The Thrill of Finishing . . .

. . . . a project by the deadline is many. 

First of all, exactly that - the project is FINISHED and you made the deadline.

Second, the gift of time. Suddenly it seems like you have so much free time since every one of your waking thoughts and actions are not consumed by I've got to get that done.

Third of all, I always clean up my machine area, put away the presser feet, clean up the threads, change the needle, oil the machine if it needs it as well as my cutting table area. Put away fabrics and scraps, put away all the rulers, pencils, markers and pins.

And Best of All, is getting to start a new project. This recently finished deadline project sort of just appeared so I do have some half finished projects on the backburner but I'm also excited about allowing myself to start something new - the thrill of cutting into some brand new fabric and sitting down at a clean machine and sewing area.  Only to promptly mess it all up again but you know the feeling.

On a slightly different story, I also needed a photo of myself by the last day of August. One of my children who shall remain nameless (the SON) has a real eye for photography and a nice camera as well so I asked him -- weeks in advance. Sure, he says. The last day rolls around and no picture. He wants to take it at this time and I want it taken at that time and so on until I say NEVERMIND, I'LL GET YOUR SISTER TO TAKE IT.

So I ask the Sister to please, just take my picture. Her response is a massive, giant, shoulder shaking SIGH as if I had just asked her to come up with an alternative fuel source and oh, by the way, can you do something to jump start the economy as well.

Said sister and I head down to the cross walk for the photo shoot and all the while I'm starting to work up to a Mother Rant. Now my kids are 18 and 20 so by this time in ilfe I've pretty much perfected the Mother Rant. I don't call on it too much but if I need it I can work up a doozy.

Something along the lines of ........ rarely ask for ANYTHING. . . . if it were for either of YOU TWO. . . .make it a PRIORITY. . . . IF I could do it MYSELF. . . . .

So now we are in the midst of the dysfunctional of all photo shoots ---- "You aren't smiling ----- I AM TOO smiling." ..... "You look mad -------- I AM MAD." ......... "Your hair is blowing-----------JUST TAKE THE PICTURE." .....

For some reason I glance to the right and there, in the sea grapes is this:

 

This is the largest, most colorful most awazingly creepy spider I have ever seen. We start looking around and there are at least, AT LEAST 12 of these guys hanging around. They are as big as my palm. The picture does not do them justice.

All of a sudden the photo shoot turns into a RUSH job because it is kind of creepy posing next to all those creatures. As I'm forcing a smile I keep thinking of them crawling on over . . . .

We head home and I download at least 30 some odd most lousy to ridiculous to a few mediocre photos of me and then get on to the important stuff like Googling the spider.

He is a banana spider. He is not agressive but will bite if he feels threatened. They are the largest non-tartula spider. The North American banana spider is not venomous but the South American banana spider bite is poisonous. If they feel threatened, they will bounce so voilently that their webs will shake --- and they are huge beautiful webs.

Since my fascinating spider run-in on Sunday, I find myself thinking about them all the time. We've had a ton of thunder, lightening and rain all week and I keep wondering if my spiders are okay . . . .

Fifth grade science report on The Banana Spider brought to you by Google.

We'll skip the results of the photo shoot - the spiders are way more fascinating.

My sewing machine is clean and I've got new fabric to cut!

Comments

[cherrie]

I can't even look at the spiders at this time of the night (or morning!) or I'll have nightmares. EEk But I agree finishing is wonderful. And somewhere near to finishing when you know it is all coming together and going to work out is even better. Cherrie

[laura]

I thought everyone else's kids were always perfect!! Thank you for making me feel better. As for the 'piders(Vet Tech Girl's name for them since she was a tiny tot), they scare me to death, but also remind me of an ex co-worker who once upon a time told us the most outlandish story involving barking spiders. It became an office legand. BTW, I do hope we get to see the finished project?!

[laura]

So sorry, I meant legend!

[twitter.com/CandiedFabrics]

AAAHHH!!!! EEEEEKKKKK!!!! WHy don't people put big WARNINGS on their blogs when some scary picture is coming up!

Ok, that's over. I totally know that feeling of peace after a big project and the cleaning up - one of my favorite times! In fact, I'm planning to have that feeling soon myself!

Have a great weekend - stay away from that bush!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chara Michele]

Ick!! :)