Today I took out the kids’ material for what were to be Christmas pillows. I set my Mom’s vintage 1950s Singer on the kitchen counter and filled with emotion and excitement. After months of delaying this joy, I was about to embark. But, as with all journeys, there are often a few last-minute hurdles. What followed was a one-hour conversation/on-line-search. There was Mom on one end, in frigid Wisconsin where she reported, “It’s too cold to snow” and, me on the other, here in a balmy, rainy Carolina. The salamanders looked on as we researched and located the bobbin case needed to get the 500 series back in operation. Mystery solved and sewing window closed, the material went back in the box, and I placed an eBay order for $12.95. The case should be here by the 18th. I am excited to start sewing again, and this time, with a real machine instead of my daughter’s toy machine! Maybe someone will want to sew while at camp.
. . .
Last night, after the kids went to bed, I took out four barrettes, glued grosgrain turquoise ribbon on them, and strung the glass turquoise beads my daughter gave me for Christmas into a matched set of Mom and Daughter hair pieces. This morning they were waiting in the cotton-lined box that had held the bead gift. My daughter looked and said nothing, but I could see her eyes shining. I couldn’t resist teasing. After all, it was her idea to make matching barrettes. “Close your eyes and hold out your hand.” She did, and said, “I already saw them.” I placed her finished barrette in that small palm and hugged her. She looked down and a slow smile escaped.
Some girls are like that: quiet, reserved, and not wanting anything made too blatant. I recall feeling that way about boys I liked. Saying their name aloud would put a hex upon my hopes. For the most part, I’m an extrovert, but I am very grateful to have a daughter who reminds and teaches me about the secret inner life of young girls. I am so looking forward to seeing the girls exploring and connecting this summer, and seeing my girl mix in with them. She is very serious about camp. She brings up a new issue every day that we need to consider, and repeatedly they are thoughtful concerns for the increased happiness of the participants. She is thrilled to share her life and home. That makes me deeply happy.