Here it is, December 25th and I have finally started my blog. This day is the celebration, in the Christian world, of Christ's birthday, a beginning of a new life. I hope it is also the birth and growth of a new part of my life. As I look back, I have had several new beginnings in life, each building on the past.
As I stated in my about information I have come to realize that I love the idea of creativity. Even at a young school age I was drawing and creating "doodles" instead of doing homework, but was taught that artisans and crafters never made any money so it wasn't a worthwhile occupation.
I went back to school and obtained a BS in Computer Science and found that part of the fun of being a "non-traditional" student was all the extra "life" knowledge that I brought and shared, when appropriate. Later I enjoyed explaining "computer technology" in layperson's terms so the client I was assisting on the phone understood what and how they were trying to make the computer and it's programs work for them. That carried over into my interest in beading, when I worked part-time at a bead store in St. Cloud, MN, and taught classes. I really enjoyed the sense of accomplishment my students share with me when they finished a piece in their own colors and style.
My next step was managing the Bernina Sewing Center inside Hancock Fabrics. What a joy to see ladies, who were didn't touch anything computer related because they were "afraid they were going to break something", do quilts, embroidery and other sewn items using computer driven sewing machines with ease.
After my store was closed, I took some time off, but now am back and would like to teach people about sewing and other crafting pursuits and use those pursuits not only to expand their own knowledge, but allow social time with others who have the same interests. In the end, hopefully these skills will also be passed on to younger generations and kept alive much as our grandmothers, and great-grandmothers did. In our pursuits the only difference will be that they are learned, not out of necessity, but for enjoyment.
I am looking at starting up some classes and passing on the knowledge I have learned from others and teaching myself. I must confess that I also enjoy the social interaction and look forward to that aspect also. This will be all for tonight, but check back and as things develop I will pass out more information.
