Late Night Activity and Perceptions

I've got a little problem except that really, it's a big problem. It happens all the time. First, I get an idea. Then, I start planning. Next, I do some research. (Thank you Google.) I draw up some plans and I procure materials. The next logical step would be to start whatever project I'm planning, but surprisingly, I don't. This is where I start doubting and thinking way too much. Then, I begin altering my plans, the plans that make sense, but for some reason, I can't do what I've already decided to do. I add to the plan. I elaborate. I complicate. I hesitate. After this period of time (which sometimes goes on indefinitely), I begin. At some point, when I've done too much to turn back, I realize that my plan is crazy but I have to keep going and finish. It happens to me time and time again, but each time I come up with a new idea, I don't think it's crazy at all. It is though. They always are by the end.

Here's my current example. I decided to make L. a quilt for her 4th birthday. I imagined a simple quilt of large squares with a few circles sewn randomly to represent polka dots. The quilt would be twin sized. Then, I started looking into quilt dimensions. I planned my squares. I bought cloth. I even drew a diagram! Then, the troubles (insanity) took hold. A full sized quilt is close in size to a twin. I reasoned that a full sized quilt would be more useful to own in the end. I wasn't creating a child's bedding here. I was crafting an heirloom! I decided to add a few blocks to make it larger. Then I added a few more because I hate quilts that don't cover the mattress. What if my child has a thick mattress as an adult? I would have failed her! I added a few more blocks. I realized I didn't have enough cloth. I bought more. I started cutting blocks. I started running out of time. (Her birthday is February 19. I started cutting January 28.) I cut and cut. I made my wrist start hurting again. I wrapped my Ace bandage on it and plowed on. I began sewing. It was nervous, precise work. I got a crick in my neck and a cramp in my lower back. I continued. Last night, I finished sewing the last of the blocks together. Mind you, this is only the background. I still have the circles, backing, quilting, and binding to go. Most of that is handwork. I'm in trouble. Here's a picture.

I know it doesn't seem impressive. It doesn't seem like that big of a deal, right? I should mention that each block is 12 inches square. You're looking at 56 square feet of quilt top. In my mind, it didn't seem that big. It is though. It's huge. Wacko perceptions. 

I'm insane. It's certifiable now.

I'm also in trouble. 18 days. Good gravy!

Je suis ici...vraiment!

The holiday season found my life rife with problems. There's the double mortgages, technology issues, health problems, crafting emergencies, etc. I'll tell some of those stories one day. I'm not sure all of them are good ones right now.

I've written lots of fabulous posts inside my head, but they're all escaping from me right now. So, I'll leave you with a quote from the inestimable Mark Twain and the pie crust promise (easily made, easily broken) that I'll be back soon. There is life to be lived and I'm missing it.

"The inability to forget is infinitely more devastating than the inability to remember," - Mark Twain

I hate daylight savings time

I've always hated changing the time. After watching this, I hate daylight savings time even more.

Sheep Thoughts

"To be nobody but yourself in a world that's doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting."

- e. e. cummings

My philosophy of trying new stuff

"Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not."

- Virgil Garnett Thomson

Have I ever told you my rule of 15 when trying new foods? It takes as many as 15 times eating a new food to see if you like it. If you've tried it that many different times and still don't like the taste, you probably really don't like it. This is especially useful to remember when trying new foods with children. It helps you get through the annoyance of having sweet potatoes spit in your face for the ninth time.

Justification

Sometimes, I think my husband wonders if I'll ever be like "normal" people. The answer is probably not. I am who I am and that person is a little crazy and definitely different. Despite a love of wool, I'm not a sheep and I'm going to continue doing what I want to do. I think too many people get caught up worrying about everyone else. They lose their joy, their ability to understand the simplest things in life. They're too caught up in being "une grande personne." I hope I never become that way. How sad it would be.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."- George Bernard Shaw

The day after

If I put on my wings the day after Halloween and look cute, do I get more candy?