Sunday, July 20, 2008

This is what makes me happy...

After my last couple of posts, you're probably wishing I'd STOP banging on about what makes me happy.... but here's another one! (I'm sure other mothers will be putting in cute photos of their kids for this post... but I guess you've seen enough of mine for a while).

When I think about what makes me feel the MOST at ease and happy, it's this. Just me an my sewing machine - sometimes serenely lost in my own thoughts, sometimes excitedly watching something unexpectedly good coming together - but all the time feeling completely in my comfort zone.

I've spent a large portion of my life in this headspace, and for 15 years it's been with this machine (I even took it with me when I lived in Ireland for five years!). For the last couple of years I've barely had any time to enjoy uninterrupted, creative time there, and right now I REALLY CRAVE it.

Is that really sad...? Should I have included more warm and fuzzy family stuff...?

"This is" is hosted by Angela. Jacinta came up with this week's heart-warming theme. I'm sure there will be lots of wonderful responses.... and then there's my "I just want to be alone" one!!! Oops.

18 comments:

Jacinta said...

Great post Nikki. Happiness can come from unexpected places - it doesn't have to be warm and fuzzy. I think yours is great, because you love what you do... and it shows. No wonder you are happy!

Liesl said...

I'm very impressed to see that you took a sewing machine to Ireland! As its still in working order, I'm assuming it wasn't checked baggage!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

That's a great post. I am totally with you. That feeling when you are completely contented in your creative space (physical and emotional) is the most wonderful happy place.

Thanks for dropping by my blog the other day. I'm hoping to come along and do one of your bag courses some time soon now that I have a few sewing lessons under my belt.

Louise said...

I so get that happiness that comes from being in your own little creative headspace. And I doubly understand the lack of time to do that. It's why I stay up way too late at night - that little bit of time to myself is very precious.

CurlyPops said...

I absolutely agree...it's so nice to just have a little alone time to be creative.
Steph and I must have missed you in the huge crowds at the market. I was amazed at just how busy it was!
I did see some beautiful purses but I didn't buy one because I would much rather come along to one of your purse making courses and make my own!

Anna-Lisa said...

Nice bags and purses you've made with that machine. Love the fact that you've dragged it half way around the world!

Jenny said...

I know exactly what you mean-Being in the zone is such a wonderful place to be!

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

I so agree! Creative alone-ness time is vital (and was one of my happy things). That's one thing that scares me about having kids, but hubby (yep definately superhero somedays) has promised that we will make good amounts of alone escape time for me. Hope it comes together that way.

Nathalanes Place said...

I know what you mean. But the most important thing is that you are happy within you. That what counts. And I know how you feel cause I'm that way when I'm in my space zone whether I'm crocheting or sewing so no worries at all. Keep it that way I think it's what keep us sane.

Maureen Reynolds said...

I like that you took time to make your 'happy' illustration one that is pertinent to you the person, not only you the mother.

We need ...really need...that alone time with what inspires our creative souls.

Bianca said...

Hi Nikki,

Great to see you at the market. It was a good & very busy day ;)
Didn't have much 'space' to shop for other goodies but it was definitely good exposure.

take care.
Bianca

Michelle said...

No, not sad at all! I totally relate, a bit of "I just want to be alone" time is so important and it doesn't happen enough over here!!

Moiface said...

Nothing like getting lost in creativity!

mizu designs said...

Hi Nikki! Thanks for the sweet comment you left on my blog. I just have to tell you how much I love those purses (with embroidery) you wrote about a few posts ago!!!

Jenaveve said...

I think you got it in one for the 'happy' theme. Can't believe you took it to Ireland with you, that's fantastic! You gotta respect that kind of dedication to keeping the happiness alive.

I also have sewing on my list of happy's and it's one of those things that I only get to do very occasionally now, but when I do get the opportunity, it's a big reminder of why I love it.

Bird Bath said...

I hear you...having some personal 'me' time is a precious thing. Like you, I crave to spend time sewing and thinking, it help me re energise.

Anonymous said...

Whatever makes you happy - A happy Mum makes a happy, warm, fuzzy family doesn't she? As long as the fuzziness is from soft gazes and gentle cuddling, and not too much whiskey..... Love the blog!

Mon @ bpab said...

Hi Nikki,
Thanks for your happiness post!
I was reading it and thought I was alone with the craving for sewing! It's been my life up until 2005. Enter kiddies and that was it.... I mean when can you leave something out half finished and be sure that it doesn't get de-constructed in the mean time?? (I've just started getting back into it now.)
Well done for making it happen!