There's gold in them thar beads
This weekend, a Michael's craft store (the only one, as far as I'm aware) opened in Manhattan. I had heard about Michael's from other bloggers and was curious to have a look, so I scooted on over late in the afternoon.
The place was a madhouse, which I suppose is more or less status quo for opening day, but I noticed a few things:
1. The place was full of all kinds of craft supplies, from framing to scrapbooking, knitting, baking, candlemaking, beading, flower arranging, and jewelry-making, including pendants to celebrate just about everything (nothing for running or marathons, though).
2. Everything was really, really cheap.
3. Stuff of every kind was flying off the shelves. I never knew there were so many people in New York who are into crafts!
I couldn't believe the prices. They must depend on being a volume business. I mean, what serious crafting person stops at five dollars' worth of ribbon and beads? I know I wouldn't.
I deliberately didn't take any money or credit cards with me when I went because there's not a thing I need, but as I walked through aisles and aisles of domestic arts, my nesting instincts kicked in big-time. There's a big part of me that is very home-oriented, and I'd like to be the kind of person who could make nice wedding favors or fancy cakes.
The only problem is that I'd be buying things for a life I don't live.
I can knit well but I don't have the time to do it, or the patience anymore. I studied Japanese flower arranging for two years, but fresh flowers aren't on my shopping list right now and won't be until I'm a little more certain about my job situation. I can sling a pretty good dinner on the table for friends, but I only manage to pull that together once every six months if I'm lucky. In a perfect world, I'd do all of those things and more, all the time. In real life, it's not going to happen very often. As far as other crafty things go, I pretty much suck at it. Learning them would be fun, but it's not a priority at this point in my life.
At least accepting that I can't do it all helps money stay in my pocket.
What do you want to do in future that doesn't fit into your life or budget today?
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10 retorts:
For me, that would be some serious travel. Never back-packed europe. Just a few sunny resorts and lots of "camping" in a luxury rv (because tents suck).
I'd love to take in Germany, England (I'm a bit of a WW2 buff), see my uncle's grave in France, and maybe arrange some visits to some of my sponsored children in Tanzania, Nepal, Benin and the Philippines.
Right now, it's just trying to pay off the mortgage ..... nothing else matters. If I wanted to see some crafts, I'd go to rummage sales where you can see all kinds of silly, dusty stuff people have poured their hearts (and money) into and later abandoned.
For me it would be quilting - I used to do quite a bit of patchwork and quilting but haven't had the time of the inclination to get back into it. But the creative urge is still there. Time is still short so it will have to wait a while yet but I am already planning a design.
I would knit my little heart out. I love crafting and would happily go from craft show to craft show selling my wares.
That nesting bug is a killer...as for what I would like to do - travel. Specifically Antarctica...it is a mere $13k...however I am going to massage school instead. :)
Oh so many things, where to start?
Mainly, I think, travel. It's just fun to see other parts of the world. But pricey.
Secondly, get a place where I could start a garden. I'm considering a container garden for our current place, which has a patio, but just to get some starter plants (can't find seeds for everything) and some containers... The costs add up.
Oh goodness, lots of things. I want a ranch with horses and room to rescue tons of animals. I want to be able to ride again, to garden, and cook, and somehow still make a living. To learn how to knit and crochet well. The crocheted blanket I made may work fine as a blanket but the ends look terrible because I'd knit a few rows, stop, and forget how to continue! I'd love to go adventure-traveling, not just touristing, though that would have its moments as well.
Singing lessons
Gord - Travel sounds lovely - that's on my list, too. I tend to make more room for it in my life than other things today, though. I know that domestic things don't ring your bell, but to each his own.
KC - That sounds nice! I tried sewing once and basically sucked at it. I have a friend who quilts beautifully, though. One day, I might commission her to make one.
Knitty - I used to love knitting, but I just don't have the patience for it anymore. The last sweater was one for my ex-husband (before he was my ex, of course) and I never finished it. I know someone who knits up a storm and never gets tired of it. I think you and she would get along great!
Anon - Did you know that they have a marathon in Antarctica? It's hellishly expensive, but people I know who have done the Seven Continents marathon tour have been. Someday, someday. Good luck with school in the meantime, though.
Abigail - I have tried to garden (such as it is in a small apartment), but so far all I've accomplished are two spindly houseplants who hate me. Potted herbs were a disaster. I hope you can manage something better now that you're in a sunny climate.
Revanche - Just having the freedom to choose from any number of things would be nice, wouldn't it?
goldsmith - Singing lessons sound nice! I'm afraid I'm beyond help myself, though. When I sing, it sounds like a frog being strangled.
I would get personal training sessions. A personal trainer would push harder than I would ever push myself during a workout. Also I would love some salsa dancing lessons if I could afford it because I'm like wood on the dance floor
What do you want to do in future that doesn't fit into your life or budget today?
Ummmm... Retire? lol
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