! If I ever did anything to feel proud about, I was told, "Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back"!Luckily, I grew up. I went to a school where no one knew my brothers and sisters. I didn't have to live up or down to any one's expectations.
Living in Japan, I was just a strange foreigner and expected to be odd, and my in-laws loved me the way I am. My husband accepted me as an odd duck long ago and has given up trying to set expectations for me.
Now, however, I am setting my own expectations and hoping to live up to them. Once I accept a task, I have to plan and prepare to do the best job I can. Panic sets in. Then, bloggers to the rescue!
An idea here, a suggestion there, and the plan falls in place. Now the banner is basted and ready to go. The piano keys are marked and cut. Quilting supplies are being assembled ... I see I need to hunt up the perle cotton...
Hopefully, if I have forgotten something, I will have tonight and tomorrow morning to get my act together. I don't know how the class will go Saturday afternoon, but I have great expectations.
"The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting out aim too low, and achieving our mark".
Michelangelo
The quote for the end sums up your post so well.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
I count myself blessed to have come across you in blogland and to now be able to count you as my friend. For those who did not see you as a blessing - they are the ones that missed out big time. All the best for your class tomorrow afternoon - I am sure it will go really well as you have put your heart and soul into it!
ReplyDeleteToo many times this happens to children and shame on those who participate in such behavior. But a lucky few go on to learn that they really are capable and thankfully you are one of those. We don't all learn in the same way but we all learn. God made us to be different for a purpose and He is never wrong. I'm excited about your class and can't wait to hear how everyone likes the banner. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteHi - Big good luck hugs from me. I'm so happy I have get to know you just the way you are:-)
ReplyDeleteI know you will do just fine and have a great day.:-)
Bravo! I love that you've set your own expectations and don't have to live up to someone else's. It's like being expected to wear an older sibling's hand-me-down coat, even though it drags the floor when you walk and it's probably worn out anyway. Your banner will turn out beautifully because you've put yourself into it!
ReplyDeleteIt is those things in life that makes us stronger and the person we have become, so bravo to mean people, lol.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Good luck, sending GOOD vibs along the e-waves. Just be yourself and it will be fine...and if it isnt then it is just how it was ment to be xx BIG hug on the way xx
ReplyDeleteI know everything will go well for you. I wish I knew you in "real life" because you would be a wonderful friend. I enjoy our blog friendship so much.
ReplyDeleteGood wishes for tomorrow.All will go well.You achieve so much , so well, and your class will realise this and enjoy it. Leave the past and enjoy each day as it comes. I too value a blog friendship , all of them make my days so much happier. Cheers from Jean in NZ
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Julie. You are SO very talented; I'm sure your class will be wonderful! You have so much to offer.
ReplyDeleteLove the quote - so very appropriate! I think I will share it with my students.
Julie you seem like an incredibly accomplished person from my perspective. You make gorgeous quilts, all by hand - such perseverance. You know a lot of flora, and share it with us all. You use your talents to share with so many people - the scouts, those who come for your rice meals, people in your church who you are helping make a banner. You live, comfortably it seems, in a country and culture totally foreign to your own. That in itself takes a lot of adaptability and acceptance. I'm so happy to have met you through quilting and blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great! Your family just didn't know what they were talking about. Most peoples 'talents' show up after school is done, not when they are a kid. I keep finding new 'talents' every year. I like being the 'odd duck' most of the time. (PS: I also had left handed tendencies, but, my daddy kept putting everything on my right, so, I ended up being right handed instead, but, I'm ambidextrous on many things because of it). Waiting to see the finished results of the banner.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck. Sometimes though we set our sights at perfection but because we know our limitations and know we can achieve it we don't try. So I've given up on perfection and taken up on "give it a go!" It's much less paralysing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame to hear that as a child. Being different is what makes you so much more interesting - you follow a different path and listen to a different drummer ..and that is why I keep coming back to your blog! Your quilt is looking very good!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an honest post and how grateful I am that I can count you as my friend. You are an amazing woman and I think there should be more "odd ducks" like you, the world would be a better place. As an ex-teacher I hope I am not guilty of giving any child fears and doubts but I know it takes few words or actions to do that and so much more to undo it. I hope your Saturday is fantastic, God bless you.
ReplyDeletenever any doubt you'd achieve anything you set your mind to - keep on keeping on!~!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I echo what Lis wrote above - it takes 100 positive comments to undo 1 damaging one, especially with children and teens. Thanks for this honest post. High expectations and unconditional love make a powerful combination. I'm enjoying getting to know you better in person and through your blog, Julie!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it's all working out! I was the TAG (talented and gifted) kid and my brother has never forgiven me for it. We barely speak. It's sad that each person is often not accepted for their own unique self but is labelled and put in a box...
ReplyDelete