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I think I need to go back in the 'closet'...the 'crochet closet'...that is!!
After years of trying to open up and share my love for crocheting with others, I realized that it might be better to just go back to just enjoying it by myself, and only deal with people on the Internet.
Being the only male in a mostly female craft society here in Philly for more than 20 years has finally taken it's tole. Feeling like a salmon swimming upstream.
Years earlier, I had decided to be more 'open' was I had been ill and bedridden for a couple of years, feeling depressed. But once I began to feel better, both mentaly & physically, I thought, although up to then, I crocheted silently at home alone for years, I could share what I know to people that might appreciate it, like seniors.
I knew it might be a challenge, never formally having taught anyone in 20 years, as well as being a younger male, not only to prove myself to be taken seriously, but also dealing with all the gossip that it would generate among the groups of women.
(You know where I'm going with that,right?) ;-)
Tried to earn my 'wings' by starting off as a volunteer, building up my teaching & crocheting skills,confidence,credentials,and fan base.
For motivation, I thought back to my Mom, who always encouraged me to believe in taking pride in whatever you do, and strive to be the best at it. For being my 'business manager' when I first started to crochet. Not once did she discouraged me, or make me feel ashamed or embarressed for doing a'girlie' craft.
But, as time went by, I began to realized that I might have been 'too intense' for most people, who mainly get together for a more 'social' than 'learning' class.
I pride myself as more a 'teacher' than a 'instructor', 'learning something', more than just 'showing how to'.
Well,just cleared a space in the closet, getting my chair, hooks,yarn,something to drink, setting up the music, and shuting the door....
Later!!
