It's WHO that matters

Life's memories, the ones that bubble up to the surface over and again, to be enjoyed ad infinitum, are almost always the ones, when we're surrounded by those we adore. The shared glances that signify meaningful conversations without words, the laughter that leaves us panting for air, the hugs that squeeze the sadness away, the quiet moments of comfortable companionable silence or the silly behavior that we allow ourselves only in the comfort of those we trust... those moments create the best memories.

I recently started hosting craft events locally and as a perfectionist, I want everyone who comes, to have a fabulous time... to go home with the satisfaction of time well spent in the company of like-minded people, creating memorable moments while crafting. I try to anticipate any need or question that arises before it happens and stress about the small stuff unnecessarily. After one event, I came home and told my husband, that I had struggled with the thought that someone didn't seem to have liked the outcome of her project. It worried me. A lot. He was very wise in his response to my anguish. He brought up the many times I have attended paint events and come home with paintings that went straight into the closet... and how I had yet gone back for more events again and again and again. It's not as much about the actual item created, as it is about who you've created it with and the laughter, shared experience and memories that the evening gave rise to. If I got to take home a new skill and an object of sheer joy on top of the laughs, that would count as an added bonus!

I am so grateful to him for pointing out this fact. It has settled me for other events and although my need to make everyone go home with something they love is ingrained in me, I try not to make it my sole focus.

That was not the end of my story though ... the lady I had worried about, landed up booking another class with me the very next day, as if to confirm that my wise husband had been spot on. I am lucky to have him as my life's greatest support... it is who we share life's moments with that matters more than where we're at.

The same 'who' is what is so important to me when creative events come around. When we get to spend time with those we adore, the other stuff is really just window dressing. The time we spend with friends, doing things we love, is time well invested in the foundations of friendships, shared memories and most importantly, our own future contentment.

For the craft events I have been blessed enough to share, it has been very important to me, that no-one feels excluded. That everyone who has a friend going and wants to join, will have the opportunity to attend as well. Events where friends can connect and have fun together are precious. It builds bonds. It grows foundations. It establishes communities.

Thanks to you all, who have touched my life by sharing your skills, your imaginations, your expectations and most importantly, your time, with me. You are so appreciated.

Let's create together. Not just crafts, but memories of laughter, fun and friendship.

Warmly,

Claire

xxx

THREE & ME