I actually think I am going to cry. I felt the tears well up as I opened my Quilter’s Home Magazine and began to read Matt Sparrow’s article “Working from home: Lies, truths and my real story.” I wanted to scream to the world, “Finally, a man that knows what it is like to work at home!”
Matt, will you marry me? Oh, wait that would probably p-off your wife and my hubby. On second thought, I take back the offer. I do not want to break in a new man. I already have 10 years invested in this one. (Besides, he does make me happy.)
Honestly though, as I read Matt’s article, I could so relate. It had only been 30 minutes since my search to find just one of my 15 pairs of scissors was not very fruitful. My youngest, the most inspiring artist, has done something with them all. I know his room is clean, so where on earth is he storing them?
I loved Matt’s line, “I have learned that the imaginary line I draw between my studio and the rest of this crazy house can only be seen by me.” I am constantly wondering why the people I live with cannot see, my work space and theirs. And how is it that I tell them to clean up the living or dining room and I find all the items conveniently placed in my studio? So, how do I deal with it? I have started putting my quilting stuff in the living room. That will show them! Yes, I do live in a dream world.
As my kid’s summer vacation is fast approaching, my husband said to me the other day when we were discussing our kitchen duty schedule, (He does the dishes 3 days, Mack does 2 days, and I do 2 days.) ”Do you really think it is appropriate that this summer everyone else is home and I still have to do the dishes after working all day?” Does he really think I am going to have more time to do things when the kids are home all summer? I will need the evenings and his help more than any other time of the year just to keep with what I do now.
Yes, there are many joys to working at home — the freedom to be your own boss, the ability to enjoy a child’s drawing right after he drew it, and to get a hug as they run through the house. There are also many down-sides. It is a matter of perspective and creativity. This seemingly constant chaotic mess can be the source of creative inspiration and joyful memories for years to come if you embrace it rather repel against it. At the end of the summer, be a friend and remind me of this when I am curled up in the fetal position babbling in the corner.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
