Isn’t the internet a fantastical place? One thing the “panty-demic”* (yes, you read that right) taught us is we can still socialize with friends and family, even if we can’t be face-to-face. My dear friend Steph lives on the other side of the country, with a three-hour time difference, but we managed to set up a crafting date. We both talked about learning a new crafting hobby (because clearly, we need another one), and settled on needle felting. We ordered our trusty little kits and dove into the depths of the internet for tutorials and how-tos.
Steph, the logical half of our dynamic creative duo, suggested we start with a simple pumpkin. I, on the other hand, was plotting to create a life-size horse with full detail. However, being the people pleaser that I am, I went along with the pumpkin plan. Felting is soooo much fun! It’s tedious, but OMG, the possibilities are endless. Once I master the pumpkin, I DO aspire to felt something ginormous.
Comparing our little crafty creations, stabbing something a hundred million times, and trying to figure out exactly how to make these things the way the internet taught us was a blast. Of course, the best part was being with my friend. It was almost like we were hanging out on the back deck, staring out into the thunderstorm, declaring how much we needed the rain. Good times.
Sure, we text almost daily, but it was awesome to see her face. It was fun to put my eyeballs on her, to laugh, and just enjoy being friends again without having to type that out. I sooo encourage you to do this. Set up those virtual coffee dates (even if you don’t craft) and get them on the calendar. There are so many platforms to host online meets. Life is precious. Don’t waste another minute on the coulda-shoulda-wouldas.
I was soooooo excited for our “date” that I set it all up the night before. Are you a needle felter? I would love to see your creations. Do you have any tips for the newbie? Have you considered this craft? Why haven’t you tried it yet if you have? I will share my little pumpkin soon.
I am so fortunate to know Steph in real life and have established an actual friendship. We met “online” and were able to actually meet in person and had a few adventures. We have both have since left our Tennessee homes in the span of our friendship, but we have continued to share in the ups and downs of life. It is friendships like this that I am so grateful for. It is people like her who ride the waves of life with us and make everything seem possible. She isn’t my feel-good person. She isn’t the one I go to for sunshine and butterflies. She’s the friend who calls me out and tells me to straighten myself up and act right. Yes, we have had to agree to not agree on more than one occasion. It’s a funny thing that the world seems to have forgotten—we can do that, and no one has died yet. We are both living our best lives. In light of recent events that have happened in my life, I have learned that being a people pleaser has destroyed me. Not wanting to rock the boat, or hurt someone’s feelings, even at a detriment to my own well-being, has done damage that will take years to unravel. We need to remember that the greatest thing about humans is that we are all different. We ALL have worth, and our opinions and thoughts matter, but none over that of someone else. Most know my standpoint on the political stupidity taking place in the country right now. I don’t hide which side I am on, but I would never discourage you from going against your beliefs should you be part of the opponent’s side. The great thing about sides is that we have choices.
*Danae Hays is a popular influencer I follow, and she referred to the pandemic as the “panty-demic” in one of her skits. Since then, I can’t call it anything else. 😊 Yes, I know… I’m weird. Seriously, go follow her if you wanta giggle. She is so fun.
Just Becky Ann 