I am getting through my last week of classes and getting the kids ready for exams. Despite all the angst every November over late assignments and "why are my friends getting better marks than I am" (well kiddo they are working harder), there isn't a day that I don't say to myself thank you, thank you for getting me out of corporate, government, political life and into this classroom. Students are sooo funny. They really are so engaged. Their days just fascinate them.
Maybe, thinking of my crazy father-in-law who continues to do well despite bouts of trying to check himself out of ICU because he has too many things to do, that's the secret - keeping engaged.
I ran into a woman I have known for a long time in the fabric store last night. Well-known local sewing person and former sewing teacher - been in the middle of everything. She was surprised that I was sewing for our girl, she has lots of grandchildren now but all out of province "what's the point of sewing for them? I don't see them in what I make." She also said that some days she realizes she has put on one black and one blue sock but thinks that at a certain stage "What's the point? no one will see it."
And I thought of some of my female students who get up early on exam day to straighten their hair.
It's about showing up ready to go. Being alive is worth that.
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About me
- Barbara
- I am a mother, a grandmother, and a teacher. But whatever happens in my life, I keep sewing. I have worked as a political communicator and now as a teacher in my formal life. I have also written extensively on sewing. I have been a frequent contributor and contributing editor of Threads magazine and the Australian magazine Dressmaking with Stitches. My book Sew.. the garment-making book of knowledge was published in May 2018 and is available for pre-order from Amazon
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2 comments:
I with you on making an effort. I wonder if the well-known sewing person is a bit depressed? "What's the point?" could be a sign of depression. Of course it is not our place to diagnose her (or meddle) just an observation.
Now if she wears her mismatched socks and she is very happy with her life, I want to know her secret!
For now, I will keep making an effort, though :)
Like Robin, I can see it both ways. Sometimes it's a lot of fun to dress in a way you enjoy regardless of what's expected. I remember how great it was 20 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter and realized that it really didn't matter if I wore tennis shoes with my cute little maternity frocks. Who now remembers what was on my feet? And how nice was it to be comfortable at work! And much better for my back and overall health at a vulnerable time.
Same time I am in a performing music class and when I go up to sing or play, being just a little bit dressed up makes me feel and look like a performer. I'm presenting myself and my work to my classmates.
It makes me realize that there is a lot of performing every day in life. When I'm chatting up a clerk in the store or visiting with a neighbor on the street and they mention they like the colors in my shirts or those cool pants I have on. Yes! I made them myself - and it's so nice to have such flattering pants, especially at a CERTAIN age and perhaps not sporting the figure I once had.
We sew attractive stuff for ourselves. I like making beautiful, colorful things that I can wear EVERY day, not just a dress for once a year or one party.
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