Friday, March 16, 2012

4 more

Both of you know I'm kinda crafty. My favorite hands-on hobby is knitting, of course, but I also like sewing, making jewelry (although I don't wear much), and creating handmade books, cards and stationery. I came up with an idea for a fundraiser for our county Democratic women's group, and last night was a work party.

I demonstrated the various steps to complete one of the little pins we're making, and then let each member choose which job she wanted to do. 'Cause that's the democratic way. Heh.

It worked out surprisingly well. Some were better with scissors, some didn't mind getting their hands dirty (ModPodge was involved) and everyone seemed to have a good time.

It was good for me to get out of the house for an evening, to not think about the CRAP that is ever present in my real life. It was fun to just hang out with these decidedly non-crafty women and watch them take ownership of the project, solve problems, work together.

I learned from that two-hour meeting that I have to own what's going on and do what's right for me. I can't fix anyone else. I can't solve anyone's problems. I can't change the way things are into the way I want things to be. I need to back off  in order to gain some perspective.

In other words, I'm not in charge. Except for once a month, the third Thursday, for a Democratic women's meeting.

2 comments:

Diandra said...

You *are* in charge, of your own decisions at least. (That's the good part.)

Sounds as if you had a blast! I am no good at all with crafts projects, all my family and friends keep making fun of me, but I really enjoy trying new stuff! Making pins has been one of my secret plans (for world domination, nothing less) for ages, but I still don't know how to go about it without a pin-making machine...

gingerzingi said...

"I can't change the way things are into the way I want things to be." OMG, that is me all over. That and trying to invent a time machine through sheer force of will and obsession so I can go back and undo/do something. So far it hasn't worked.

You are very right about what you said in the previous post - criticism is OK, but you don't have to accept it as truth. Everyone's opinions are informed through their own experiences and attitudes, and often that is what we are seeing. Sometimes it says more about the other person than about ourselves.

But I know you and know that you will think about it (too much), and doubt yourself, and in all ways try to be a better person. That's why you're so cool. Because you're not an asshole who automatically dismisses what other people think about her. But remember while this is going on to also accept the GOOD opinion other people have of you; no need to ignore their opinions :)

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