Post 2 - Take a Chance

On the heels of last week’s International Women’s Day, a day of action and reflection worldwide--is anyone else continuing to wrestle with questions about identity and values and what it means to be a women in 2017?  It has pushed me to reflect on my role as a mother and how I can best help my six-year-old develop a healthy relationship with herself, teach her to be kind and empathic, and to live a life without regret -- to be bold and strong and not afraid to take risks. 

Books about Strong Women

As images of women wearing red surfaced across the country last week, clothing can make a powerful statement.  My daughter and I donned our red outfits together and talked about what it means to be a woman in 2017--how it is important to stand up and be proud, speak up for what we believe in and always do our best.      

Now, more than ever, I want my daughter to see that while mom may not go to work in the traditional sense and put on a suit to the office each day, she still works hard and tries her best. 

My latest creation - Bunnies Of Leisure

Headbands!

Nightly routine - tea time and fabrics

Spring is Here Dress!

Sewing is something I’ve loved for years.  The summer after seventh grade, my mom signed me up for a sewing class and I fell in love. I remember constructing my first pair of shorts and thinking – this is amazing!  Sure, the elastic was too loose and the fit was unflattering, but I was hooked.  I made curtains and handbags, aprons and stuffies -- and even my own prom dress!  (I remember I used a vintage, A-line pattern to make a mod, black velvet dress!  How I wish I had that pattern.) 

In my twenties, I briefly toyed with the idea of starting a handbag line and even purchased denim fabric to get started.  With labels made and fabric purchased, I somehow talked my way out of it and never took a chance.   

Years passed and my machine collected dust. 

Recently, while at my mom’s house, I re-discovered that old box that had been stashed away for years with all the fabric from my youth.  There it was --that faded, light blue denim, folded away and patiently waiting to be created into something new.

As I quietly unfolded the fabric, touching the hope and possibility of my youth, I realized that complacency is no longer an option now that I have a daughter.  Life is too short.  Sometimes we just need to take a leap of faith and give it a try.  And who knows, maybe wonderful things may happen.

So, here’s to all the little girls who take chance and give it a try!  Let's #riseup and #bestrong! #youcandoit