In Pursuit of Normal...

I ran into a friend yesterday who also lost her father to lung cancer.  What a relief for her to tell me to "give yourself two years..."

We spent the last year anticipating Dad's demise and trying make the most of time.  Now we are trying to get back to "normal".  Our new normal involves tears.  I can't keep track of the number of gifts I have picked out for my dad for Christmas.  The other day my mind reverted all the way to my childhood.  One of the girls needed socks to go out and tend to chicken chores.   I caught myself just as I was going to tell her to just get a pair out of Dad's shelf in the mudroom so she didn't have to go all the way upstairs.  I am intrigued by the way the subconscious reacts to stress...

The month of December is customarily Sewing Month in our home.  We spend much time creating Christmas gifts.  This year we have the added benefit of another sewing machine, which is great as we try to catch up with missed school work.  The sewing machine was my paternal grandmother's.  When my mom gave it to me it would only zig-zag stitch.  I found the original sales receipt in the case and the shop where she purchased it is only 7 miles from my home!  Even though they wouldn't honor the lifetime sales guarantee, they tuned it up and it now works just as well as it did in the '60's.

My goal is to eventually have a one-to-one sewing machine to girl ratio.  This summer on the way home from the lake we visited a quilt shop.  The girls used some special money they had been given there.  Mad bought a pattern and Maliah chose a panel.  Fortunately they are more decisive than their mama. I was so busy helping them choose I didn't find anything I needed.  It is much the same at the present.  The girls are busily sewing as I stand by to assist.  At this rate I may have to reduce my anticipated Christmas output as there is no machine for me.

More pictures to come of people sewing. I'm sure the anticipation will be your undoing...