Not Done - Yet

 

I'm in my 70s now.  

What can I say?  It's been a trip.

Remembering my dad because it was Remembrance Day, a day to remember those who died in war, who gave the ultimate for the concept of freedom and democracy, I have also stirred up a lot of memories of my dad, who died in 1975 - the same month I quit my rather well paying job to become a professional weaver.

Yes, it was a career decision.  I've talked about it previously here and elsewhere.

My dad loved all things related to the 'space race'.  He followed the news about Sputnik, when JFK announced that the US would head for the moon.  He sat, fascinated, watching the coverage on tv about the space launchings.

I remember when Sputnik flew over - he insisted mom carry me outside while he spread a blanket on the ground, and then, when it flew overhead he excitedly asked us if we had seen it.

Honestly?  I hadn't.  I was near sighted and very sleepy, but I said yes to make my dad happy.  Because he was.

Even though he couldn't read, he always made sure that both us kids got an education.  The year I was supposed to go to university, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, spent 6 months in hospital as they tried to treat the cancer eating away at his bones, not able to work.  So they couldn't afford to send me to school.  

In the end, I wound up becoming a weaver, something he would never, ever, have understood because doing so was so very risky, financially.  

I don't understand myself how I managed to make that decision when I am someone who needs security.  OTOH, I had a spouse who supported me (financially, at first, but always in other ways) and somehow, between the two of us, we made it work.

And now?  Now I'm a 'senior' citizen.  But I still love this craft.  I enjoy it on multiple levels.  I also enjoy passing on my knowledge.

In the 21st century we now have the internet and while my body breaks down, I can still teach, remotely.

When I started this blog I had little expectation of anyone being much interested in what I had to say.  OTOH, last week page views rolled over 2.3 million, and some readers have been kind enough to say that they enjoy my musings.

So I guess I'm not 'done', yet.  

I have an account on Facebook.  I still have a Twitter account, but am monitoring that.  I have opened an account on Mastodon, although the jury is still out on that one - it's an 'escape hatch' if Twitter implodes.  I'm on artisan.chat there.

But most of my energy will be with the School of Sweet Georgia.   The team continue to work on the post production of the two new classes there, to be released in the new year.

OTOH, I'm also being supportive of other online resources, including Jane Stafford.  Her offerings are different from what SOS is doing and she is also a thorough instructor, delving deeply into the craft.  And soon the Handweaving Academy   I have supplied them with resources (FAQ) and am happy to belong to the site to field questions.

And I have my online lectures.  Just did one for a guild in Ontario, with another booked for Missouri in the new year.  Since I am mostly staying home these days, I'm happy to take bookings.  Check my website for topics.  

And always, I am willing to answer questions, either on the forums above, or emailed.

Because I'm not done.  Yet.