Just a craft

Two years ago I began to look for another hobby.

For years, I painted. Monet's Water Lilies brought a sense of peace. Mona Lisa's smile made me giggle. At the Sistine Chapel I wanted to jump for joy and touch the top. As much as I admire these artists, I do not have one ounce of their talent. Give me a wood birdhouse, I can make a bright and cheery. Give me a wooden shield with the outline of a dragon and I can make it fierce and ferocious.

But I grew tired of painting. My house was so full of nick-knacks and I had no more room. I journeyed to the craft store and walked their aisles. The gentle touch of the baby yarns, pale pinks and faded yellows. The rough feel of the wool yarn, earthen shades. I was drawn in. This is what I wanted to do.

My first night I was quick to wrap the yarn around my pinky finger and weave it through the remaining three. The cool of the steel hook as it rested between my fingers. I made loops and pulled the yarn through. I could make a chain like none you have ever seen, but nothing can be made from a chain. Books, web pages, YouTube videos - I scoured through them for weeks. Finally the light came on.

In the past two years, there are many nights where I can be found on the couch, wrapped in my robe, surrounded by yarn. Project after project, my fingers continued their dance. But nothing was for me. Turtles and pirates for the kids. A blanket for a cousin's baby.

They said I was crafty, but I never believed. I was just happy to see the smile on their face when they opened their gift. Months went on and I found nothing to make. My kids begged for stuffed animals, but I ignored their pleas. Just more nick-knacks in my mind.

Last year for Mother's Day, I was surprised by a friend. Phantom of the Opera tickets were purchased for just her and I. I had the dress and I had the shoes, but I needed something more. Web pages and books I scoured once more. I soon found a shawl that would pop on my dress. I bookmarked the page and purchased the yarn. The next few weeks were full on chain 2, yarn over, double crochet, and skip 2. I ate, slept, and breathed my directions. I finally finished my shawl. Another project in the books and something to wear.

Prompt -"Tell the story (without any trivialization or modesty) of something in your life that you are proud of."