Thursday, March 19, 2009

Gettin' Crafty!

Before I had kids, crafts were a BIG part of my life. I always had several projects going and I spent a lot of time on them. I took projects in the car on long trips to keep my hands busy. I worked on them while I watched TV (couldn't stand sitting completely idle). I had friends that I would get together with for the express purpose of gossiping and working on our various projects.

Then I had Bubbles.

First, there wasn't enough time in the day for all the things she needed plus the housework that needed doing, so crafting was OUT. I kept telling myself that as soon as she was a little older and independant, there would be time for it. When she hit the toddler years, there was indeed more time, but there were also little fingers to worry about. It was like she had CRAFT RADAR! As soon as I picked up a project, she was there...grabbing at the little pieces...getting too close to sharp needles and scissors..."helping Mama". What once was a relaxing hobby became extremely stressful. So, ok...I will put it away for a little longer...til she is just a little older. Then Animal came along and the whole cycle started again!

By the time he was old enough that crafting could be enjoyable again, I had gotten completely out of the habit. I have tons of supplies and plans, but it had sunk so low on the priority list, that I didn't even think about it when I was considering my options on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Then, Kimi started talking about crocheting on her blog. And she posted pictures of the beautiful work she has done. Then, she promised to make me a blanket with my favorite colors! Then, she sent me a picture of the work in progress. WOW is she talented!!

I told her that I would make her something and she seemed excited. So I started thinking about what I could make. And just like that, I caught the bug again.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at work devising plans in my head. Before I left the office for the day, I did a little internet research. As soon as I walked in the door I started designing (I often create my own designs/patterns).

Bear came home to find Bubbles working on homework, Animal running wild through the house, and me sitting in my recliner sketching. Dinner wasn't started, the dishes weren't done, the laundry wasn't going (in my defense, Bear had to stop on his way home to get detergent, so I couldn't do laundry!).

Now, Bear has been with me for a LONG time, and he knows how obsessed I can get with my crafts, so he didn't say a word. He ordered dinner from a little Italian place down the street and even helped me dig through my supplies to find the things I needed. When dinner came, he served mine up and brought it and a glass of wine to me.

I spent the entire evening working on Kimi's surprise, and it was AWESOME! I don't know how great the finished product will be, but it just felt right. My crafts are once again relaxing. The kids were around, but really, they just wanted to see what I made. They had to go to bed before it really started looking like anything, but Bubbles saw my progress this morning and said it was pretty.

I hope to finish this project in the next week or so (I am trying to be responsible and not let the house and kids fall completely by the wayside). I already have another project in mind (for Kimi again!) and I am hoping to make this a regular part of my life again.

Thanks Kimi, for reminding me to make time for things that make ME happy!

7 comments:

  1. I'll do you a favor. You work on the surprise tonight and I'll deal with the house. The mutants can help me with things. I know you would like to get it done before she gets here. Once I get the bows all dealt with you have "alone" time with your crafts as the kids and I go shooting. Bear

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  2. Really???? YOU ROCK HONEY!!!

    Yes, hurry up and get Bubbles a bow so you three can go shooting and I can have some quiet time!

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  3. Doing what I can. The prices have gone up now that we are dealing with ape arms junioret. Bear

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. My post is GONE!!!!! Again....

    I have to admit...I am crying. I know it is silly, but to know that you are sitting there, peaceful, with Bear supporting you, making something for me....wow....I do love you both and I can't wait to see what you made for me! I am so glad you are having a good time!

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  6. Hi There.
    Stopping by via SITS.
    Today I'm leaving 100 comments.
    Wish me luck!
    http://iamharriet.blogspot.com

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  7. We love you too Kimi...and can't wait to see you!

    Good Luck Harriet!!!

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