is it too soon...

for me time?

Playing catch-up

since I haven't been sharing with you

on a regular basis.

It all began with a sign.

This particular garage sale sign

I knew well.

A friendly gentleman and his wife

who used to sell antiques

now hold garage sales

throughout the summer.

I have learned that these are

not to be missed

events.

Always cool stuff.

So I went

and I found...

but that's another story.

While there we struck up a conversation 

that went something like...

So...Mr. Lucarelli...

are you still active at the

upholstery shop?

(Al's Upholstery, here in Toledo...

a family business since 1930)

Yep.

He sure was!

Next question.

Do you offer upholstery classes

because I have always wanted to learn?

pause*tilt of his head*pause

 I decided to
sweeten the pot since

I could see he was considering

the offer.

For an experienced seamstress?

Are you an experienced seamstress? He asked.

Yes. Yes, I am.

Because, he added, we are in need of a seamstress.

So I could learn the trade

while getting paid.

That got me to thinking for the rest

of the weekend.
Should I do this?
Do I want to do this?

Can I hold a job AND homeschool?

Did I want to throw something 

else at my already busy 

schedule?
(on and on to tedium)

Could James be self-motivated enough

to allow me to

pull this off?

He assured me he could.

Went to check it out.

Discussed my concerns

the need for a flexible schedule

toured the shop

met my "would-be" co-workers

everything except pay...

my focus was on the learning.

Lifelong learning.

A concept that I want my guys

to not only hear about...

but to see in

action.

The truth is
you don't know
until you're in it
how things are going to turn out.

To be honest...
I'm still in the
trying to figure it all out
stage.



In the meantime...
I'm finding I am eager to add
more...
rather than weed out.
I was asked if I wanted to partake in
a Beth Moore Bible Study
(by a co-worker who knew I'd be interested)
Tuesday nights?
Sure.
I found myself saying...
I'd love to!
And I would.
And I will.
Another lifelong learning moment
which brings me back
 to the original question.

Is it too soon for me time?

Is my focus being pulled from where
it should be...
namely, homeschool?
I could argue that I am
being a poster child for
 interest-led learning.
But...
as I go about and grow
I am once again
feeling the guilt of motherhood
creep into my being.

Balancing
the not doing enough
with
the doing too much...
trick.

Then there are
other obligations and priorities
that are getting nudged
to the side.
Make that two-scoops of guilt please.

Haven't I been through this before?
Like deja vu?
Why am I singing an old song?

It is what it is.
I am who I am.

As I struggle my way forward
it sure wouldn't hurt to ask the advice
of friends
who know what I'm going through...
who understand
what the heck I'm talking about
because we're on this road together.

Thank you, in advance
for your help
on this one.