Tuesday 8 January 2008

Getting Silly

Well very little sewing got done over the Christmas period, so I have eased myself in gently with some silly sewing, and what fun I have had...let me tell you its pretty addictive...first one apple (see previous post for the inspiration)... Then an orange...
This is how it gets silly...a whole bowl full...in our house we have a rule...if you want fruit you never have to ask, just help yourself. It is to encourage the children to eat fruit rather than sweeter things...so that meant I had to make a quite a few..so we have pairs, oranges and apples...I even got the children in on the fun and got them to stuff a couple for me...
So on the pathway of nice, satisfying projects I eventually got round to having a go at Simple Sparrows coasters...go check out her tutorial, she posted it around the start of the Christmas period, its fun, its so simple and I love the results, I even cut into my beloved linen...
So that's its...all the decorations are down and suddenly the house looks twice the size, we pulled the last remaining crackers to mark the occasion. I have spent the last week socialising, with family, friends and their children, the house seemed so empty with all the decoration down and the children not playing around, so I thought I would have a few friends over for lunch. So today four of us, without children, sat, chatted, drank and eat...

It funny how the cycle of friendships pans out, when children start school, or when friends still have babes at home, the dynamics shift...I have found myself over the past year or so watching friends move on to other things or think I do not want to be involved because they have babes and I don't. Whilst I understand why this happens, I can not help feel a little bewildered and somewhat...well...hurt by this. After all my friends are my friends, I have said before I am someone who likes just one or two close friends rather than lots of friends...although through all the changes we go through in life I am finding that close friendship is a luxury, I know some really super people who are a big part of my everyday life, they inspire me, stimulate and care for me...so why should the dynamics of your status in family life effect this...OK saying all off that, today for the first time, I enjoyed sitting, chatting, eating and drinking without wiping noses, making beakers of milk, potty runs etc...and if your a Mom with under threes you will know just what I mean when I say...I actually heard the whole conversation. The children got some serious cuddle time in this evening, I think we are all missing one another...

Tomorrow I am having a day at home, I plan to spend a while in my sewing room, I have a quilt to finish and I am still kicking lots of ideas around in my head...Maybe I will share with you some of the amazing fabric I have bought over the last week and some of the plans for it...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I completely understand. I don't have kids, yet, but I love hanging out with people who do, not because of the kids, but because I like them. I don't know why so many outside forces have to come in and split friendships up when there is really no need.

Cute fruit!

Kitty said...

Those stuffed fruit are wonderful!

I know exactly what you mean about the kids and friends. Things change when they start school, change again when kids from different families go to different schools, etc. I just try to make an effort to stay in touch with those whose friendship means a lot to me.

Can't wait to see your new fabrics. Am I the only one whose mouth waters at the sight of 'virgin' fabric? *blush* x

Ruth said...

I love the fruit - what a great addition to the new play kitchen.
And what a rare treat - an uninterupted conversation with friends - I remember them from way back! I manage to see about 5 friends regularly but it takes real effort to get everyone together. As for the others - I have to book them up months in advance. Everyone just seems so busy all the time that we manage once or twice a year only.

Unknown said...

I love your stuffed fruit Suzie - and a very good rule for the children about eating the real thing too. Friendships that move on and change are hard to fathom and often upsetting - hope you find ways to keep in touch with the friends you want to even if you haven't as much common ground

Sarah said...

Love the fruit!

Anonymous said...

Hi Suzie, love the fruit! And agree with you about encouraging children to eat fruit. We always have a fruit bowl full for anyone to help themselves. My mum always did the same and every evening she would cut up different fruits and offer them to us children and any visitors.
Margaret and Noreen

Just Original said...

I love the fruit!

I know what you mean about friends changing through family circumstances!

I also know what you mean about having a converstaion with no interruptions, I have a three year old chatterbox who is very opinionated!

bettyninja said...

One piece of fruit would be lonely by itself. I'm glad you made a bunch! Love that stove color.

tess said...

the fruit is lovely.

I've found that friendships change a lot as the kids get older, we get together for different reasons, and have different needs but those friends that you make when the kids are young I think will always be special - I know my mum still keeps in touch with someone from when I was born!

julie said...

love your apples and oranges - they look great in that bowl. It is funny how friendships change - I've lost touch with a couple of people I was friendly with beacuse they had boys and I had Amy and the kids don't like to play together anymore (they're at that stage where boys are yuck and girls are cissy!). It's nice when you can get together without the children and realise that you still all get on well.

Anonymous said...

Well you do know that I would LOVE to come and see you even though you are without a babe (especially so, coz then you could cuddle mine and my arms could have a rest or even drink a cuppa!!). Still, a finished conversation does sound like a bit of a luxury! Love the fruit too - are you going to continue and produce a whole set of play food?!
xx