BLC Day 10: Reflections

I love the United States and being an American citizen.  I love that ours is a country built on democratic principles and laws to ensure our country's sovereignty and the rights of every citizen.  I love that ours is the model of government the rest of the world looks to when developing and molding their own democracies.  I love how we, the people, elect our leaders as opposed to having them appointed to us by birth rights, and that we honor and hold dear the principles of peaceful transfers of power from one leader to the next.  No coup d'etat for us; we're more evolved than that.  So, I must continue to love all of these things even when presented with what I consider to be disappointing outcomes in our election process.

Donald Trump is our new president-elect.  There... I actually put his name in print rather than treat it like Voldemort - he who shall not be named.  And while he was absolutely not my choice, I have to respect my fellow Americans who did choose him for their own reasons.  Believe me, getting to this acceptance level was not easy for me.  I, too, was angry and bewildered over the election results.  But after having time to vent, yell, and reflect, I am now ready to move forward.

I've seen many comments on various social media platforms where "friends" identified Trump supporters as racists, and even second-guessed the people with whom they work and socialize everyday.  I understand those feelings, given the divisive and hateful rhetoric he said for 18 months.  And, I too found myself looking at people and mentally skewering them for having voted for him - whether I knew this to be the case or not.  While I'm sure a fraction of his supporters voted for him because they indeed held such hateful, extremist views, I'm not convinced this was the sole motivation for the overwhelming numbers which swung in his favor.

There were so many variables which factored into his election - Sec. Clinton's inability to change the narrative regarding her trust-worthiness and protest voters who couldn't get "excited" about her candidacy; almost daily Wikileaks news dumps of hacked emails from key Clinton campaign staffers and others (Gee, thanks, Russia! Really, you shouldn't have!); the so-called reverse Bradley affect, where voters wouldn't admit they were voting for Trump in public or when asked by pollsters; and don't forget FBI Director Comey's pronouncement of additional emails which may factor in their investigation of Sec. Clinton's private server, only to reaffirm there was no new information 2 days before the election.  But what must also be acknowledge is the fact there are people in our country whose economic pain seemed to go unnoticed by their elected officials and both major political parties, and so they voted with their pocketbooks.  Reminds me what James Carville said during President Clinton's 1992 presidential run - the economy, stupid!

So, here we are and we all must decide how we want to proceed now that a new president has been selected.  No, I'm not ready to offer my congratulations to him, but I am ready to see how he transitions into this leadership role.  And no, I'm not ready to embrace him as my president as I did Barack Obama, but I am ready to acknowledge him as president-elect and hope that he will indeed be a good president.  If he is able to live up to this measurement, it means he would have done what was best for America and Americans - ALL Americans - and isn't that what our president is supposed to do?

We will have mid-term election in 2 years with another general in 2020, so make no mistake about it - if he doesn't live up to the good president measurement, and instead conducts himself in a manner consistent with what we observed during his campaign, I will call it out and do all I can to ensure he is voted out of office as swiftly and decisively as he was voted in.

Be blessed!

Aisha

BLC Day 9: Recovery

My dear readers,

I had a completely different post ready to go for you today, but I can't even lie... the presidential election results have me feeling certain ways, and not one of them is positive.  I need time to process my feelings and get back into a space where I can move forward.

I'm sure I'm not alone, so I wish you all the best as you reconcile yourselves with these results.

As always...

Be blessed - we're gonna need it more than ever!

Aisha

BLC Day 8: I Voted... Did You?

I am a self-confessed news junkie, especially that of the political variety.  On any given day, you can find me consuming the programming on MSNBC and CNN (and sometimes even Fox), often engaged in one-sided, sometimes profanity-laced "conversations" with the pundits as they opine on the events of the day, week, month and/or season.  When election time comes rolling around, I try to take time to acquaint myself with the candidates and/or issues on the upcoming ballot.  And. I. Never. Ever. Miss a primary or general election.  Not ever.  In fact, I've often quipped that I don't care if the only item on the ballot is the office of local dog catcher - I'm voting!

Part of the reason why I'm so adamant about exercising my right is the awareness of sacrifices made by those who have come before me.  Therefore, I cannot in good conscience take this right for granted or squander its opportunity - a principle I've tried to instill in my children.  I've asked them multiple times this season "Are you voting?", only to be given a lackluster "Yeah, I guess so."  I understand their conflict.  I remember my first presidential election in 1984, a year where the candidate nominated by my party didn't excite me, either.  But, as an adult, you have to recognize what is at stake, put on your big boy/girl pants and do what you know you must.

Of all of the presidential campaign seasons I've observed, this one of 2016 has been the most distasteful, divisive and repulsive I've ever observed.  The fear mongering, hatred and vitriol spewed by the Republican candidate has lowered our national discourse to an embarrassing level.  For example, when the RNC held one of its primary debates here in Detroit last year, this guy actually made veiled references to his virility and sexual prowess.  REALLY?  WHO DOES THAT?!!  His behavior has been so repugnant that I can no longer stomach looking at his face on my TV screen as the various news outlets provide him with free airtime so they can be the first to report on the outrageous rhetoric to ooze from his lips.  And what about the outright - and dare I say, easily verifiable - fabrications he has disgorged?  As if we didn't hear anything he previously said to completely contradict what he just said!

(Sigh)

But, after 19 long and despicable months, we have finally reached the point where we, the people, cast our vote for the 45th president of the United States.  I took this day off work so I could make it to my polling place early to cast my vote and be able to follow the news coverage.  However, I found myself so eager to vote that I actually went to my city clerk's office last Saturday to complete and submit an absentee ballot.  So, most of the TVs in my home will be turned on so I can be within earshot to catch all of the action right up until tonight when a winner has been declared.  No matter what your politics or party leanings, I encourage you to get out and make your voice heard by casting your vote.  Many people have surrendered so much to ensure you have this right - don't waste it.  Your vote really does count... just ask Al Gore!

(Ah, the good 'ole days of 2000.  And I thought that election was unprecedented!)

#ImWithHer

Be blessed - and VOTE!!

Aisha

BLC Day 7: Wool & Leather Coat Refash - The Plan

I can't tell you why, but I have a fondness for white wool coats.  Not white-white, but more winter-white. Something about them looks sophisticated and classic to me, almost regardless of style.  I shared with you yesterday my observation regarding the sudden trendiness of shopping at thrift stores, and that I, too, have shopped them to see what treasures I could scoop up.  Last week while traveling in Grand Rapids, MI for work, I stopped by the Goodwill store located on Kraft Ave. to see what they had.

I found this winter-white wool coat.  It was in very good condition, but it didn't fit me well, especially around the biceps which is always a fitting challenge for me.  But, I thought there was enough fabric to do "something" with it.

BLC Day 6: Empire Refash

Have you noticed that thrift store shopping has become trendy?  I wonder what changed to make this shopping experience "stylish".  I've had several recent experiences where I've voiced my admiration over something a person is wearing, only to hear them proudly proclaim it was purchased at a thrift store - and by young women, too!

I've supported The Salvation Army for many years, both financially and through donations, because I believe in their cause and the work they do.  About 2 years ago, I went to one of their thrift stores on New Year's Day because I wanted to purchase a supply of inexpensive white sweaters for a home dec project - more on that later.  While there, I was drawn to this red empire-waist pullover sweater.  I loved the color, the pronounced cable knits and the weight.  I could see this being a welcomed and much-appreciated layer of clothing on cold winter days.  And, because the store was holding a Half-Off Tag sale for the holiday, I was able to scoop it up for about $3 or $4.  Once I started wearing it, however, the sweater bodice felt constricting and the style almost maternity-like.

I went on Pinterest and found several sweater refashion images which inspired me, and because I still loved the color and knit, I thought I would like the sweater better as a cardigan than of a pullover.

BLC Day 5: Accidental Icon

When I made the decision to begin blogging, it was after being inspired by so many talented women in the blogosphere who were willing to share their time and talent online.  The first blog I started following was Sharon Sews, where Sharon shared not only her sewing talent but also life challenges she encountered and overcame.  I then happened upon Sew Many Ways, and to say I was blown away with Karen's ability to recycle and re-purpose everyday items in her sewing and craft room is an understatement.  In fact, I'm unashamed to admit that I've adopted several of her organization ideas in my own domain, like the use of pipe stripes found in your local hardware store as handles on recycled storage boxes.

BLC Day 4: Poppin' Wheelies!

I have long dreamed of having a beautiful and functional space in which to enjoy the various craft activities which interest me.  I recall in the pre-Pinterest days initiating and saving online image searches to see how other sewing-enthusiasts have set up and organized their sewing spaces.  And who hasn't thumbed through a copy of Dream Sewing Spaces by Lynette Ranney Black?

While working in my Sewing Room now, I look around and am pleased to see the progress I've made in improving its efficiency and appearance, but it has not been an overnight process. Most of the improvements have been done over a period of about 10 years - reminds me of the saying "slow and steady wins the race."  Case in point, my Project Table which I actually completed building in 2014 and blogged about in January 2015.  It has truly become a workhorse piece of furniture in my Sewing Room, and provides a lot of great storage capacity underneath its table top...

BLC Day 3: I Could Be Wrong, But...

Welcome to Day 3 of my Blog Like Crazy challenge, and as promised, here's a post about an observation I made.  When it comes to design elements in women's clothing, my favorites are asymmetry, double-breasted and wrap styles.  I recently did a quick scan of the patterns in my collection and counted no fewer than 10 wrap-style tops and dress patterns.  I think it's safe to say I don't need to purchase more.

So, when I saw this image last night while scanning through my Pinterest feed, I had to ask...

"Am I missing something?  Where's the asymmetry?"

I won't even address the price for this top and the fact that it probably is a poorly made and poor-quality garment and wouldn't look this good in the reality... IJS.

Be blessed!

Aisha

BLC Day 2: Blog Like Crazy Challenge

If you follow my blog, you already know... I'm an inconsistent blogger.  I really don't mean to be.  In fact, I've written in past posts how I don't like going long periods of time without publishing something and have vowed to be more consistent, only to find myself falling into familiar patterns. In reviewing my blog archive, I've realized that I didn't publish a single post in 2014.  How awful!!

What the what?!  Where's 2014?

When I reflect on the reasons why my blogging is so sporadic, the biggest factor for me is time - there never seems to be enough to fulfill all of the tasks for the many roles I play, so engaging in activities I enjoy doing (like sewing, crafting, and blogging) is often sacrificed.  And, if I'm not sewing, then what on earth would I blog about?  This reminds me of a quote I recently read...

"Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem.  We all have twenty-four hour days."

~ Zig Ziglar ~

Yesterday, while catching up on reading my favorite blogs, I saw Faye's recent post where she decided to participate in the Blog Like Crazy challenge - for a second year!  The challenge is to commit to publishing a blog post each day throughout the month of November.  She took up this challenge last year, and amazed herself with how consistent she was in publishing.

After reading her post, and reflecting on Zig's words of wisdom, I thought "Why not?"  So, I've decided to accept the challenge this year and publish a daily post this month.  I can't guarantee each one will be sewing or craft related; they may only focus on a daily observation or thought, but I think this may help me improve my consistency.

We'll see how this goes...wish me luck!!

Be blessed!

Aisha

BLC Day 1: Saving My Bum

I recently shared with you that my Sewing Room serves many functions, including where I manage my household affairs, so it's fair to say my office chair and desk has received lots of use since purchasing them in 2006 and '07 respectively.  My desk, purchased on Target.com, was part of their "Our House" collection and I liked its streamlined appearance and function, plus the approximate $99 price tag was right up my alley.  At the time of my purchase, this furniture line was being discontinued and the only color available was white, so I knew I'd be painting it black as soon as it arrived.

Images taken in 2012

The chair was purchased from Art Van, a well-known furniture store in the Midwest.  I think I paid about $100 for the chair - a price I would never ever pay again for a similar item.  Hindsight is 20/20, right?  Anyway, the seat bottom flattened out significantly over the years.  In fact, I've had several "Princess and the Pea" moments because I could feel the hardware through the seat cushion whenever I sat in the chair.  It is, however, in otherwise good condition, so I decided to simply replace the seat padding.

The space between my desk and chair is one of Max's favorites.