Comparisons

I hate them.

I had friends in college who called me Kristy Poppins and I hated it.  Sure, it was done mainly in an "I love you" kind of way.  But it was also often accompanied by a dose of "better than me" and I hate other people tearing themselves down by "complimenting" someone else.

I was blog-hopping today because it is Sew, Mama, Sew's giveaway day and I enjoy looking at everyone's various blogs about sewing and quilting and crafting.  And then I found the CUTEST pattern and panel fabric that would make fold out houses with little story book characters.  And I added it to my cart because my girls would love it.  Would they?  Then I remembered the toys all over the floor that are there simply because right now their greatest fun is in getting dumped out -- not played with -- just dumped out.  And I remembered what I've already gotten the girls for Christmas and how I think that what they are receiving will really be enjoyed.  And they don't need more.  And THEN I remembered all the projects that I have on my to-do list and how I have an addiction to fabric where I buy it with a project in mind (or not) and then don't get around to it.  And as cute as they are, I think these play houses wouldn't get done for a while.  And would the girls miss out on a slice of life if they didn't get one?  No.

So I closed my browser.  And I didn't purchase.

And then I thought, I'll bet I could make my own anyway.  Maybe.  I wish I could be talented like that and maybe I should start up my other blog again and do projects and giveaways and sell things in my shop and at craft fairs and . . . and . . . and . . . 

I need to stop.  

I have a comfortable home that is decorated the way I like it.  I have a quilting hobby that brings me incredible joy and benefits others as well.  I have books sitting next to my bed that need to be read because I WANT to read them.  And I have 3 wonderful children and a husband that I enjoy keeping house for -- and that keep me very busy.

Do I need to craft a paper star garland for the holidays?  Do I need a homemade craft or snack every day of our advent calendar or can we just read a Christmas story?  Do I need ANOTHER blog that doesn't show me in sweats and no makeup or the crusted food on the floor or the piles of laundry on my bed and don't even get me started on the dusting!!

Boy does the internet encourage us to compare ourselves to everyone out there.  It pits my talent against someone else's and ignores the fact that we all have our strengths, our weaknesses, our interests, our "I love this" and "I could could care less" things to do.  I'm not trying to criticize anyone who keeps a "business" blog and does well with it, but I think I've made my decision.

I love blogging about my family and having a journal of sorts and showing 10,000 pictures a year of the Arboretum.

I love quilting and crafting and creating when I have time and inspiration and not working to a deadline.

I love moving at my own pace with the kids and doing fun things or just sitting and reading stories.

And I love looking at the things that others are doing and gleaning ideas (and I love the word gleaning).

And I just love being me!