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| Lady Gray, Lilybet See how she looked last time |
I've been thinking a lot about conversation for obvious reasons. I was thinking about other places I have been with stitchers and what we talked about then. I thought about my trips to Oklahoma
I feel only slightly ashamed to admit that I was afraid of the kinds of conversation I imagined people in Oklahoma had. I thought there'd be patriotism—I mean, on our first trip in 2003, the U.S. had just invaded Iraq the month before—I thought there'd be anti-foreigner yammer. I thought we might have to talk about God and Jesus (people did pray openly over their food). (I do want to apologize to anyone who lives in Oklahoma and any other place--ahem, pretty much the whole middle--where I thought this would be the conversation.) In fact, I was so worried I told my friend about my anxiety. "We have a car," she said. "We don’t have to stay if we don't like it." (She's a sensible girl; that's why we're friends.)
I needn't have worried. Not one single person asked me what church I went to or my feelings on the war. We talked about our jobs, and the comedic aspects of some of our coworkers. We talked about our joys and our frustrations. About food we liked and we didn't and how long you should cook green beans. We talked about places we had traveled to and where we wanted to go. We even concocted a hilarious response to the question posed by a husband about the retreat, "What do you do all day?" Seriously, dude? (Our story started with naked pillow fighting; it pretty much ended with naked pillow fighting too.) We talked about farting. We talked about what it must be like to be Amish, and have produced children over a 20 year period, like our dinner host, and how amazing the biscuits and the salad dressing made from bacon fat were.
There are literally hundreds of things you can talk about that don't have anything to do with your kids (and their gestation. How many times do I have to hear delivery stories?).
Here's a list: (let's start with our shared passion) stitching, finishing, framing, stash organization, shopping, blogs, vlogs, movies, books, music, apps, restaurants, food, travel, goals, seasons, holidays, education, current events...this is fun! Why don't you join in in the comments?
Our dogs of course!
ReplyDeleteI chuckled several times reading this--and it reminded me of several things that I hope I will remember to use in future blogs. I am so happy that you are blogging every day in November. I receive much delight from reading your take on things. Thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, as a Marylander (Southern) married to a Manhattanite (say no more), I'd love to hear the conversation about how long green beans should be cooked. My husband likes al dente, but I grew up with stewed all day with strips of bacon or fat back. Inquiring minds want to know!
ReplyDeleteI love the diversity of stitcher's/crafters and bloggers. Reading about, and getting a glimpse into their daily lives and thoughts is always interesting to me. Though I am in the child-centered part of my life I know there is more to come after this stage.
ReplyDeleteI'll add life transitions, like helping aging parents or dealing with medical issues. When all else fails, you can always ask about favorite episodes of I Love Lucy or favorite Katharine Hepburn movie.
ReplyDeleteNikki, I always enjoy reading your blog posts. They are inspiring and insightful. I like your list. At the last retreat I attended, we discussed other retreats (including upcoming retreats), how we connected, pros/cons of classes and workshops, the hurricane that was hitting at the time, pets, travels.
ReplyDeleteGreat conversation topics. I feel i have reached th life stage where talking about where things used to be is very popular! A customer asked where she could buy a scrapbook "go to the north end of town, past where Poundstretchers used to be, turn left and head towards the old hospital, it's where Sansoms florists used to be. Or your could try Wilkos, which is opposite the old registery office where Fine Fare used to be". Of course I meant the most recent old registry office, not the two previous old registry offices! It moves a lot,
ReplyDeleteIf the stitchers are older, topics also include aches and pains, doctors, hospitals, and care facilities. and trust me, the conversations are not as gloomy as the topics sound.
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I discuss our newest cheaters and stitching lamps, how we store/hide our stash, Whether bare canvas is acceptable in needlepoint, and our latest way to celebrate a completed project.
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