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Crazy as a Loom

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thank you all.

Today was crazycrazycrazy at the studio. Lemme tell ya.
There were 8 or 9 people there at one time or another.
My helper/apprentice, a student, a friend for lunch, another friend and her husband stopping by, another helper cutting socks, a friend of my helper, my husband, the UPS man.......I am losing track here.
From november

I have met more friends in the last 5 years at the weaving studio, than in all the 30 years I worked as a nurse. How is that possible?
But it's true, there are just so many really great people to meet in this world of fiber. It has changed my whole life.
I received so many kind words after my good news yesterday. It is truly heartwarming to hear that I have so many friends and well wishers.
The last 6 years of my life have been unexpected. Who knew. I was working as a nurse in a prison, for crying out loud. My days were repetitive, often depressing and certainly uninspiring.
A few decisions that came from my gut, and here I am.
My life now is colorful. Inspiring.
From november

I often stop, like today, in the middle of something, and feel such a rush of gratitude, and joy, that I can barely explain it.
Sounds gushy, doesn't it?
But it's true.
I am blessed, and I know it.
Hard work? Hell, yes. A ton of it.
But I have this incredibly beautiful house with so much personality and history, and it's mine. MINE. For this lifetime at least.
And I have tons of fabric, stuff to weave with, 13 or so (I lose count) looms to weave on. Four cats with character. A family that gives me so much happiness. They love me.
I am healthy, at least so far, and I can spend every day doing what I love.
Yes, it makes money. But understand, as long as I don't spend more than I make, it doesn't make any difference at all.
Another wonderful thing, I have Quick Books. I enter it, and that's the end of it. I have no idea otherwise, and don't really think much about it.
It's working. I know it. That's all.
I don't know if I can explain it, but sometimes, when I am working in the studio, I am overcome with the feeling that I have been here before, and that I have spent my whole life getting 'back here'.
From november

I don't know what I have done to deserve this unbelievable opportunity to live my life creatively.
It amazes me every single day.
From november

My only complaint? I have to sleep, when there are so many other things I would rather be doing.
Don't think that my life has been all peaches and cream. It has not. Not by a long shot. There have been some tough years. I made some lousy decisions that I had to live with. There were times when I couldn't see the end of it.
I am not sure why it takes so long to get it right. But I know that if you believe in yourself, if you have a dream, and if you keep working at it, you have a really good chance of doing just that.
But of course, it has been said before, and said better.

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
From november










11 comments:

Lynn said...

Hey, congratulations on Halcyon - you must have posted that after I left my computer to go weave last night. And congratulations, even more, on being happy; that's even more of an accomplishment!

re'New said...

You make me believe it can happen for me. Thank you.

Hilary said...

A lovely post, my namesake. :)

Mare said...

What a Beautiful post...and beautiful photos too!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Loved this post, Hilary. And yes.. you make me believe.

Ah, to live a creative life. :-)

Donna S. said...

I wish I was one of the people in your studio! I take it Halcyon is selling your little looms for you now. Congratulations!!

Cait Throop said...

Yes, believe!!!! xo

claudia said...

I think you just said what I needed to hear most eloquently. Thank you!
I believe you have gotten where you are because of what you have done and who you are. You deserve to be there!
I would love to live a life like yours and I know that I will have to do a lot more work to get there. It all just seems to wonderful (Yes, I know, the grass isn't always greener)
I just appreciate that you are sharing you daily life with us. I have learned so much from you!
Thank you!

DebbieB said...

SO proud and happy for you! You deserve lots of success - your hard work has paid off.

Anonymous said...

I am happy FOR you!

So seriously, when are you going to write a book???

Darlene said...

Hilary, I love your blog! I used to weave and sell rag rugs when I lived in TN. But then I got away from it and thought I was done with weaving. Even sold all my looms and weaving equipment...

But the weaving bug bit me again. I bought a rigid heddle loom last month. And last week, I found an old (OLD!) Union 36 loom! She's in the basement right now, waiting for a new reed. I've been cleaning her up. She was one dirty girl, but at least the chickens weren't roosting on her!

I love seeing what you do because I want to do it too! Yes, it IS a lot of hard work, but it's so satisfying.

Have you ever thought of selling the sock loopers? It would be another income stream for you. Weavers would go nuts over them.

Best wishes!

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Because every thread counts

Because every thread counts