I am a writer.

I am writer. I know that the few of you who read this are thinking, “ummm...yeah” But I don’t think I realized this, or I have definitely forgotten about it. Now that I sit and think about it, I have written quite a bit over the years. I wrote all my speeches throughout my many years in 4-H. I was the kid in high school that was acting like they were complaining, but was secretly a little excited about doing the research paper I remember being super clever on my introduction about my subject, Latin dancing. It went something like... “You see a couple in a dimly lit room. Two sweaty bodies convulsing to one dominate beat. You can’t look away, and are force to pry into this passionate moment. What are they doing? The salsa, of course.” Pretty clever, right? High school seniors loved it. I actually studied poetry while I was in high school on the side. My dad and I would go to Dothan once a month, so I could sit and converse with people much older than me. I would read my poetry for them, and listen to theirs. Before insurance, I was actually a journalism major in college. I also have started a blog. A blog that has derailed from its primary purpose, but a place where I write occasionally. So yes, I guess I am a writer. So I don’t know why it surprised me so much when Justin called me one on Thursday night. I don’t even remember the conversation; I just know that we were on our way home from the concert. He said, “Blah blah blah, you are a good writer.” And I was like, “say what?” Now if you know my husband, then you know Justin is also a writer. His short stories are amazing. His creative story lines and incredible description of detail is what I like most about his writing. Although, he doesn’t write as much as he should, he is a writer. And a very good one. So when Justin said that I was a good writer, it took me by surprise. First of all, he has never said that in the almost ten years we have been together. Second, I guess I thought since I don’t think I could ever write a book or a really good short story, that my writing was subpar. But Justin labeled my writing as a style, a style that he has tried before and can’t seem to get just right. We talked about how our styles are way different, the biggest difference being the audience. Justin has always written for others. His writings are meant for others to see and to appreciate. My writing is for me. I don’t give two s***s if I am the only one who reads this blog. This is me and my feelings, and I read them. I write for myself, and if others enjoy, that’s even better. So if I am a writer, and if I write about my feelings, and if I have a lot of feelings, I should be writing more. So why aren’t I? Good question, really good question.

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I dont know how to do paragraphs any more. Someone help me...

Slow Down

I have been thinking about this post for awhile. I have been waiting to post it, because I am still a very guilty party of my own complaints. So read my post as a start to my own personal growth. I have made mention of this is past posts, on how “busy” we are and how attached we are to our technology. Yes, I am guilty of these things. I didn’t realize this at first, and I thought other people were missing out on the world around them. It hit me like a ton of bricks, when I realized that I, too, was missing out on the world around me. It started to hit me this summer, when I spent a couple weekends in the country. I loved it up there. I loved the slow pace. I loved spending quality time with the people I love. We spent actual time together. We had actual conversations. We laughed real laughs. We actually bonded. We made some real memories. And I treasured this time so much. It hit me even harder, when people would ask me what I had been up to. I would say, ”I have been busy”. But I found myself absent of a follow-up sentence. I couldn’t really describe what I had been busy with, I just knew that time had passed and I had been running around doing stuff. But I had too few real things, memories, or conversations, to show for it. And that is what hit me like a ton of bricks. We always look forward to Friday. We always look forward to our vacations. We always look forward to the holidays. But what about today? When today is over and done, what do I have to show for it? I sludged (totally made up this word, but I like it) through work, went home, cooked dinner, spent a few hours catching up on my DVR, and went to bed. Is that what I want Thursday, October 17, 2013 to be about? Is that how tomorrow is going to go? That sounds so sad. It is sad, and it is not who I want to be. My new goal is to be mindful, curious, and present. I don’t want to go through today on auto pilot. I want to LIVE today. I want to make connections with people. I want to feel good about what I did at work. I want to turn off the tv and go for a walk. I want to play cards and goof off instead of catching up on the latest Vampire Diaries. I want to knit something that I have never knit before with yarn that I absolutely love, instead of just cranking out the same old thing time after time with cheap yarn. I am going to do things that I have always wanted to do, but simply just have not done them. I am going to be more present with my family. I was recently down in Alabama for my grandmother’s funeral. Instead of just sitting around waiting to leave, like I normally would have done, I actually asked some questions. I listened to the others talk about my paw paw and maw maw, and it was like I was getting to know people whom I had never met. It is hard to imagine your grandmother as a young wife who started a family at the end of the Great Depression. While I was sitting at my grandmother’s house, I learned that my aunt is a crafter. I wish I had learned the importance of being mindful, curious, and present awhile ago. It is with much regret that the one of my favorite trips to my grandmother’s house was for her funeral. To think about all the stories and wisdom I missed out on, it gives me inspiration to ask more questions and to be more present with the family members that I am blessed to still have with me. I am going to be more present with my friends. They are really awesome; they are responsible for so much joy in my life. I am going to put my phone on silent when I am with them. I am going to invest my time, with people who invest theirs in me. Get ready friends, I am going to become more invested in your life, in your happiness, and in your achievements. I hope to enrich your life as much as you have enriched mine. I am going to be more present with Justin. I chose to be with him. I chose to marry him, and vowed to LIVE the rest of my life with him. And I am going to live that life. Because one day we will be too deaf to go to a rock concert. One day we will be too tired to stay up all night and play video games with each other. One day we will be too mature to sit at the kitchen table and play with Legos. One day we will be too old to go for a walk on a fall evening. And as morbid as it is, one day one of us won’t be here. I don’t want to miss any of these opportunities. Not a single one. I want to look back and see a full and vibrant life with real experiences, real people, and real memories. I am not going to be on auto pilot. I am going to live the life that was given to me, and I plan to do it well. So there you have it, my heart, my plans, and my hopes.

Is Summer Over?

I know it has been awhile since I posted, but I have had a busy summer. Wait a minute, I don’t have to explain myself to you people. According to Google, the first day of Autumn is September 22nd. That is still a good bit away. I have a lot going on between today and the first day of fall. But for some reason, I feel like summer is coming to a close. Here is why I think summer is coming to a close. -Holly went back home, and starts school soon. I associate Holly’s visit with summer. -Football season is only 3 weeks away. Football is fall. -Our schedules finally seem to be slowing down. Next weekend, we are not leaving Atlanta and no one is coming here for the weekend. Although, we do pick back up for the next couple weekends, but one free weekend has been foreign to the Broderways this summer. -School has started. Although, I have not started school in years, and I have no children. You can’t miss the increase in traffic and the school buses. -I saw jack o’ lanterns at Kroger. Really? Although, I hate it with a passion, I would fully expect to see Christmas stuff in the stores next month. -My plants are turning a little brown, and it is time to think about what next to plant. -My mind is wondering back to knitting and crocheting. I usually get a little distant from my yarn during the summer, but I feel myself slowly coming back to it. -Also, I have decided it was time to write a blog. That should tell you something for sure. So what should we call this gap, between real summer and real fall. Is Indian Summer the right term? I am not sure. That refers to heat waves, and it seems like all we have been getting is rain. I have no idea what to call this gap. And although fall is my favorite season, I am really going to miss summer. I went to some awesome concerts this summer. My best friend got engaged this summer. I had some pretty awesome parties. I had some great backyard bbq food. I had great fun picking berries and making jam this summer. I feel like the music for this summer was amazing. Awesome time at Six Flags, the list goes on and on. I am really going to miss summer.

Blast From the Past - Written on the eve of my 24th bday

There goes 23, here comes 24!

It was recently brought to my attention, that these are my last few hours as a 23 year old.  I know!  It caught me by total surprise, too.  This is also the end of my early twenties, because tomorrow I take a huge step into my mid twenties. Such a big step to take in one night, I should have spent more time preparing for this.  So much has happened this year, and I have so many things lined up for the next year.  So I thought I would do a little recap, and fill you in on why 23 was such a great year.  And why I expect 24 to be even better.

At 23...

v I ran my first 5k.  For those who have known me awhile, know that this is huge.  I have never ran any kind of distance in my entire life.  I was so proud of myself when I crossed the finish line.

v I became a member of Peachtree Baptist Church, and began teaching a Missions class on Wednesday night.  This was the first time I joined a church without my parents.  Justin and I joined in August of 2009.

v I went to the Bahamas.  I have never been there before, and I got to go with Justin on a cruise.  Freeport has one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.  I kick myself daily for not taking my swimsuit off the boat on that stop.

v I learned to knit.  Who knew that two sticks and a ball of yarn could be so much fun?  I have made bazillion scarves, a couple hats, and other things.  I am excited about my new craft.  It is hard not to be excited, when you think about the different projects, and all the soft beautiful yarn.

v I made my own jam.  I have seen people canned tomatoes and squash, but I have never seen someone make jam.  I made two kinds this year, peach and strawberry.  They were so good. 

v I saw Alabama have a perfect season.   And that perfect season included winning the Iron Bowl decidedly, making Tim Tebow cry, and beating The Longhorns for the National Championship.  What a season!

v I got a new addition to my family, Cooper!  I knew I wanted him as soon as his profile hit the Atlanta Humane Society Website, even though there was no picture.  We went downtown to meet him, and we fell in love right away.  He is the absolute sweetest, and he loves to knit as well.

v I participated in the Running of the Brides.  It was crazy, but a lot of fun.  I took a team of 7 with me, and they got the job done.  It took 7 teammates, 5 hours, 50 dresses, but I found the perfect wedding dress for a perfect price.

v I finished my first half marathon.  (I think I may kick marathons of any kind to the curb with my early twenties.)  But it was an incredible challenge and a lot of fun. In case you are wondering, 13.1 miles is FAR and driving is way faster.

v I was promoted to Underwriter.  All those years in college and working in the insurance industry and it finally paid off.  Now, I am able to put millions of dollars of my company’s money on the line.  Geez, a lot of responsibility for a 23 year old. Good thing I am about to turn 24.

v I got a car all on my own.  In the past, my dad has always played a big part in picking out a vehicle for me and helped me pay for it.  This was the first time I have ever done something like that without his help.  Man, looks like I am really growing up.

v I became a member of the Church Council at Peachtree Baptist Church.  I am glad to be a part of the decision making body that will enable PBC to grow and flourish.  Now I just have to figure out how to update the website that I am supposed to be in charge of.

v I have been to a lot of new places this year.  I got to visit Kansas City, MO & KS, Durant, OK, St. Petersburg, FL and all kinds of new places in Georgia that I had never been before.

v I got a rocking chair for my back balcony.  I know what you are thinking. Why is this making the recap list?  Because I love it.  And getting a rocking chair, another cat, and learning to knit in one year, lets you know that I am obviously ready to get older.

Now when 24 gets here, I have big plans...

v I am going to chapel, and I am going to get married.  Justin and I have been together forever and we are busy making plans to make sure our wedding day is perfect.  I cannot wait for my initials to be BB.

v I get to visit Memphis.  Even better, I get to visit Memphis at Christmastime.  I know, I am pumped, too.  Justin has already promised that we can go to all the yarn stores in Memphis.  And you know that will be visiting the zoo.

v Courtney has agreed to help me improve my swimming.  I got this hare-brained idea to do a triathlon.  (We will see about this...)  She has seen what she has got to work with, and she has accepted the challenge.

v I want to take a class in order to learn how to make a sweater.  I think it is time for to take my knitting to the next level.  I keep watching for a great class to be scheduled, and then I am going to jump all over it.

v I am going to learn to make my own sushi.  I love sushi, and it would be really impressive if I could make it at home.  Don’t worry, I am going to start with the safe ones before I go to any that are raw or that can kill you.

v I am going to Jacksonville, FL.  I have never been there before, but I have made plans to go in less than two weeks and return often.  I miss Alyce and Kate very much.

v I am going to finish my CPCU designation.  I have been working on this for years. 7 tests down and one to go.  I can do it, but I should probably be studying instead of typing this.

v I am going to move in April.  Justin and I plan to move deeper into the city.  I am really excited about getting to decorate a whole new place with all our new stuff.  Maybe I will be able to put all Justin’s stuff in a nice little corner.  Just joking, of course.

v I want to go back to Mexico, who wants to go with?

I am sure 24 is going to hold some surprises, so stay tuned...

Trend of Domesticity

If you have been listening you have probably heard the talk of this trend of domesticity that has been plaguing young woman across the country.

If you haven’t heard of this trend, then I am certain that you have seen it.  You have seen a young person become more interested in DIY projects, crafts (such as knitting and crocheting), and old time projects (such as canning and jam – making).  If you have not seen then trend, then you obviously have never met me. A few months ago, I heard a podcast on this subject and was like, “HEY, That’s totally me!”

In the podcast, they discussed how the domesticity trend was a possible step back for feminism.  And I, honestly, can understand how that argument can be plausible for someone who hasn’t fell victim to this trend.  But as someone who has, I totally disagree with this.

Yes, I have a garden.  Yes, I am learning to sew.  Yes, I knit. Yes, I crochet. Yes, I love to make jam.  Yes, I love to cook. And yes, all of those things are very similar to the roles of women in the ‘50s & ‘60s. I cannot speak for their reason, but I can speak for mine.

My sense of feminism is not dying, in fact, I think it is strengthening.  I am taking control and ownership of things in my life.  I am taking the power from corporations and using it as my own.  With my garden, I am in control of the food I eat, and I can choose not to be subjected to the chemicals that are in so much of our foods.  With sewing, if I see a skirt that I want, and don’t want to spend the ungodly markups, I can make it myself.  I have that power.  So I don’t see this trend as an act of relinquishing my feminism, but playing a more active role in my own life.

I feel this trend appeals to me partly, because of its traditional background.  We live in fast –paced world.  Our cell phones can do everything and more than my first computer.  Actually, who even needs an actual desktop anymore?  We are so attached to this technology, and I believe it is getting worse.  Sometimes, I like to put my cell phone down, put my full time desk job out of my head, and pick up my knitting. 

I embrace this trend, and for the feminists out there that disagree.  I hope I can teach you to knit one day.

P.S. Tomorrow I want to show you pics of my garden.  I was going to show them to you here, but as you can see here, I digressed.

The Real Cost of Handmade

(Climbs up on soap box)

I make a lot of the gifts that I give.   I knit these gifts.  I crochet these gifts. I sew these gifts.  I do some other kind of craft to make these gifts.  I am lucky to be blessed with people in my life that appreciate handmade items, but there is a negative connation that is sometimes associated with handmade/homemade gifts.  I will discuss that a bit further down. 

First I will tell you about my handmade gift-making process.

I want to tell you about my sister’s apron that I made for her for Christmas, even though I have no pictures to show you.  Although my sister knows the value in handmade gifts, this is the perfect example to show you my complaints with the common misconception.

Where the idea came from?

My sister is a chef, and I see her years down the road with little ones around her and she is in the kitchen baking.   In this mental picture of her, I see her apron.  It is an apron of a mom and aunt, not a chef.  It is a vintage style apron that has apparent wear to it.  I knew that that apron needed to be handmade, and I wanted to be the one to make it.

Next Steps?

I gathered the materials.  I did this well before Christmas.  I found the perfect pattern in October, and it was on sale for $1!  I continued to check fabric sales and found this light blue plaid with cherries pattern.  It was on clearance, and I bought the fabric and other materials for around $9! Total score!

This pattern was out of my league.  I am a beginner seamstress, and I needed help.  Luckily, I have a friend whose mom helped me.  She was amazing and I can say without a doubt, that Becky would not have an apron without her.  She and I spent about 14 hours working on the apron.  Part of that was due to the fact that I am amateur seamstress, and the other part was the dang bias trimming the skirt had.  What a pain!  I made my teacher take $20 for helping, although she deserved much more than that.

This is where the negative connotations or common misconceptions come in.

1.      People think handmade gifts are cheaper.   This is the one that bothers me the most. Handmade gifts are most certainly not cheaper.  I will explain. Yes, the cost of my materials and my tutelage came to a total of $30!  That is a great deal for a normal Christmas present.  But if you add in my time at an average hourly wage of a woman in the US which is $23, in case you are interested.  The total cost of my present soars to $352.00!  I will not even factor in the opportunity cost, remember Economics?  Things/activities that I had to give up in order to make this apron.

2.      People think that handmade gifts have less meaning or less thought.  No, I didn’t run out some corporate powerhouse and fight the crowds to get you the same gift that thousands of others will open on Christmas morning.   Instead, I thought about what I wanted you to have, and I took the time to make it.  TIME, not MONEY.  Money is a renewable resource.  More money can be made each day.  It can be saved and multiplied.  TIME is another story.  It is not a renewal resource; it can’t be saved or doubled.  In fact, time is slipping away from all of us.  And I chose to spend my precious fleeting time to make this gift for you. 

3.      People think that handmade gifts are not the same quality.  Well, this could be true depending on the skill level of the crafter.  But for the most part, the skill that we crafters have is amazing.  And even if it is not perfect, the time and love that went into it make any gift worth treasuring.

4.   People think that handmade gifts are not to be used.  This could not be further from the use.  I want you to use that dishcloth that I made you, until it is ratty and gross.  And then, I want you to tell me that you need another.  I want you to put that tiny sweater on that baby, I don't care if he throws up on it or stains it.  In fact, I would rather it be that way.  I want to know that you loved your gift  And if you love it, you will use it.  And it will show signs of use, and you will eventually need another one.  I know this, I look forward to it.

Obviously, this is a subject that I feel passionately about.  So you may be wondering how I deal with the people in my life that don’t realize the value of handmade? 

Easy, I buy them stuff. I don’t waste my time of making them something they will not appreciate. 

Why would I do that, when I know...

That Holly loves custom made character hats in the winter?

That Becky needs an apron for this future vision I have of her?

That my mom needs new crocheted towels for her kitchen?

That Terri loves the crafts that I put in her Christmas basket?

That Sandy loves the scarves and cowls I give her to keep her warm?

That Justin appreciates having a character doll that no one else has?

That Andrew loves his tank slippers so much that they are on display during the summer months?

I am busy crafter, so I craft for those who love receiving handmade gifts.  And the others, I simply will let the big box stores with their unoriginal gifts do their part.

(Steps off soap box)