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Every day is like a box of chocolates.......

6/10/2013

53 Comments

 
 "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind
don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. "– Dr. Seuss
My shop is magical in that it’s always full of surprises. Like  a  box of chocolates, you never know what you’re in for when you walk through the door. Sometimes I wonder while driving to the shop what will happen next and so far I’m never disappointed.  Someone or something will unravel a story whether good, bad or ugly, but assuredly as I’m sitting here, something will liven up the day.  The best days will be someone bringing in a finished rug for show and tell,  the eye candy of this business that's sweeter than maple syrup.  I don’t know if every life is this exciting  but there’s a silver lining following me around, sometimes disguised as a black cloud, but  every day yields a story to exercise my chops on.  Either someone comes in and is so delightful you feel like a warm and fuzzy Care Bear or there will be an "incident", someone being rude for no reason other than they think the world uses them as its axis, but I'll tell you now, there's only room for one on that pole and I've been swinging off it for some time!  But seriously, whatever happens is novel, something to be excited over or bitch about; fodder for blogs and my stand-up routine at Wednesday evening hook-ins. 
 
The week before last we had a surprise visit from Deanne Fitzpatrick who was combing around this part of the province visiting with old friends and meeting new.  She's a long term friend of Doris Eaton so they had a lovely catch-up and then visited the surrounding studios in the county. This was her first trip to our new shop and I was happy to show it off. She’s hooking royalty around these parts….more people know her name than the pope.   She bought some wool and then was gone but we squeezed in a quick photo op.
 
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Deanne, me and Jake posing. Don't really know what happened in this picture because I look like I'm wearing maternity wear. To dispel an potential rumours, No...I am not pregnant! Note to self: Throw shirt in trash!
With the rain pouring down as if Noah launched a boat, I figured Saturday would be a laid back kind of day but of course I was wrong.  Sue came by to hook on her latest project, a rug for a friend’s shop, Linda Ruth of Come By Chance antiques, the best antique shop on the south shore.  Linda Ruth has opened a section of her large barn to display and sell her hooked rugs and Sue has a number of pieces for sale as well. This area is so rich with rug hooking history and hookers per capita that it’s well worth a visit to Nova Scotia.  As well, the Rug Hooking Museum of North America will soon have its official opening and that should bring  people in droves, not only rug hookers but rug enthusiasts, people who love and appreciate our craft.  The shops, rug hookers of note and those of us who just do it for fun combined with the museum should put Nova Scotia on the map for Rug Hooking.

So, Saturday  Sue was in doing some hooking and keeping me company on a miserable damp day and I was drawing off a few new designs when a group of women popped in that had been at the museum and were told my shop was a must see. As the doors swelled open and the women swarmed the shop the energy they brought was palpable.   Fun gals from all over Canada, out for a good time and in search of a laugh.  They were a group of friends who decided to meet up for a bit of holiday fun and were hitting the shops.  None were hookers, although one had tried it.  One was self proclaimed craft challenged, but one from Halifax thought it would be interesting to take a class, as long as it was “fun” being the prerequisite.  Three stayed behind while the rest left  to check out the consignment shop next door.   

How talk got around to boobies is lost on me but complaints about the weight and size of the larger chest was mentioned and before we knew what was happening one of the women had lifted her shirt to show us her reduction from a G to darn near perfect C.  I haven’t seen anything that perky for a very long time and maybe never did as I don’t recall a time not being able to  stash paper money under mine for safe keeping...who needs a fanny pack!  They’ve been laying on my chest since I was a teen, an unexpected lifelong reminder for getting married and having a baby way too  young.  
 
The female breast is a beautiful thing.  I used to think that back in the day of life drawing classes.  So round, so smooth so fully formed.   And I‘ve seen a set or two on television that can make a girl green with envy.   Breasts so firm they wouldn’t move if their owner jumped up and down on a trampoline, whereas I might sustain an eye injury! 


At this point  in my life the breast barely gets a second thought...I’m more interested in hooking perfection than anything to do with my anatomy but the shock of seeing breasts in the shop, especially such fine specimens, caused my jaw to bruise my foot as it dropped and all I could say through the drool was a very sincere “OMG they’re fabulous!”  
 
Her breasts still showed the fading scars of surgery but you could see they were well on the mend and on their way to being a chest that wouldn’t need a bra.  It would be a crime to conceal them behind lace and material after the surgeon had sculpted perfection. These breasts needed to be shown, used as examples or  modeled for artists, papers need to be written about them…made famous as the poster breasts for augmentation. 

In the woman’s  opinion, the result was well worth the 10 weeks of recovery and there was no pain except for taking one Advil the first day after surgery. She said she had it done for medical reasons.  A smaller woman, her G sized breasts caused surmountable back and shoulder pain, and truthfully I had no frame of reference of anything that size but it sounded way bigger than any number I’m familiar with, maybe Dolly could relate, I don’t know.   

So now she is a C and loving it.  She’s a nurse so did all the research and found the best surgeon and was completely happy with the results and recommended it highly. The thing that made me squirm was the nipple replacement.  They cut off her actual nipples and sewed them back on where they should be…somewhere between the elbow and the shoulder.   I didn’t know that…I always thought the bellybutton was a good level…..

She left the surgeon’s information but I’m too much of a coward.  If it is needed for medical reasons the operations is free and if it’s cosmetic the price tag is $5000.00.  The money was inconsequential, if I wanted it done badly enough  I wouldn’t blink. I probably have enough discomfort  to warrant it done for medical reasons but if not, that’s only the price of three or four poodles and I don’t drink or smoke so I must have a credit somewhere for good living! 

I do have problems with bras.  They cause cramps in my chest as the back strap wheedles its way between my ribs and makes the muscles sore.  Lately I’ve been more sensitive to it with my heart skipping all over the place so I am wearier about my posture and any discomfort in that area.   Sometimes it hurts while I hook  because I am leaning forward just a bit too much and there was that humiliating story about the hospital run I wrote about not so long ago. And let's face it, some of the bras we bustier women are forced to wear make you feel like you’re armoured and heading into battle like Zena the Warrior Princess!   
   
If…and there’s that big if…I thought I would make it through the operation without any complications or infections etc., I might consider it more seriously.  It would be nice to not suffer cramps from bra bands or wear clothes without having that peek-a-boo gap between the buttons.  Finding tops that fit would be nice and I could do without always shifting clothes for comfort. My chest could be more a part of me instead of entering a room before the rest of my frame.   Despite my complaints I'm happy with my body, this is the lot I've been handed and I'm fine with that.  My chest is really a non issue if not for the occasional discomfort from muscle cramping.  I believe everyone has to do what's best for them and for me, I'll never go for it, I’m a big coward.  My worry wart dad ingrained a cautionary personality. I hear the horror stories, and yes, of course, that’s all one ever hears, but where there’s smoke there’s fire so it’s something that needs to weigh in on the decision making.  Even a one in a million screw up is grim odds for me.  I wouldn’t want something nasty to happened and be that person who died due to complications of unnecessary breast augmentation.  I’d never live that down……  
 
So not every day you get to see boobies at work.  It was definitely a different, educational and thought provoking day.  Sue and I were impressed by the woman’s candour and ability to bare it all.  She is definitely the poster child for breast reduction with her amazing success story and I just have to add, she has one incredible rack!   So....one wonders what might happen next……………..
PictureAll Gulls, No Buoys 22" x 16 1/2"
Today will be another guessing game for a free pattern.  Hot of the press I thought one of Sue Cunningham's Women of Abundance would fit the theme of today's blog.  There isn't any frontal indulgence but plenty from behind.   "All Gulls, No Buoys" is a fun play on words and in this delightful design both slender and large women share equal billing.  If you would like a chance to win this pattern on linen,  click on the comment and leave your vote for the number in my head from 1-50.  I will announce the winner at the end of the day.   

Coincidentally, there must be something in the water as the two previous winners were both from my neck of the woods.  So lets see if we can get a winner from across Canada or from one of our hooking sisters south of us.  Good luck all! 


53 Comments
Adena
6/10/2013 01:58:47 am

#46. Loved your blog, quite the way with words :)

Reply
Elaine Howatt
6/10/2013 05:43:35 am

My guess is number " 13".

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Gina Danger
6/10/2013 02:10:09 am

The IWOM says 17!

Reply
Christine
6/10/2013 11:08:33 am

Oh so close...but no potato!

Reply
Joni Black
6/10/2013 02:12:44 am

loved the blog - love the pattern - i say 36

Reply
Danielle
6/10/2013 02:19:31 am

#4 (my lucky number!)

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Nancy Show
6/10/2013 07:07:10 am

I'm guessing 43. Love the pattern!

Reply
Susan Doyle
6/10/2013 02:26:42 am

I think the number for me is 4. This is because of the 4 ladies in the picture who represent myself (largest), 2 best friends in the world, (large & small) & my sister (medium).
We all know that it doesn't matter what someone looks like but what is in their heart and shines in their eyes.
None of us, however had great boobs & one lost hers to cancer. I won't say which one of us, but life is wonderful.
Love the idea of the contest, this is great fun! Thanks.

Reply
Susan Doyle
6/10/2013 02:30:30 am

Oh my, someone took my number. So I will change it to 10, as today is my Mom's birthday. Her boobs were great, she is 85 today.
Love her always, she is my inspiration.

Reply
Christine
6/10/2013 10:58:47 am

Yes, all joking aside once we think of cancer we then appreciate any size or shape breasts we have and are eternally grateful for them!

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Cathy Hallett
6/10/2013 02:31:54 am

#9

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Ruth Simpson
6/10/2013 02:40:15 am

23

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Lorna Stewart
6/10/2013 02:41:43 am

Today, I will receive my 25 year pin as a nurse with VON...therefore, the number I choose is 25!!

Reply
Christine
6/10/2013 11:00:05 am

Sorry you didn't win the pattern but you are definitely a a shining star today with your 25 year pin! Congrats!

Reply
Susi Seyller
6/10/2013 02:49:54 am

No one asked my permission to make a pattern of my bum!!!!
My magic number is.....drum roll please......48.

Reply
Deb
6/10/2013 02:55:09 am

what a great pattern! I will pick 45 for the number of years we have been married.

Reply
Amy B
6/10/2013 02:59:14 am

22 my lucky number! Enjoyed your storytelling.

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Christine
6/10/2013 03:03:45 am

Number 26 - sticking with my birthday!!

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Glenna
6/10/2013 03:07:39 am

Love it!!!! 17

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Joanne Uhlman
6/10/2013 03:10:52 am

What an interesting and educational day you had at work! My number is 31!

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Marie MacVicar
6/10/2013 03:28:15 am

# 11.......

Reply
Nancy Bailey
6/10/2013 03:31:22 am

#17 - my granddaughter's age. And this blog article is hysterical! Thanks for making me laugh this morning.

Reply
Sandra Palmer
6/10/2013 03:32:02 am

19

Reply
cyndee maynard
6/10/2013 03:39:42 am

I guess 24

Reply
Monica
6/10/2013 04:19:37 am

I lol'd at this post. My number is #16

Reply
Christine
6/10/2013 11:02:18 am

Monica is the winner with the number #16!!!

Reply
Joan
6/10/2013 04:26:31 am

I'll try 39 again. Anyone could have fun with this pattern.

Reply
Debra Windle-Smith
6/10/2013 04:39:50 am

Great pattern....10 is my number today

Reply
Debra
6/10/2013 04:42:46 am

Loved the dr Seuss quote today....that is a post script to my number guess! Thank you

Reply
Deborah
6/10/2013 04:58:58 am

My number is 14 !

Reply
Deborah Schrang
6/10/2013 05:03:46 am

It has to be #2 - for the great rack that woman was so willing to show off! lol

Reply
Martha
6/10/2013 05:04:45 am

I enjoy your posts. And love your patterns. My guess is 47. Thx.

Reply
Andre
6/10/2013 05:11:45 am

#28. Great blog post today!

Reply
Shirley Good
6/10/2013 05:22:40 am

I am picking 32 the year I was born.

Reply
Susan Morris
6/10/2013 05:33:26 am

38 please

Reply
Allyson
6/10/2013 06:00:02 am

So fun, my number is 15. Thanks!

Reply
Loris Blandfordl link
6/10/2013 06:08:16 am

This is one of my favorite patterns, fingers crossed to #20

Reply
Donna
6/10/2013 06:08:57 am

#44, the years we have been married !!

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Anne Holmes
6/10/2013 06:12:05 am

I will take #27, the year my parents were born.

Reply
Carole
6/10/2013 06:16:37 am

25

Reply
Liz
6/10/2013 06:20:16 am

Great post. I find it encouraging that more & more women are sharing their "stories". Although breast reduction will never be in my future ( a "C" at my largest) is great to hear that lady's story. Great pattern, love those big boned ladies. I choose 33

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Pam
6/10/2013 06:25:07 am

# 35- the years I have been married.

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Joy
6/10/2013 06:28:31 am

How about 42??

Reply
Mary Longmire
6/10/2013 06:56:59 am

I choose number 7

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julia sinclair
6/10/2013 06:58:36 am

43 - my age. How can that be unlucky!!!

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Teri Hedrick
6/10/2013 07:50:59 am

My guess is 21. Love the pattern and the blog.

Reply
Michele Micarelli link
6/10/2013 08:41:28 am

If I had known how happy breasts made you I would have shown you mine!! As you know I've lost much weight. I had skin removed and nipples were left in place skin pulled over and popped through like a buttonhole!! So interesting!! Same with the navel. It's the first time I have EVER had a flat belly!!

I am the Hooker of the Year at the museum please go see my rugs. My breasts can be seen on The mermaid "Guarding Marina" my old breasts can be seen on "Afternoon Delight"

Hugs everyone!!

Reply
Christine
6/10/2013 11:06:58 am

Well...although I'm a closet dresser myself, I don't mind looking at others....for educational purposes of course! The buttonhole thing escaped me....I'll mull that over this evening for sure.... I hope to check out the Museum and congrats again on your title! Rug Hooker Of the Year is a mighty fine feat!

Reply
Ankie Fisher
6/10/2013 09:58:20 am

34

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margotjanes
6/10/2013 11:49:04 am

38

Reply
Terry Lynn Carefoot
6/11/2013 01:39:01 am

My guess is 28. Love looking at your blog.

Reply
Lorraine
6/12/2013 08:09:19 pm

My guess is 4..

Reply
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Reply



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