A little while ago our family moved to a small town on the Darling Downs and I suffered extreme homesickness for the friends and community I had left behind. I also didn't find my new town very friendly. Oh well, give it some time I thought. Fast forward 9 months and I went to visit the local drapery where the local craft group meet. I had shopped there on numerous occasions.
Me: Hello, I'd really like to join your quilting group.I make it to my car before I start crying.
Lady: No we're closed.
Me: Urm, the shop is closed?
Lady: No our group is closed, we have enough members.
Oh well, not the end of the world: but *ouch* that stung a little.
A week later I took Little Bear to his special class in Warwick, a much larger country town half an hour away. To occupy myself whilst waiting for Bear's class to finish I decided to visit a beautiful quilt shop on the main street. My browsing was interrupted by a pleasant, obligatory; "Can I help you with anything?"
Me: No thanks, I'm just looking. [pause] Actually I'd really like to find someone who could give me a crochet lesson.
Lady: [pauses, looks at me for 2 seconds & then] Come with me.
I follow her into the room behind the shop where other women are busily crafting away. I am warmly introduced, given a lovely crochet lesson and included in conversation. I don't just leave with a gorgeous red & turquoise granny square. I walk away feeling like I have been wrapped in a warm blanket, I feel loved.I make it to my car before I start crying.
Y Cate
