After this row . . .

We had an auction at Church this weekend.  A few friends asked me to knit a few bags – they wanted one anyway and figured they could just buy them there and the money would go to a good cause.  I said sure- and designed, knitted & fulled 3 small hand bags.  I was the auctioneer (that whole theatre thing!).  It is so hard to sell your own art work.  It made me thing of the Yarn Harlot’s post of last week- about how we sell our art short.  It is such a shame- I had no problem flattering and talking up the crafts and art done by other members of my church- but I could not do my own.  I felt so silly. The second purse (totally my organic design, I just kind of starting knitting- no really plan with color or shape) went for  (i blush to say it) $100!  It was a tiny little thing.  I was agog (it wasn’t even to my friends who had asked for the purses, they were out bid!).  Why do I have such trouble “selling” my work?  Why do we devalue the amazing thing we do?  My husband is always grabbing my purses and showing to others.  Why can’t I do the same? Talk up your art- we are amazing- I wish we could see the way everyone else does!

I saw this on another blog of a theater teaching Knitter (there are more of us!)  I thought it was interesting- so here it goes 

1. I am a good teacher because . . .
   I expect them to do wonderful things!  And they always do!  I am soft hearted but still firm. 
2. If I weren’t a teacher, I would be . . .
   working for a professional theatre company.  I love the idea of being a dramaturg or director.
3. My teaching style is . . my own.  I am unlike anyone else and that works for me.  We are very casual in my room- however RESPECT is the key. My classroom is . . .
   great- when our high school took over the elementary next door- i ended up with the auditorium- it is great- a small stage in front (perfect for scene work) and a huge space in the back that is the size of our little theatre stage!  It is ideal!
   
4. My lesson plans are . . .
   Mostly in my head- I know where the kids need to get- and we work together to get there!
5. One of my teaching goals is . . .
   to help my kids tap into thier creativity- many of my kids seem to have lost it.
   
6. The toughest part of teaching is . . .
   not fighting fights I don’t need to fight.  To share the responsibility with others
7. The thing I love most about teaching is . . .
   My kids!  They are the reason I come to work!
8. A common misconception about teaching is . . .
   that it is easy-  I have so many people tell me that it is easy- I challenge them to spend one day in my room- no one has taken me up on it!
9. The most important thing I’ve learned since I started teaching is . .
   that in time, all things even out- what is high drama today will not be remembered in a few years- that while the kids are in high school for 4 years, I have a larger time span to think of.  It helps keep things in perspective

 I am betting this was more interesting for me than for others- but there it is!  Have a great day- and take a second to think good thoughts for a teacher you learned from!

In an earlier post- I mentioned that my dear friend was getting serious with a KNITTER!  And that I approved (the fact that he is also a future Pastor, has nothing to do with that- nor does the fact the he makes her giggle from her toes to her nose!  We all know that deep down, I am simply thrilled to have a new friend who also knits!).

Now for and update!

He showed up on her door in California Friday night (he is finishing school in St. Louis right now) with flowers, a ring, a CD with “proposal worthy songs” and (are you ready for it!) a lovely blue scarf he knitted for her!  Yes- the man proposed with YARN . . . If I wasn’t a married woman . . . !

My husband arranged one of those perfect, movie type proposals (7 years ago, can it have been that long?)- but there was no yarn (of course I didn’t knit then- but I don’t think that would have changed much about the yarn content of my proposal). 

 Imagine if you will for a moment, Knitters know that yarn can express all emotions- but to propose with yarn . . . the sheer BRILLIANCE of the plan!  I am so agog at the possibilities- if you can make the ultimate “I love you” with yarn, what can’t yarn do?  World Peace- it is just a matter of time.  but I digress . . .

I am so excited for both of them!  I wish them all the blessings and fun that a shared life can bring!  God Bless you both (you know who you are)

We have proof that I may drive a bit too fast- I just blasted back from Micheals on my lunch- 33 min- made it just about 1 min late!  too cool!

Next time I need to shop smart too!  I thought I grabbed charcoal pencils for stagecraft- but they are china markers- I don’t think they will work- the next test will be if I can be fast and smart at the same time!  Oh well-

The exciting part . . . 

 I have my LONG pink (think like my 10 speed bike Pink!) light up needles!  The joy!  I have been coveting these needles since I first read about them . . .

 I must not knit- I must do my work I must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my workI must not knit- I must do my work . . .

I will not try the needles till we are on the road . . . we are driving to the cabin tonight- most of the drive will be in the dark (hence the need to rush to the store- 4 hours in the car and no knitting . . . please!) 

how much will power do we think I have- anyone want to start a pool?  Does it count if I open the package just to see how they work but don’t cast anything on?  AHHH the temptation . . . . 

UPDATE- I made it!  I didn’t even open the packet till in the car!  If you want to really confuse truckers knit with the light up needles on long stretchs of dark road!  I got some great looks- THE NEEDLES ROCK!  Very easy to work with!  and SO MUCH FUN!  my only complaint would be they were a bit bright- I kept flashing my eyes and it hurt after a while- but it was VERY Dark Mountin roads- they were they only lights for miles!