Coming Apart at the Seams (or My Life the Past Few Weeks)

Now that the seams are all sewn-up on the first craft fair of the season, I have pause to ponder the goings-on in my life the past few weeks while I was hunched over the sewing machine. I'm not one to spend a lot of time overly back-stitching fabric that's already been sewn, but I do think it's good for me to review old patterns, pick up a thread of knowledge from past mistakes, and trim away some of the tension that's been needling me. Even if you don't have a notion about sewing lingo, read on -- I promise to stop with the sew-speak...seriously...this is no fabrication.

* For the past week, I have been waking up (with the aid of my new BFF, Juan Valdez) at 4:30am to sew a bit before work. My cats, who are normally fed at 6:30, think that because Mama is up early, that food must also be up early. Three whining cats circling the sewing machine operated by an under-caffeinated woman is a bad idea. They are lucky I didn't throw in a last minute display of kitty-fur leg warmers. You know I'm just kidding...right? Or am I???? ;)

* In addition to the pre-work sewing session, I've actively participated in a little happy-hour sewing when I get home from work (although if any kicky beverages were to be enjoyed, they were served-up after operating sharp, mechanical needles -- safety first, people). Thank goodness for mothers and husbands who take care of dinnerly arrangements or our family would have eaten cereal and Bugles every night. Seriously.

* I believe I have earned my black belt in listmaking. Over the past few weeks, I have successfully juggled six-eight lists at the same time. I'm thinking of running away and joining the circus -- and not just because I am an excellent list-juggler. I'm also pretty side-show strange in general. Just sayin'.

* I've neglected my toes. The polish is so chipped, the nails now look like a series of Rorschach inkblot tests.

* At the craft fair yesterday, I discovered my demographic appears to be teenage girls and women with multiple piercings. Both of aforementioned groups were eclipsed by the sweatsuit-clad, crochet dishtowel-purchasing crowd that overtook the place. I haven't decided if I should consider my shortage in sales a compliment to the hipness of my products or if I should just sew some calico bird feeder cozies for the next round of shows.

Well, at least today I can relax and enjoy a sewing-free day. What will I do? Maybe paint my toenails, play with the cats, enjoy my family, and make a couple of new lists. I'm ironing out few other ideas....nothing pressing. Gotta bolt!