Back in the saddle?

Yeah, it's been awhile since I have even considered posting on my blog. It's amazing to me how tomorrow becomes history before I am able to fully appreciate its potential. Do you relate? Having three children is such blessing, but also somewhat of a productivity hinder-er. I attempt to inspire myself daily to accomplish something insignificant let alone significant. Clean the closets, organize the pantry, sort out clothes for charity... When it comes down to it, I am hindered by the everyday...cleaning up a major mess that just happened, coordinating activities around nap-time,refereeing sibling scuffles, keeping young minds occupied and their endless inquiries addressed, school pick-ups, homework, meals and after school activities. Ah, such is life. Life is good, just busy and, boy, I am usually very tired by the time the sun sets.

Today, I did manage to do something for myself. I decided that my baby and I would venture to the newest craft store in town and check it out after dropping my older two off at school. I figured I had about an hour before I needed to get home for wee-one's nap-time. Upon entering this crafter's candy store, I was immediately struck by how many employees were working. I understand that this store is new and preparing for their grand opening, but there must have been 5 times as many employees in the store as there were shoppers. In this large workforce, I noticed something else that seemed unusual to me. The majority of the staff were MALE! Ok, so I know that there are a lot of creative men out there. I happen to even know a guy that scrapbooks and I have a male family memeber who has more creativity in his little finger than I have in my whole body. Still, it was rather surprising to see so many men employed in a craft store. Males of all ages were working there. I was politely asked if I needed help by a very young gentleman who I noticed even had gauged ears that had been discreetly masked. Interesting. I wonder... is it the economy that has prompted men into seeking employment in craft stores? I can't help but feel a bit awkward about this possibility. I feel that men in our society have been deeply emasculated by so many things. I certainly hate to see men employed by a craft store out of necessity. This is certainly a sad reflection of our once great, strong nation that was teethed on concepts of free enterprise and the American dream. I will say that if it means that the women are at home raising their children and the men are clawing at the earth trying to find a way to support their families, then great, but I fear that is not the case. While Mexican nationals are cultivating our nations dwindling food supply, American men are seeking employment in craft stores. Have the parent's of our men tainted the concept of work? Has laboring in the fields become a demeaning job that our boys are too good for? Has it forced our farmer's to hire those who will get their hands dirty and work for a lower wage? A wage that ultimately gets flooded into Mexico's economy. While a craft store's pay is likely higher than toiling in the fields, what is the ultimate price? Have we sold out our country? Is the craft store job a means to an end or an end to a means for these men? Are their dreams alive or dissolved? There is certainly nothing wrong with working in a craft store and it's admirable to be working and not simply relying on federal programs. But I think, perhaps, it should prompt some thought on the strength of our nation and society.

Who knows... all just incomplete, random thoughts as I explore a new craft store perusing the projects. I humor myself with thoughts that I might actually find time to complete one...