Posted by craftfetish on 2006-09-21 10:42:08
Post Subject:
Bookstores, "Wow! I've heard about that <book>What have you heard?" Once in the crafting section of Borders, another patron was looking for a book by a Getcrafty regular, so we started chatting and shared giggles over the Taxidermy(!) book in the craft section.
Where were you when I was book shopping this weekend? I was trying to find Art de la Soul - which Borders said they had but couldn't be found on the shelf - and stumbled upon the Taxidermy Guide. There was no one there to laugh with except for the creepy dude blocking the aisle while he leered at "art photography" books. (note to CraftyChica - bought it online - all is well)
I am something of an introvert, and can definitely relate to what you are going through. Post college, it is HARD.
Since graduating college, I have started over in two cities. First, I moved to Boston without knowing anyone. I was attending grad school at night and working part time during the day - my schedule was opposite that of 9 to 5ers. The people I worked with were older and had familes and whatnot. I tried taking a pottery class, but never made it past small talk during class. So the only friends I really made were other students in my program - and even there it seemed to take a long time to progress from small talk and study groups to legitmate friendships and socializing.
I think my feelings of loneliness were compounded by the culture of the area. People in New England don't seem to talk to total strangers the way that Midwesterners or Southerners do. Wonderful wonderful people once you know them, but when I was new and feeling isolated, I missed that random acknowledgement from the person in front of you at the grocery. (please don't hate me New Englanders)
Because I was more or less miserable for my first year in Boston, I moved away after I graduated (ironically, not long after I had finally made real friends).
Went to Louisville. My coworkers were all older than me - had families and other things going on. First few months, things were a little rough (but people at the grocery store said hello, so I handled it a bit better).
I took a woodworking class. Had a good time on Thursday nights, but mostly hung out with middle aged men - didn't really translate to friends. Contacted my college's local alumni group to see about having people to watch football with. Again, middle aged men. Joined our Young Professional's group. They were chiefly a happy hour and socializing group - and I didn't want to go to a bar alone. But they also had some volunteer projects - I was brave enough to do that - met a few people that way. Gradually met their friends and friends of friends and built up a social life.
I stumbled into a social group that was cobbled together from people who worked together, people who had met through speed dating or the internet, people who met through classes, etc.
So all of the ideas that have been proposed work some of the time. And some of the time, you get all psyched up thinking you are going to change your life and meet people and it is a total bust.
I am single and I am broke. (It is even more disheartening when you allocate precious dollars from your budget to go somewhere and you don't meet anywhere. I've been there, I swear.) I have a dog (who has also broadened my social circle, but I understand not wanting one). Does Atlanta have any sort of speed networking events? Maybe you can meet some people and find a new job while you're at it.
I think the moral of my overly long post is hang in there. It takes time - more time than when we were kids. And it sucks. But it will get better.
Posted by freecraftfair on 2007-10-18 14:11:55
Post Subject: Hi - New here
Just thought I'd send out a little introduction.
I'm a WAHM to a 3yo and a 5yo - I started crafting years ago when I was in college. My dh and I made all kinds of things and sold them at the local and college craft fairs. My husband's talent is in art, photography, and clay figurines, while mine is candies and chocolates. Never a main source of income, it certainly helped the Christmas Fund.
Then life went on, I became a teacher, and I was no longer crafting to sell. Only close friends and family received our work. A friend who knew my past asked me to help her get started selling at craft fairs. Well, one thing led to another, and pretty soon I had created a website to help her. That was almost 4 years ago... Now my website is my main focus, and I am on the promotion end of the crafting business.
Either way, I love to meet new crafters. The talents that are out there are just amazing. I look forward to working with you all.
