Circus Dreams

Another thing I can’t do worth spit is sew. And, apparently, in this instance, all the desire and practice in the world makes little difference.

When I was still young and naïve* enough to listen to my in-laws, I got sucked into the won’t you want to make dresses for your little girl fantasy. Although, a little girl was distant in my future, I conceded I’d practice to be better prepared when the fabled child arrived.

Everything I made looked like clown pants. I don’t know why.

I carted the sewing machine back from whence it came, decided I had no talent for sewing and did something else.

But, every now and then, I’d try again. The result was always the same. Clown Pants.

Dreams die hard, or insanity persists, so over the years, I made enough clown pants to outfit Ringling Brothers.

I did find, however, I could make a serviceable blanket.

It will keep you warm, but don’t look at the seams or lumps or little crimpy parts.

And, scarves. I can whip out a scarf like nobody’s business. Once again, ignore the crimpy parts.

It occurred to me the other day, I am more mechanic than seamstress.

I put stuff together and make it work. Which is why, what results is serviceable. It works, leave me and my crimpy parts alone. Thank-you.

Perhaps, as a seamstress, I’ve peaked. Here, talent, I have none, a pot full of desire reaps returns that are variations of mediocre.

So, I sit here waiting for my last watercolor painting to dry while thinking about sewing, and I wonder if I’m working up to a wet version of Clown Pants?

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Arthur Schopenhauer

We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.
Sophia Loren

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Calvin Coolidge

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.'
Helen Hayes



*stupid