Sunday TastyLinks!

From Dover Books 1419 Copyright Free Animal llustrations

It's a crazy week around here. I'm knee deep in final prep for CHA, my daughter is gearing up to star in the musical Annie and my hubby is heading out of town for two days. 

I am praying for good weather and low drama. Hahahahaha...

I posed a question on Facebook yesterday after an awkward moment.  Do you ever feel like the giant elephant in the room that everyone is trying to ignore?  You know as if you're just a little too loud, a little too obvious...a little too...large?!

I think when you boil it down, we all feel like the elephant or the black sheep or the odd man out at some point or another. I think a lot of people deal with that by making themselves smaller or softer or less obtrusive. It's crucial to be sensitive to the feelings of others, but it's also okay to be real. The more I live the more I see that dysfunction isn't just a family experience, it creeps into all of our personal experiences. Everyone views life through their own lenses that are colored by their own mythology. I tend to say the things that other people are afraid to say...because they're not comfortable...because they rock the boat...because it's easier to be the bunny in the corner that's cute and loveable than it is to be the big, loud elephant. I have never mastered the art of being the cute bunny in the corner.

I've lived long enough to realize I can't control how other people see me and that it's not my job to be small and cute. It's my job to be me, without fear, without filters and without apology. It's your job to be you. The more we become ourselves, the richer life becomes. A friend of mine on Facebook Jenny Bruce said something really smart and I'm going to repeat it like a mantra: "It's none of my business what other people think of me."

I am saying this to remind myself and to share that with you, gentle reader.  Everyone is not going to love you, whether you're the cute bunny in the corner or the big elephant dancing on the table top. Everyone is not going to throw their arms around you no matter what you do. So it's a losing proposition to try to make everyone happy. Whatever you are, be it fully and freely and without apology.

xoxo
Madge

Here's what the Crafty Blogger gang has for you this week!

The Crochet Dude
Drew reviews Arctic Lace by Donna Druchunas, and enter to win some lace weight qiviut!'

The Artful Crafter
Are you sometimes frazzled by all the demands for your time? Here’s Eileen’s plan to make more time for her art.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I use some fun Sweater Surgery and button flowers to dress up a clutch and check out my Craft Super Show and CHA Schedule so you can join me in Customizing a Greeting Card Album and making all sorts of goodies with recycled wool felted sweaters.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's shibori fabric is finished...and it was easy to make!

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Learn to make Linda's favorite baby-quilt standby--Baby Blocks.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Cutesy Cross Stitch not your style? Seeking stitches for your sarcastic friends and family members? Check out Connie's snarky stitchery patterns for a refreshing change of pace that avoids an X rating.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Is it really possible to quit your day job and become a full-time crafter?

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week Craftside's got tutorials on how to make a paw print place mat, a tasty "bite" from the new book The Designer's Graphic Stew, how to sew a neckband into a neckline, all the CHA author details and how to make a scratching box for your cat.

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's CHA plans! Her new book 101 Snappy Fashions and her new product line will be unveiled.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Get into the early Valentine spirit with these colorful and cute Valentine brooches!

About Family Crafts
Sherri shares a collection of craft projects, all made from fleece fleece fabric. You can make everything from Sleeved Blankets for yourself and your pet to simple hats and scarves.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
It's Chipboard Week at The Impatient Crafter and Madge throws down an 80s inspired mixed media necklace for iLoveToCreate!