Quilting Bee
I have found over the last few years that I really like craft projects. I like working with my hands and making things. There's something about it that totally de-stresses me. I have no qualms working by myself. I love a mug of tea next to me, a book on CD playing in the background, and my crafting supplies scattered about me on the table. I really enjoy making, creating, and being productive.
Twice this week I had the opportunity to craft with friends. Both times I think we spent over 3 hours crafting and talking. I really enjoyed myself. I found myself doing something productive and at the same time talking with my friends and catching up with them.
While at times I like being a solitary person and doing things at my own pace, I have found that working with others, is like an old-fashioned quilting bee. Last night I spent time with one of my SILs to prep a project that we will be doing for another of our SILs for her baby shower. While we measured and cut pieces of fabric for our baby shower project we covered topics from religion, politics, raising children (joys and challenges), our families, babies (especially as there are 3 of us in the extended family who are pregnant), and the list goes on and on. I stayed much later than I had intended, but I also work a lot slower than she does as I measure everything half a dozen times (and still get it wrong) and found that my pregnancy boobs and belly get in the way. But as we worked we chatted and it was a nice relaxing evening. Thanks, Sis!
I think I need more quilting bees in my life. I've posted in investing in my family, investing time with my Hubs, and I think sometimes I need to invest in myself. I mentioned it before, but I forget in the chores of the day and trying to do things for my family. I found that the crafting projects I did with my friend and SIL was a great way to invest in myself. We talked about things that are important to us, relaxed, and had a good time.
If anyone is interested in doing a craft day with me, let me know :) I'm always up for good conversation and a fun project. Cheers!