Sunday, September 21, 2008

This is...what I want to be when I grow up

When I was 11 years old I wanted to be a SEWING teacher. By the time I hit high school I'd found out there was such a thing as a FASHION DESIGNER.... Oh yes, please! I'll be one of THOSE! (looks like I stretched my yellow school skivvy!)

I must have been about 16 or 17 here. Behind me is the clothes mountain I'd made for myself - I think the clothes are actually draped over a chair. (Stop giggling up the back there!!... It was the 80's, ok?... I was young, ok...?).

Very predictable career map, I suppose, for an abnormally sewing-obsessed child. And I predictably became a fashion designer, and now I'm teaching people to sew. Who'd have thought it? (Well, just about everyone!).

NOW what do I want to be when I grow up? FEARLESS. I think that when I stop WORRYING about what might or might not happen, or what people think, or if I'm a good enough mother, teacher, friend.... blah blah... I'll be a very happy grown-up.

I guess I want to be like I was when I was 11... fearlessly believing that I can be what I want to be, not seeing any obstacles and not caring what people think of me.

Thanks Cindy for this week's theme, and Sharon for hosting This Is in Angela's absence.

19 comments:

Cindy said...

Wow, you were destined to be a cloth lady in some form ro another. I did love to see the progression of your style. Wouldn't fearlessness be great, and untapped energy.

méri said...

Wau!! Beautiful girl, beautiful Woman!
Surely you find the enough fearless to go on your excellent work!

Liesl said...

Nikki, you are the 80s personified in that photo - its fabulous!!

I think being fearless would be the most liberating feeling in the world.

Anonymous said...

Giggle giggle, what great photos Nikki! And lucky you, you even became what you wanted to be! I'm sure that you will manage fearless as well.

Michelle said...

i don't think i every really knew what i wanted to be when i grew up...
i loved photography but as per usual i was never happy enough with my work...
as a result over the years i've tried lots of things, and spent endless nights worrying...i thought i would get better the older i got but alas i worry about worrying now...
you will probably always worry if it's in your nature but at least with your blog you will have lots of friendly gals cheering you up...
typing franticly telling you how fantastic you are...

Anonymous said...

I think you have done fabulously well as an entrepreneur with yr own business........that could be fairly fearful!!

Bellgirl said...

I think you must already be fearless, especially since you've posted a picture of yourself wearing MC Hammer pants!

Christy said...

That might be the most awesome picture EVER. I remember desperately wanting pants like that and my mom saying "absolutely not!" Thanks mom. =)

Jenny said...

Great post-fearless yes!Good to see you living your dream of sorts:)

Jenny said...

PS Wonderful sorts!

62cherry said...

oh the 80's!
why o why do the kids want to re-live them.
you are still cute!!

Sarah said...

to live fearlessly is the only way!

yes the 80's...a time when i sewed my clothes too...lots of fashion experiments happened back then!

Jan said...

Are you about 40 now? I see myself in both pics. I didn't have the same asprirations, but I got in loads of trouble for breaking my mom's Bernina to peg my jeans!!! Cute post!

Nikki said...

Yup - I think I can spot those of us in the same... ahem.. age bracket. I somehow knew I waouldn't be completey alone on the embarrassing 80's photos thing.

laura said...

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, and I'm pushing the 1/2 century mark! Maybe inspiration will strike while I'm in the nursing home.
Your pictures are too adorable and I think you can stop wondering where your little one gets her energy!

Reenie said...

Ah the 80s.. your photo took me back.

PS, further to your comment on my blog, I also cannot arrange flowers to save myself... we are similarly 'talented'!!

mayaluna said...

I admire so much how you've followed your dreams...you seem quite fearless to me, but I understand that it's a deeper sense of fearlessness that you seek. I believe this next phase in our (ahem) age bracket is all about gaining that courage and confidence...
and yes, I had that outfit...different color combination. Remember getting the socks to scrunch just right? My hair was shorter than yours...but much "taller"! hee hee

Red Hen (dette) said...

Oh dear the 80's but oh what fun. Things didn't have to be branded items in fact hand made or op shopped was the thing! I made myself a 'fantastic' outfit that resembled a fuchsia flower with petals at the waist. Worn of course with the obligatory long black satin gloves and fish net stockings!!!!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Fearless! I love it. It's just the thing to be when you grow up.