For me, it would be a combination of crafting and cooking – or perhaps, just all things domestic.
My first “wake up call” should have been the “C” I received in home economics in the seventh grade.
I only took that class because it was a requirement. After that year, I never touched another sewing machine – for the fear of sewing my finger to a piece of fabric. It was also in the seventh grade when I learned that I would never be a pastry chef, or a gourmet cook.
Despite being an “undomesticated goddess,” I am able to sew buttons on a pair of jeans or a shirt. And, I can prepare enough meals that we are not starving. (But no, the meals would never earn me a spot on shows such as “Chopped” or “Master Chef.”)
So, last weekend, I came up with a brilliant idea to commemorate my mom’s 60th birthday – a handmade tote with icons of children who were to mimic her grandchildren. I bought a sign that read “GRANDMA” and a “princess” holding a wand; a boy playing with frogs; and another boy kicking a soccer ball.
Today, I dusted off my ironing board and plugged in the iron – both of which perplexed the twins because they had no idea what the appliances are used for in a household.
I pulled the tote from the plastic bag, set it up on ironing board and placed the “GRANDMA” wording on the tote. I put the iron on what I thought was the correct setting. As the iron heating up, I cut out the cute little “children” and placed them on the tote as well.
I slowly placed the iron on top of the word “GRANDMA” and then … oh, the smell! Burning plastic tote! The iron not only melted the plastic, it scorched a hole the size of a 5×7 photo frame into the tote.
My brilliant idea for a birthday gift melted right before my eyes.
And, not only did I ruin the gift, but the expensive iron that I have had for years, and only brought out for special occasions is destroyed as well.
Yet all was not lost.
Before I tossed the tote, I had each kid hold it up to their face and I took a photo of a “face in a tote” and sent it to my mom for her birthday.
We both laughed. She knows it was the thought that counted. I am also pretty sure she will never forget this “gift.”
