I cast my ballot yesterday at the Smyrna Community Center. It took about 40 minutes due to all of the seniors (75+) who get to cut in line. So glad to have that task crossed off my list! Now, if the unwanted texts, emails, phone calls and ads would disappear! Surely, there’s a way to let the digital media folks know I’ve already voted, so don’t bother contacting me.
The local races and proposed amendments are what I’m most interested in. Hopefully, we get a new clerk of court and commission chair, plus the proposed 30 year 1% transit tax gets a smackdown by the voters. I have no desire to live in a swing state the next time a presidential election rolls around. It’s too much! This article from the BBC describes what it’s like to be a swing state voter. Makes for an interesting read.
Be sure to exercise your right to vote between now and Election Day.
Yesterday, my guild hosted a charity sew day. There were several new faces at this event. One person set up her machine next to my friend and me. While we were chatting, the newcomer apologized for her sewing machine. She said it wasn’t fancy like others she’d seen in the room, but she liked it. Her particular model of machine (a computerized Brother machine that retails for $250.00 at Wal-Mart) is one I often see at retreats and in classes I teach – not much different from my Elnita EC30 or my friend’s Janome 740. I assured her that her opinion of her sewing machine was the only one that mattered.
Our conversation brought back memories of when I first joined a sewing group. I had a mechanical Kenmore 30 stitch machine that I loved. I walked into a room of ladies with expensive Pfaff, Viking and Bernina machines. I knew exactly how she felt. A kind lady noticed my discomfort and told me that it’s what I can do with the sewing machine that counts, not the brand of sewing machine. That’s always stuck with me.
I scanned the sewing machines in our room. Yes, there were a couple of Berninas and high-end machines at the event – including an aqua Kaffe edition Bernina 475 (retail $2,999). Most attendees had brought either a vintage machine or a small modern machine that probably cost less than $450.00. This is typical of what you’ll find at classes, retreats and sew days. The travel machine might be grandma’s Singer Featherweight, their very first sewing machine or the $100.00 big box store special they had to buy to finish a project because their main machine had a hissy fit. A straight stitch only machine is usually fine unless you are taking an appliqué or decorative stitching class. This is why so many quilters have a Singer Featherweight or a 301 as their travel machine.
Remember, it’s what you do with the sewing machine that counts – not the label on your sewing machine. Chances are, the serious stitchers with the vintage and budget friendly machines at the retreat have an upper tier sewing machine or longarm at home. (As did our newcomer with her Brother machine – she had recently purchased a long-arm.)
A budget-friendly Elnita EC30 sewing machine that is my go-to machine for classes.
This afternoon, several CAREing Paws folks (and their dogs) met at Red Top Brewery. It was such a nice time! I met some new therapy dog teams. Sadie met three new therapy dogs that belong to teams with whom we regularly visit. Many in our group have more than one therapy dog in the family. One dog at a time is certainly plenty for me!
Much to our collective surprise, the smaller city school district wants to move forward with the weekly school-based READ program. I’m really not sure of the timetable for the program to get up and running. There’s a lot that needs to happen, so a January 2025 start date would not surprise me.
We also learned a bit more about the CHOA monthly therapy dog program at Scottish Rite. No mask is required. There’s blood antibody titer test for those who can’t locate all their vaccine records. I told my friend I’d review the updated volunteer requirements this week. CHOA was one of my favorite places to visit with Boomer.
To make room for these new therapy dog visit opportunities, I’m going to have to let go of current activities. I’m okay with that. I’ll miss the people; however, these new visit opportunities will allow us to have more of an impact in areas that really matter to me.
There’s also a lot more going on behind the scenes – including a potential sewing teacher opportunity with a local maker studio that came my way last week – so I’m excited to see how everything turns out once the dust settles. I have a strong feeling that 4th quarter of 2024 is going to be one of change that lead to a very fulfilling 2025.
Come Stitch With Me 