Thought I would post something not related to politics. I’ve never really followed politics, especially the last few years. But when I decided to check in and see what was happening in Washington recently, I’ve had nothing but heartburn over it. I think I need to step back again.
So what else have I been up to? Apart from still applying to jobs, I am trying to gain momentum on a project to create and sell souvenir jewelry. I’m looking at both online and offline possibilities, like Etsy.com or gift shops and flea markets. Mostly, the idea is to bead and craft earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains, and bookmarks with a Virginia theme — ocean, beach, Navy, magnolias, or even museum-specific / exhibit-specific items.
I am still sourcing some supplies, but right now I am trying to create prototypes for each item. Making prototypes is also a way to find out which is easiest to make and how I might refine the process for others.
I also have been tracked down by some folks at church (via an elder at my parents’ church) and invited to check out a singles group that meets for Sunday school and does social stuff, like eating out. This weekend is a kind of garden party, where everyone helps prepare veggies fresh from the garden for dinner. There will be grilled meats, too, provided by the host, I think.
The garden party should be fun, and delicious! Of course, after I was invited and gave all indication that I would go, a couple of other things have come up for Saturday that I wish I could also do. There’s an oil pastel class at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, a wire-working class at a local bead shop, and a double birthday party for the two youngest girls of two couples I know. One gal I met in college, and I haven’t hung out with her in over a month.
It’s funny how other things have come up since being invited to the singles dinner. It would be easy to back out and do something else, something less intimidating. I know I’m sort of jumping in the deep end by meeting the group at a dinner party, especially when people are carpooling to get there (it’s a little over an hour from my place, and people are meeting half-way to carpool). Do I drive the whole way so I have an exit, or carpool and lock myself into the evening? I’m not always comfortable in large groups.
Come to think of it, I’m not sure how many folks will be there. The invitation was emailed to 36 people, if I counted correctly. 38 if you count the host and the person who invited me.
The group itself may be the type of group I was hoping for. It’s all singles (about half divorcees) aged 35 and up. It’s definitely NOT a dating group. They meet for Sunday school only, so there’s no regular study during the week. Some folks started doing things together, like getting together for lunch on Sunday after church, which has turned into tradition. There are some other people trying new foods, which started out as as two people who said, “I’ll try Indian if you try Thai,” and then other people got interested. (The next cuisine is German. I really should get in on that too.)
I’m not sure what the other social things are, but I get the impression that they happen simply because people with similar interests get together. I talked to my college friend (who originally introduced me to this church), and she has met a couple of people in this group — one is a gal who does something with computers, and another is a guy who currently has some artwork on the walls at church. Sounds promising!
So I guess there are lots of things developing in my life right now. I have no idea where it all might lead, but I’m willing to follow!