#48 Learning How to Crochet

When I think of the women in my family who came before me, I get all sorts of warm, fuzzy feelings.  They all fit that image of the grandma who could do all the things.  Between them all, they cross-stitched, baked, knitted, crocheted, quilted, canned and more.  Some of my favorite memories and most treasured possessions are their works of art.  I did try cross-stitch years ago; while I did finish my project, I didn't feel the need to frame it.  But as I thought about my 50 by 50, I kept thinking about those other talents of grandmas and great grandmas.  I did a little bit of research on knitting and crocheting and out of the two, crocheting seemed a little less daunting.  I found a place in Fort Worth, West 7th Wool, where I could sign up to take a class.  So that is exactly how I spent a September Saturday morning.  It was probably the longest and shortest hour of my life.  I was definitely challenged and pushed outside of my comfort zone.  As a I struggled, when I had the urge to cuss, instead I thought to myself, "Have a growth mindset, Audra.  This is the struggle we want our students to experience so they can grow.  It's only right you experience a little challenge, too."  Even though there were times I wanted to walk out, I'm going to stick with it.  Like my Spanish, it's something I think I will continue to practice and work on.  For now, I'm working on the chain stitch for 10 or 15 minutes a night. Once I feel good about that, I'll move on to the next step.  Who knows one day I may make a scarf or a blanket, but for now, I'm just practicing a new skill and working on my synapses firing.

The day started with crochet, but I also visited a fabulous independently owned bookstore next to West 7th Wool.  Please check out Monkey & Dog for your book needs.  Super cute and friendly staff with a great selection of books to choose from.  For lunch I headed over to Roy Pope Grocery & Deli.  Although it's been updated and modernized, Roy Pope has been a Fort Worth institution since 1943.  On may way home, I just had to swing by my favorite new bakery, Blue Bonnet for some butter cookies and a petite four.

Only two more adventures to go!  

   

 

#47

I try not to live a life of regrets, but one thing I wish I had done differently is take more Spanish in high school and college.  I took the minimum 2 years in high school and the required semester in college.  I remember going to take the placement test at UT and thinking I needed to make sure I did poorly on this test because I had heard stories of people ending up in classes that were too advanced for them.  Well, let's just say I did not have to try and fail that test . . . I did that quite naturally.  😂

Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I had taken all 4 years in high school and continued into college.  But I didn't so instead, I've downloaded Duolingo and I'm practicing every night.  I don't know that I will become fluent, but my goal is to be able to read some Spanish and have small conversations.  I think the Spanish language and Latin culture is beautiful and I love learning all I can.  

I don't know that this adventure will be ever be completed, but I look forward to working on it over the years.

If you are on Duolingo, be sure to find me so we can support each other.