Meet me... and www.charlieathehill.wordpress.com

I have dyed my hair purple twice...love it

I became Catholic five years ago....favorite selfie

Team Pugh University 2013...we are currently gearing up for 2014

So I was asked by my dear talented childhood friend, Kelli, to answer these four questions and pass on the blogging to other friends - all of us answering the same four questions. 
Her positive outlook and fearless attitude amidst her every day fears is very inspiring..and her artwork is amazing and unique and all hers. www.heresanotherwayoflookingatit.blogspot.com 

So here is my list of questions to answer and pass on.
Then I will have some friends of mine do the same. Answer 4 questions and pass it on the blog wave.

I love having a blog to put my thoughts somewhere...even if no one ever reads them. I like having them written down and out of my head. I love to go back and see how I was thinking and how I've grown. I used to journal..I still love love love paper and pencil..Dixon Ticonderoga number two pencils to be exact. Notes to self.....

Question 1. What are you currently working on? I love to create with my hands. It might be typing words..redesigning a dress...or making a delicious bite to eat. I usually do all of those in one day. I am currently writing most of the time for a local publication called Winterset Living. I write four columns for them. I am also writing an inspirational book...about my five sons, my husband..our lives.... And when I feel inspired, I write on my blog. I am altering and redesigning quite a few clothing items...as my business is Five Sons Design. I get a call almost every day for some sort of alteration or redesign. I started college in apparel design and then changed my mind and got my degree in elementary education. But instead of teaching....I started doing alterations... go figure. 

Question 2. How does your work differ from others in its genre? The only thing I can think here..in regards to custom sewing and alterations..is to be fearless. I can never be afraid to fit a dress..take it apart..and make it fit. I get garment construction. I can make something without a pattern or with a pattern. I love love love costumes! Sometimes things perplex me. But I am fearless when it comes to fixing a dress for a special moment. I am currently making a pair of pants taking the pattern from the old pair of pants...and redesigning my daughter-in-law's bridesmaid dress into a maternity bridesmaid dress for an upcoming wedding. When it comes to writing..I have a lot to learn in regards to being fearless. I need lots of reassurance. But hoping with all my heart and mind my book will be published one day and by then, hopefully,I won't care what anyone thinks about my words. But I will just be happy with the fact that I was fearless and put myself out there.

Question 3. Why do you write/create what you do? I can't imagine not working with my hands in some capacity. I have always had that gift..I've done it all..jewelry, basketry (I spent many years and traveled a lot to learn the art), knitting, sewing, painting, drawing, clay.... you name it I will give it a try. I also make rosaries....just because and give them away. Every day I look for something to make with my hands.

Question 4. How does your creating/process work? I find inspiration when I am in quiet and listen very closely to my thoughts. This happens often on my bike (I ride a lot in all the gear..long distances on a road bike). If I don't write when the thoughts hit, the words go away. So I pay close attention and have learned a lot from losing many words I wish I had written. Sometimes they come back when I get on my bike and ride and listen to nature. When I am sewing or redesigning I spend time visualizing what I am going to do. I fit a garment, write notes, and then sleep on it and try to visualize doing it. Sometimes I can't see the process until I start to sew and alter. But usually shortly after I start I see what needs to happen. Every other medium I use...I use when I feel inspired or I am in need of something. People ask..I get it created.

Now is when I post about another blog.....
I met Charlotte McCullough when she moved to Winterset with her husband. Her husband was the vocal instructor at Winterset High School and my two oldest sons were in choir. I was also a substitute teacher at the time and subbed in Charlotte's math class a couple of times. But they moved.. :( Aaron went back to school and actually attended college with my oldest son for a time. And then they went to Ohio. We have reconnected over Facebook and I have been blessed to watch their children grow and read Charlotte's blog. She is real. And she blogs about real things. She is a mom of three young kids. She loves math. We were able to meet up in person over last Christmas. Enjoy her blog......

www.charlieatthehill.wordpress.com 

I feel a blog coming on

That's what I said to myself as I stood patiently, with my customer number in hand, waiting to have my fabric cut.  The last few minutes had been bizarre and I could see the next few were heading in the same direction. 

I own my own custom sewing, alterations, and design business. I frequent fabric stores. I am very blessed to have a locally owned Ben Franklin here in my small town.  I try to always support them with my business first.  Occasionally, I make a dash to the "big city" fabric store which I shall not name.  However, if you've read any of my previous blogs on Pugh News you may know to which store I am referring.  Today was one of those dashing in days....I'm not sure why I thought I would dash in and out of this store but I had my hopes up and the clock was ticking.

Okay, I wear one contact.  I wear bifocal glasses.  But I'm one of the lucky ones who can wear one contact to see far away and none for up close...monovision.  Except it doesn't work so well when shopping..at least for me.  I realized when I dashed in to the unnamed store that I was going to have a bit of trouble.  But off I went in search of a separating, black, sport coat zipper.  I asked a sweet lady to point me in the direction of the zippers and I was off and running.  Next up...taffeta.  Not so easy.  I headed to the direction of the dress fabrics and went row by row.  But by the time I neared the end of the first section I just wasn't sure. Lo and behold appeared a store employee.  So I asked simply, "Taffeta?" 

She said, "Not back here." I waited for some elaboration.  Nothing.  I work in customer service..not just in my business but I also work in a sports bar.  So I said, "Am I in the right section? Is it all this way(as I motioned)?"  She said, "Yes. But it's all mixed up."  Lovely. I went back and found what I needed and headed towards the fabric cutting station..... and pulled my paper number for my turn.  See, I've learned.  I've learned if you don't have that paper number you don't get help. 
And I waited..and waited..... there was one employee cutting fabric.  She finally called for backup.  And I look up and here comes my "not back here" lady.  She went to check the customer counter and proceeds to ask for customer 17 and looks at me.  Well, I'm not 17.  I'm holding 18 and I show her.  She says to the other employee and motions to the customer, "Was she 17?"  Nope.  She says to me, "You're not 17?"  Nope.  I say, "I'm 18."  And then she says, "Well, what can I help you with?"  (Can you see my look shining brightly through the computer?)  But I politely asked for one yard.
With my fabric in tow, I headed directly to the checkout and there I find myself in line with three customers in front of me one of which had her calculator checkbook combo thing out. I should be more conscientious with my money like the true Dave Ramsey fan I am but by this time I was getting annoyed. 
And I waited..and waited..... and the employee finally called for back up.  Guess who came running? Yep, "not back here" lady.  And she says to me,  "So how are you doing today?"

I just don't have any more words.

They did have a help wanted sign on the door when I entered.

Bakery Boy wasn't feeling so well today.... I will take him, my superhero, next time for back up.

God Bless,
Love,
Veggie Girl