"My evil genius Procrastination has whispered me to tarry 'til a more convenient season."
~Mary Todd Lincoln
Day after day of pounding heat . . . the result is -- I'm not sure if I'm awake or asleep. My goal is to try to be in-the-moment lucid -- whether I'm dreaming or awake, and just "make it work," as they say on Project Runway.
Fortunately, none of my jobs require that I operate heavy machinery. Rest assured -- that person with the jackhammer, cracking open the sidewalk at Broadway and 110th Street . . . is not me. It's still safe to visit New York City.
But there is a problem. It's been a while since my last post. And between business trips and work and other challenges, I'm struggling with the motivation to stitch. I haven't lost my love for stitching . . . what's missing is the discipline to concentrate and finish a project. Yes . . . it's serious.
Hi, my name is Liz. I have finishing resistance.
It would be helpful to hear from other stitchers who've been in my shoes. I need your advice. Is this normal? Does it happen to others? Has it happened to you? Will I ever get my mojo back? (I used to stitch speeches made by U.S. Presidents . . . those were the days.) Is an intervention in order? Herbs? Topical applications?
Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.
Signed,
Sleepless in NYC
Well I've got no magic potion....hot summers can bring on the stitching doldrums! When I'm bored with my projects I usually start something new and something that can be done quickly! You just can't force yourself to work on something when you're not in the mood - after all, we're supposed to be havng fun! It's good to see you posting again Liz. I have my Gettsburg Address all kitted but have yet to start my journey. I am excited to be visiting Chicago in September and I will be making a trip to the Chicago Historical Society which has a large Lincoln collection. I figure that will get me going hopefully this fall on it.
ReplyDeleteDear Sleepless,
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone. I have several sewing projects sitting in my dining room, patiently awaiting my attention. And a niece, not so patiently awaiting the completion of one of them. It's the heat. This is the time of year when the northern peoples either estivate, or go on long sea voyages and colonize beachfront property in Canada. You will stitch again when the cool weather returns, always assuming it does.
This is the time of year when I always plan to be knitting my winter wardrobe, but it's like starting your garden when the seed catalogs arrive in January. Just not practical. The hands are sweaty, the eyes bleary, and the spirit needs a long siesta. The only thing I'm good for in summer is canning, because it has to be done or I won't have tomato sauce and strawberry jam in the winter, when I want them. But this is crude, sweaty work and does not require precision or a cool head.
My advice, for what it's worth, is to plan, think, dream, revise your visions, and think some more. It burns very few calories, therefore creates very little heat. And when you're done with that, have a nap. Your energy will return with the cool weather. Soit sage.
Dearest Liz,
ReplyDeleteYes, we all suffer from time to time from this disease! When all else fails, hire a model stitcher!
Your devoted friend and fan,
Diane
LHN
(I have a list of helpers if you need one!)
Ah, Jeanne, Lili and Diane . . . I so very much appreciate your good advice!
ReplyDeleteStitchers know stitchers better than anyone else. I'm so happy to hear from you!
This weekend I shall reflect and meditate . . . perhaps the concept of an August sabbatical is in order, to regroup.
Lili, you and Mary Todd Lincoln seem to be on the same page . . . "tarry 'til a more convenient season." It has a Zen-like appeal. :)
We definitely all suffer from this at one time or another. Usually I spend some time playing in my stitching stash and find something new to start. What I do at first is "make" myself stitch for an hour or so a night and almost always I begin to love it and get my mojo back. I have your 272 words chart and absolutely LOVE it! I haven't had a chance to start on it yet but can't wait to!!
ReplyDeleteRenee, thanks for your advice . . . I plan to set aside some time to stitch tonight, no matter what. I look forward to seeing your version of "272 Words." I so very much appreciate your interest in this chart. Lincolns words never fail to inspire.
ReplyDelete