Feelings of accomplishment

I always get funny stares and almost insulting comments when I start doing what I love to do to relax----cross-stitching. I just shrug and say, “What have you made lately?” as I look at the last one I completed and is now hanging on the wall.  That usually shuts them up, but the “manly” men in the room still have a disapproving look in their eyes.  The women, however, just love it.  I wonder, “Did I do this for me, or to attract women?”

The answer is simple: both. No, that’s not right; I do it for me.  Besides my writing, I always feel the need to create something.  Even though what I make comes from a pattern and all I have to do is follow it, it still gives me a sense of accomplishment when I finish one.  I want my great-great-grandchildren to point to one of my creations on their wall and say (with pride, of course), “My great-great-granddaddy did that!”  And everyone will go, “Wow, and he was such a manly man!”

Just kidding, of course.  I started cross-stitching because I hate to sit and just watch tv.  I want to spend time with the family, and usually the only time we’re all together is in front of the boob tube.  Over the years I’ve found myself just sitting and doing it without the tv or anyone else around---it’s a great way to clear my mind and just focus on the moment.  I also get some great ideas for future writing while I’m doing it too.