Sunday, December 23, 2007

If you're a country bumpkin, sorry.

Yay, we're getting close to deadline! I've got some great pics of the Xmas presents, but of course it's all stealth knitting, as I'm sure many people's are. We'll all be posting a lot after the 25th, won't we? But I'm doing well, only one gift to finish, and if I put a movie in tonight, it will all be good, babee. I'll be sure to get it done.

I have to share this story. I was at a Christmas party, sitting across from a very nice gentleman and his wife. We were discussing where they were from, making nice chitchat. And I said, "Oh, I believe there was a sheep and fiber festival this summer in your town. I missed it, though, and I was really sad." The wife sat up straight and said, "Oh, no, we didn't. There are way too many rich people from that area. There is no way there was a sheep and fiber festival." Heavy pause. I was trying to think of some way to nicely contradict her, in that there certainly was a festival, and people with lots of money were helpful at these things. That's when she waived her hand in front of her face and said, "If you're a country bumpkin, sorry."

Ahem.

Well, while I may indeed be a country bumpkin, I have in the past been a court reporter, legal assistant, manager at a document and film storage facility, et cetera, et cetera. I am now a country mother of three, grooving on getting back to nature and being kind to the planet. Every one of these things are important in their way, but I believe I am doing my most important work so far right now. And she waved me away. Well, what would you have done? I admit, my first instinct was to straighten her out. (At least her husband looked embarrassed, having cottoned on to the fact that I wouldn't have brought up a sheep and fiber festival if it wasn't something that interested me.) My second instinct, close behind the first, was to just freeze her out, making pointed conversation with everyone around her, as I'm not naturally a confrontational person. But really, it was the office Christmas party, so I smiled and asked about her children. Now, I'm not one to point out when karma owes me one, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to win on a lottery ticket or something for looking the other way on that one. Plus also, she hasn't felt my thrummed mittens. I should carry a set to pull out and show people who think knitting is for rubes. I am completely hooked on making these, and every single person who has tried one on sighs. Oh, yeah. They are so soft and squishy, they should have the power to enlighten the high-minded but socially challenged.

A picture for the knitting minded: I knit garland a few years ago from silver eyelash yarn, while watching The Wizard of Oz. Well, it took more than a couple of nights, but that's what I remember most, knitting cording while watching Dorothy. Pretty, no?

10 comments:

AR said...

That's like someone saying we knit socks, because we're poor, and can't afford to buy them in a store. Ha! They should see the price of sock yarn, and feel the wonderfulness of handknit socks, but of course, they don't deserve handknit socks!

You're so nice, now you know if I had been there, there may have been a scene. I'm a knit-wit and proud of it! :)

Hope you guys have a great Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

Hurray for the Country Bumpkins! We are proud and welcome that tag.
Wow, I really feel sorry for that woman. She probably should not go out in public. She probably doesn't have a clue. I feel even sorrier for her husband.
Good for you for not dropping to her level!
That garland is Very Pretty.

Mouse said...

Yes.. and of course some of us spin our own yarn because we're too poor to afford to purchase it. *cough*
I can't WAIT to move and be a "country bumpkin"... some folks just don't know what they're missing!

Dave said...

Good for you! Even though I live in the city, I'm much happier living the live of a bumpkin than a snob.

Happy holidays!

sheep#100 said...

Ahem, indeed. I can't even begin to imagine being that rude. I'll leave you with a comment I once heard when a woman cut off a whole line of people waiting at a cash register: "Just think, in the morning, she will wake up and still be her"!

Merry Christmas.

Jennifer said...

Oh for goodness sakes. Some people have no sense and even less tact. Boo on her!

I love the garland!

Laura B said...

Woah... some people are so bizarre! Cheers to you for keeping your cool!

LaurieM said...

Hooray! Good for you for showing such class. She must be a very insecure person to try and make herself look big by making others look small. And at a social gathering too. I feel sorry for her husband.

Wow. You are awesome Carrie. I hope Santa brings you something extra nice.

Jen said...

Country life is the only life! Good for you for just moving on. I probably would have gotten up and moved.

I love the garland! What a great idea! That's on my project list for summer now. :)

Anonymous said...

Better a bumpkin and than a bi---. How rude! And ridiculous.