Proud Montana

Montana has just increased its certified T’ai Chi Chih instructors 350% with the graduation of seven new teachers today. Only two major cities (Kalispell and Billings) lack resident teachers. Lynne Blackford is thinking about traveling to Kalispell to teach and as you know Jean Katus offers classes in Billings. Joy joy joy!

Thank you Corinn for your persistent encouragement and invigoration. Your phone calls helped me feel less isolated and helped make the whole thing more real as it developed.

I am grateful to the three potential teachers who waited until the last minute to withdraw their registrations. Had they done so earlier, we might have cancelled the training! I was certified because the enrollment maximum was expanded, and now eight students have been certified because Steve Ridley agreed to reduce the minimum–yang and yin.

Other teachers also are in my thoughts: Jeanne Jacobs, Linda McKenzie, and Joseph Pagano who came to learn and teach; Jean Carlson-Linscott who sent flowers, a candle, and several notes of appreciation and encouragement; but most especially Jean Katus, my first teacher. Had she not been willing to teach me, one of only two in her first Helena class, we wouldn’t have come this way to this day. Last, but perhaps most important, Steve Ridley–a fine teacher and a constant inspiration.

Again, my thanks and by extension the thanks of the newly-accredited students.

Sincerely,

– Melinda MacArthur Artz