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Homeward bound…

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A day of mixed emotions here. I hope your day was clearer. On the one hand I have had a mentally stimulating day, discussing and learning about the latest technical developments in my chosen field. The course was in a very chi chi hotel in Big London so this morning found me Paddington bound on the 6.30am train. I legged it to the venue dragging my massive handbag (WHEN will I learn how to travel light) and plonked myself down just in time. 8 hours later and it’s the return trip.

Now, on the one hand, the day was brilliant because it was so interesting but on the other? Meh. I got a view of what I don’t do any more. I don’t join in the cut and intellectual thrust as much, I don’t have the drive to develop new technical approaches and businesses, I don’t have the tenacity to stay on the ball. And I don’t have the stamina. I’m whacked.

I observe this quite dispassionately though. It’s like I looked in on somebody else’s life for a bit. It’s not mine anymore, it’s a version of what was. Not the future.

And what is the future?

I have no real plan apart from my old mantra of Choose Life. Three hours on a train twice a day is no longer Life. That’s, on reflection, a good thing. I’m more fired up by the crafty mags I read on the way home. Why am I surprised?!?!!?

So, a mixed day. But different feelings can throw each other into relief. I’m closing a chapter today. I’ve left my commuter clothes behind (not literally, don’t worry!). My Stitchy self remains, however. Now, thats a real relief. Pass the embroidery floss…

Salt and pepper

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I’ve  not been too vocal recently. Things have been packed chez Stitch, with little space for tippy tapping. I swear the hours in the day are reducing as the boys are growing. I’m writing this in bed, in the blessed silence of a sleeping house.

Soon activity will make it hum and buzz but right now it’s calm and quiet and still. I love the solitude of early morning but it wouldn’t be half as sweet without the clatter and chaos that is sure to follow. Variety is the spice of life and contrast a condiment.

Today I will try to keep a spoonful of silence in my pocket, to be returned to if the days chords start to clash.

Lets stick together

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So, lets look forward…quite frankly, the present is too tedious to focus on…what’s coming up here at Stitchopolis? Well, my New Year’s Resolution was to declutter and Choose Life. I see no reason to abandon this goal. I’ve done some serious decluttering this year, actively and passively. And that means space. Space to create a new version of life, working and family. Only this time I’m going to try to blend the two…let me explain.

Do you recognise the scenario where you are one person at work and another at home? For example, you have to be tough and aggressive at work (think of the archetypical City trader barking down the phone) but when you get home all you want to do is chill out, cuddle the children/cat/other half and be kind. That kind of split personality is inherently stressful and I think damaging to you and your family in the long term. I want to avoid a dual life, I want to make sure my personae are well and truly stitched together. I need some metaphorical stitching in my life. And some real stitches too of course!

Update: if this thinking interests you have a look at this site. It explains the thinking far better than I could. I will probably post more about this at some point as the whole concept of doing business better is really interesting to me. Yes, who would have thought it eh?

I am exploring different options (as they say) so I can’t really go into any further details right now – maddening isn’t it? But let’s start with the prosaic stuff, what about current projects? Here’s what I’m planning of dealing with from now until say Christmas…

Finalising my Christmas list of presents to make. The page has been updated to show where I’ve got to so far.
Make said presents et al
Go to the Mumsnet Blogfest in November and NOT treat it as a jolly but actually learn from it
More yarn bombing – well, Elder is thrilled by it all and so am I quite frankly
Sort out my stash and sell off some of it – bargains to be had there, I’m sure
Finish the decluttering of my sewing area so I can actually sew
Go through my antique quilts and decide which are staying and which will be sold or repurposed
Possibly, just maybe, get a stall together for Christmas. I’m under extreme time pressure with other responsibilities tho so sadly, that will probably fall by the wayside.

Then, after Christmas my Stitch Wish List starts with

Join local quilting group
Sandwich my handmade quilt top so I can quilt it by hand at some point
Set up my super sewing machine with all the software I have for it but have never had chance to use properly
Make a quilt for Little One – I am a Bad Mother, he doesn’t have his own yet :(
Start making my own clothes properly
And for the boys
Write down my patterns properly and ebook them (interested?!)
Give stitching the balance it deserves in my life

Look I’m a bit tired even thinking about it! Perhaps when people say I’m quite motivated and a self starter I should listen a bit more? Well, Why Don’t You was always my favourite programme when I was listening and this is definitely Something Less Boring Instead. What do you think?

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Open all hours

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Decision made. Let’s go for it shall we? I’m in danger of taking myself a little too seriously so I’ve decided to make a few samples over the summer holidays and try to launch say in September. Thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by and especially to those who sent me messages, directly or indirectly. Much appreciated.

A new venture. Excellent. It’s what I need right now. Carpe diem, right?!

No Autographs pleez

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ah, fame at last….well, notoriaty perhaps. I mentioned earlier that I was asked to blog about Parkinson’s. Well, here’s my opening gambit. Without sounding too prim, I hope it proves helpful to those looking for information and opinion around this illness. I’m not othat good at tub thumping but this approach suits me I think. Hope you enjoy it :)

So predictable…

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So I was torn about this post. Do I reflect on times past, review 2011, or do I look forward and consider my resolution(s). Well, dear reader, as a nod to optimism I choose to go forwards, move on.

I could have made a massive list of resolutions, I normally do. But then, as they fall by the wayside you feel such a fraud, well I do. So instead of that, this year I’m keeping it simple. It’s very chic, non? Everybody’s going back to basics, why not me?

So my resolution, slightly naff though it may sound, is To Choose Life. Well, I am a child of the 80′s (ok, teen) and I never got to wear one of Those t-shirts. What do I mean by my little slogan? Whenever I have to make a choice I will choose the option that’s enhances my and my family’s life. Simples.

So, do I eat that bar of chocolate? No, I’ll have a bit and save the rest. Do I actually listen to my physio and do some exercise? You bet I do, I’m not going to start shutting down quite yet if I can help it. Do I have a sleep rather than do the ironing? Ah ha! Trick question! I don’t iron unless physically forced and no doubt that will remain unchanged, I am not a saint or weirdo after all.

Anyway, that’s the theory. My hope is that I’ll be able to keep true to this goal. Let’s face it, I have to, don’t I? Now, do you think Ms. Hammett has an eBay shop?

Reboot

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Sometimes it is time to take a step back, look around, focus on the good. Today has been lovely and horrible in unequal measures. I won’t bore you with the details but suffice to say it’s time to get a grip. I can either wallow or progress. I choose to be positive. Hard but necessary. Always.

Define casting on?

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Strictly speaking this isn’t a new project at all, oh no. I’m just playing. I ordered this book from the States second hand ages ago and it finally showed up yesterday. It’s written by Maggie Righetti who did the absolutely brilliant Knitting in Plain English. This woman is a goddess. Really useful information and ideas I use all the time. Go buy!!

Anyway, I’ve only got 20 rows on the jacket to go before I do The Collar. It’s knit club on Monday so I will probably get help then as picking up stitches is not a strength. But….I miss starting something new. These resolutions are tricky aren’t they? Hence me bringing Maggie along. A fresh flavour rather than a brand new Happy Meal.

As you can see I’m back on the train. I like the gritty realism of my photo background, don’t you? If you had to spend upwards of 6 hours traveling a day what would you bring along to do? I have a toy loom but I fear that may be a step too far? What do you think?