The joy of sewing continues. When Camille saw Noah's handiwork, she was very eager to give it a try. It turns out that felt is perfect for these first attempts. Per SouleMama's advice I bought burlap before we left the States in anticipation of these early sewing experiences, but it must be on the bottom of those last few boxes I haven't dealt with yet. Perhaps that was a good thing. The felt wasn't only conveniently located, but also very handy for these amazing little creations...no fraying, easy to pull a needle through, and stiff enough to hold shape when turned into ornaments. I love the abstract designs that emerged. She loved picking the colors, stitching, and cutting off the loose ends after I zigzagged them on the machine. 
“There are two Italies.... The one is the most sublime and lovely contemplation that can be conceived by the imagination of man; the other is the most degraded, disgusting, and odious. What do you think? Young women of rank actually eat -- you will never guess what -- garlick! Our poor friend Lord Byron is quite corrupted by living among these people, and in fact, is going on in a way not worthy of him.”
Percy Bysshe Shelley, in a letter from Naples (22 December 1818)
Add us to the list of the corrupted.
I don't usually do New Year's Resolutions, but this year is different. Starting small, but still starting. My resolution: make my bed every day. Horrible, isn't it? Reveals how lazy I am that I have to turn a simple daily task into a resolution. But there it is, out and in the open. I always feel better when I start the day with the bed made. I fuss at the kids to make their beds and yet, more days than not, our bed is not made. Really hoping I can pull it off because I have bigger resolutions in mind. Part of this has been spurred by a memory. Eleven years ago, my father was in a horrible car accident a few days before New Year's. On New Year's Eve, Adam flew into town to be with my family, attend a family wedding (Happy Anniversary Jennie and Jon!)and to propose. Lets just say it was a very intense and emotional time for all of us.
A few days later my dad called a family meeting. A family meeting to discuss his ten year plan. That's what he called it. He was very focused and serious about the whole thing. I remember sighing and wanting to roll my eyes. I just wanted to relish the new ring on my finger and the fact that my dad had survived a very serious accident. Ten years seemed like such a long time and why make all of us sit there while he discussed each bullet on his list? My dad was a serious list maker. He carried a metal clipboard with him at all times for notes. There is no doubt in my mind that I inherited my list-making habits from him. But that family meeting to discuss his ten year plan was more than just a random list. He had been shaken up by the accident and he was intent on making things happen. I am sure we still have the notes from that family meeting eleven years ago. I don't remember everything on his list, but I do know that he wanted to make sure we were all well aware of his goals. And I am happy to say that most of the big things on that list did happen.
Which leads me to this year: 2010. A new year. A new decade. The year I will turn thirty-seven. The year we will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. The year of my fifteenth college reunion. Seemed like a good time to do my own ten year plan. So I did that on New Year's Eve. I didn't call a family meeting. I didn't share the details of it with anyone. I just wrote it down in my little black Moleskine book (still struggling to learn how to type on my new itouch and trying to decide if it will ever really replace my little black books?). Due in large part to our nomadic lifestyle, Adam and I frequently discuss possibilities for our future (where and when will we eventually settle down? what do we want for our kids? when/how will I return to "work" etc), but I haven't really written concrete goals down and certainly not in ten year increments. I guess it is a sign of getting older. Realizing that ten years really isn't a huge amount of time. And I think having kids really solidifies that realization: ten years from now Noah and Camille will both be teenagers. That is a shocking to write and to comprehend. So I am taking a lesson from my dad. I made a list of things I want to happen in the next ten years; I am keeping it in my little black book; I will be calling a family meeting soon (ok, perhaps just a meeting with Adam!); I have started making the bed every day and I will be moving on from there. Have any resolutions or ten year plans?
The joy of sewing continues. When Camille saw Noah's handiwork, she was very eager to give it a try. It turns out that felt is perfect for these first attempts. Per SouleMama's advice I bought burlap before we left the States in anticipation of these early sewing experiences, but it must be on the bottom of those last few boxes I haven't dealt with yet. Perhaps that was a good thing. The felt wasn't only conveniently located, but also very handy for these amazing little creations...no fraying, easy to pull a needle through, and stiff enough to hold shape when turned into ornaments. I love the abstract designs that emerged. She loved picking the colors, stitching, and cutting off the loose ends after I zigzagged them on the machine. 
