Oh what sweet torture! Hopefully, this will not be an extended event. I can't wait to hear all about your first run.

Did you ever do any of the longarm classes at Pieceful Quilting?

I would go in and stroke it often saying, "soon my pretty, soon.":D

While waiting to use your machine, practice on paper or a wipe off board. Hold your pencil straight up and down and keep your wrist off the table. Work on developing a smooth pattern for a meander that just keeps your hand moving without stopping to think about it. then go on to practice other continuous designs you would like to use. This will give you a chance to start developing muscle memory.

I took an online class on feathers and we did a lot of drawing first. It made a big difference when we went to stitch out the designs.

Close but yet so far.........when you want something, you just plain want it......yesterday.

I'm sorry to hear that your new toy is there safe, but you can't play with it.. I like the idea that Silver needle has about practicing.. It beats watching channel 12 News.. They are evacuating the area where one of my offices is, as it is in a beach area. I hope I don't have to leave the house.. At least I remembered not to park the car near a tree..
Try to enjoy the storm.