?  Those things are sweet!  A gentle, patient voice guides you into the correct lane, directs you to turn at the appropriate times, and celebrates with you when you arrive at your pre-programmed destination.  If you miss a step, the voice repeats the directions (without blame or shame) until you are back on the right track.  She – a female in my experience – doesn’t get angry or loud, keeps her cool and doesn’t alienate anyone in the vehicle.  The trip becomes a totally pleasant experience devoid of any stress or frustration.  Imagine with me now, a similar set up in your quilting room.  Of course, there are a few modifications.  You would program in a code that corresponds to your selected quilt pattern.  A rich masculine voice would greet you in the following manner, “Good morning, darling.  Might I say you look ravishing in those sweats.  I see you’ve chosen a lovely appliqué design for today.  Shall we begin? Allow me.”  From this point on Enrique (or whatever you choose to call him) gently guides you through the pattern, all the while adding positive affirmations to brighten your day.  Things like, “You may cut your background blocks now.  You look like a goddess holding your rotary cutter in the sunlight.”  Rowr.  “Your selection of prints perfectly compliments your skin tone and hair coloring.”  By now, you’re feeling pretty-darn-special.  Yup.  “Let’s start cutting out your appliqué pieces.  Your hands are so soft, like rose petals.”  By the end of the day you feel wonderfully refreshed. Your quilt is off to a spectacular start, you’ve been showered with compliments, and you feel amazing.  As you leave your quilting studio you turn back and shut off the lights, ready to face the rest of your day.  That’s when you realize it’s 4:00 and dinner needs to be started, the kids are just getting off the bus, and the dog has had an ‘oops’ in the front hallway.  Your hubby gets home from work, drops his coat in the entryway, pecks you on the cheek and says, “It’s been a killer day, I’m beat.  What did you do all day?”  A shrug, a smile, and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.