The Wistful Grandma
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Contact
  • Grandma Dolls
  • Traditional Plaited Wool Rugs
  • Seasonal Items

Grab Life by the Tail

6/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Do you know what I’m holding in this picture? On a recent vacation a unique opportunity presented itself. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some activity that looked interesting. There was a live demonstration of how Native Americans would have used a beaver to provide for their daily needs. Using a road killed animal, historical interpreters skinned the beaver and discussed how the meat would be used. The fur would be worked on throughout the summer to show the principles of tanning a hide. And then they asked if anyone would like to experience touching the beaver’s tail. 

​Are you kidding me? Of course! Amidst a few squeamish looking people, I literally jumped at the chance. I not only wanted to touch it with a fingertip, I wanted to hold it and feel the weight of it. I was amazed at the smoothness and how pliable it was. More streamlined than leather, soft as silk, subtly patterned and aerodynamically shaped I found it fascinating. I looked at how the fur attached to the edges of the tail. I examined how the exposed tendons at the base of the tail ran in all directions giving the beaver such total control over that tail for swimming and communication. It was a marvel and so different from what I had ever expected. Then I glanced up at the others in the group. There were varying levels of interest from moderate to completely bored, and I realized that possibly I was the only one enraptured by this animals appendage. I gave it back reluctantly.


I have given this experience some thought. I am so happy I was there at the right moment to experience that tail. And for all those that paid little or no attention, I wonder how many other things pass them right by? For me it is a reminder to always say yes to new experiences and to keep curiosity and appreciation alive. To continue to grab life by the tail.
0 Comments

The Difference

9/19/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
This week I finally got around to a task that I’ve meant to do for years. I hemmed my living room curtains. Maybe this doesn’t seem like a big deal. After all I had cut them off years ago so they weren’t dragging on the floor and although the cut wasn’t perfectly even, there is furniture in front of them so you really couldn’t see it that much. But I always wanted to finish them off with a hem.

I lost count of how many times I must have walked past those curtains and the thought of hemming them came into my mind. But other things seemed more important. And I continued to walk past. But here is the truth. Once I stopped and did the task it didn’t take very long. It looks really nice and gives me so much satisfaction each time I walk by and realize it’s been taken care of. The difference was just taking the time to actually do it. 

​And so it is with what I choose to do each day. People look at the amount of crafts in my booth at a fair, a handmade gift I give or the size of my garden and comment “How do you have the time to do this?” The answer is not that I have more hours in my day. Or that I have some magical formula to get things done faster than anyone else. I have no minions working secretly in a closet in my house. The difference is I just do it. And that, at times, is what defines success. So whatever you’ve been walking past and been thinking about doing, just stop. Do it. You will feel better. Just a small change can make a positive difference in life.

0 Comments

Successive Autumns

9/12/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns.”  - George Eliot

As the days become shorter and I look out my window and see the burning bush turn red I think of this quote often.  Autumn draws me outside to feel that last touch of sun before the cold winter. I remember the days of summer and think about the days of winter to come. It is a beautiful season ending with transition.

And so it is with a lifetime. There are seasons and transitions. Seasons have their own beauty. Transitions are difficult. The Spring of childhood ends with that ultimate messy transition of adolescence. This catapults each of us into the Summer of adulthood ready or not. And then the sudden transition of middle age into that Delicious  Autumn where all is mature and productive. And then, the last painful transition into that Winter of old age.

As I personally stand at the end of my Autumn I more fully understand. Of course my soul is wedded to my personal Autumn. I am healthy, enjoy the multiple generations of my family, have the time to pursue the things I desire and have enough wisdom to know how fortunate I am. I have reached a place where I would be delighted to stay. If only it were as easy as flying like a bird about the earth to make time stand still. To dwell forever in successive Autumns.

0 Comments

I Can't Help It

9/5/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
As I rush around this week getting ready to go to my first craft show of the Fall season, I sometimes have a millisecond when I think "Am I crazy? Why do I do this?" These unsettling thoughts pass quickly and I get right back on track. It's because the answer to the question is really very clear.

I have to make things. It's been that way forever. I took bits of fabric and fashioned doll clothes and embroidered designs with colored flosses when I could barely read. The high point of my summer when I was a bit older was going to a local department store, looking at the Christmas craft kits and picking out my summer project. And then I spent endless hours applying beads and sequins onto felt making beautiful decorations that still sparkle in my home today. I didn't last long sewing in Home Ec - it was all so logical, why would I need someone to teach me the obvious? When my kids were little, happy nights were spent in a quiet house creating Halloween costumes and special Christmas dresses. Now I have craft days for the grandkids and it's sometimes difficult to determine who is having more fun. I've always gone for the homemade gift, the do-it-yourself, the next technique to be learned.

Today's picture is a snippet from the bulletin board in my craft area. When I found it I immediately knew it was me. That little girl still prefers to create as long as her eyes can see. Most nights you will find me folding my work and putting it away. And I am happy knowing that I can take up my work again in the morning and continue to craft some more. I can't help it.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Classes
    Sign Up Now!

    Wool Rug Braiding Class
    Saturday March 11, 2023
    9:00 am - 2:30 pm
    ​Register/Pay Online


    Craft Shows

    Milwaukee County Sports Complex
    6000 W Ryan Rd
    Franklin WI 53132
    Saturday April 15, 2022
    ​Sunday April 16, 2023
    10:am - 4:00 pm

    ​​

    Links

    Old World Wisconsin

    Blog Categories

    All
    Car
    Cooking
    Crafting
    Death
    Family
    Garden
    Grandchildren
    Holidays
    Home
    Inspiration
    Life
    Seasons
    Time
    Wisdom

    Blog Archives

    December 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

    RSS Feed