A Week of Unexpected Moments

Jury Duty, Throw Progress, and Father's Day

Some weeks hand you exactly what you planned. And then there are weeks like this one.

Monday started with jury duty — my very first time being called in. I was number 54 out of 70 on the very last list. I was mixed with dread and excitement.😄 It's not every day you get to see how the court process actually works up close.

But the case I was called on? It was one of those that nobody wants to walk into, especially for their first time. It's in moments like that when you start asking yourself why God puts you in certain places at certain times.

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"  — Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Looking back, that verse comes to mind. I wasn't thinking about scripture in the moment. I was just uncomfortable, honestly, trying to process why I was in that room for this particular case, of all cases, on my very first time being called in. But sitting here now, it's a good reminder that God doesn't make mistakes about where He puts us. Even when we don't like it. Even when we really, really don't want to be there.

As it turned out, I wasn't chosen. But after a very long day of questions, with 69 strangers hearing pieces of your life story, I was done. I genuinely needed a couple of days to recover, and I know that sounds dramatic, but if you had been there, you would understand.

Finding My Way Back to the Hook

So what did I do? I turned to my crochet, of course. There is something about pulling out a project and just working — stitch by stitch — that quiets everything else down. It's one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place.

The Colors of America Throw is coming along! I have sewn all the motifs together by row, and now I'm working on joining the rows. The end is actually in sight. After that, all that's left is the border,  and I am so ready to get there.

I've also been going back and forth on whether I want to appliqué "250" on it to honor America's 250th birthday. I want to do something that marks the occasion, but I want it to feel right for the piece. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? I would love to hear from you — drop them in the comments below!

Three rows down, five more to go!

Teachers Don't Have Summers Off (A Quick PSA)

The rest of the week has been a blur of errands and staying busy. I've also been chipping away at my professional development requirements — because whoever said teachers have summers off has never met a teacher.

This work is often unpaid. And in some cases, I'm covering the cost out of my own pocket to attend sessions. The week of July 6th, I'll be doing the Gilder Lehrman Institute's The Making of America: From the Colonial Period Through Reconstruction. The preliminary work has already been really interesting, and I'm genuinely looking forward to the live sessions. History nerd? 🤓Guilty.

Happy Father's Day

I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment today to recognize Father's Day.

This is a shout-out to all the dads and father figures out there,  and especially to my dad. Even as an adult, there are still moments when I just need my daddy. He has been a constant supporter in my life, and I appreciate him more than I can say.

So wherever you are today, take a moment to hug the fathers in your life. Or call them. Or text them. Just let them know.

Looking Ahead

This week I'm hoping to finish the throw — fingers crossed! I'm also really excited about something else: I bought two crochet books this week, and a post about those is coming soon. Stay tuned.

Thank you for being here and for following along. It means more than you know.

Until next time,

Ariana 🧶