Chris and I are both optimists. We live in rather a rosy world where jobs are undertaken happily in the belief that there will be no problems and everything will be finished in double-quick time.
With my niece’s wedding day fast approaching (next Saturday) even Chris was somewhat sceptical that I would have time to finish the water-lilies painting intended for the happy couple. It might have been wiser to finish the task before going on holiday to Spain but, being an optimist, I considered that I could complete the painting in one day alone (especially as it is painted in fast-drying acrylics) so there would be plenty of time upon my return last weekend.
“When will you get back to your painting?” Chris asked on Sunday morning.
“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll finish it tomorrow,” I answered confidently.
“And what are you going to wear to the wedding?” he asked very perspicaciously (because that was another little niggling worry, particularly as I can hardly fit into any of my pretty clothes from Australia – and it’s wintry now!).
“What a funny thing to ask?” I replied in a niggled tone, “Just worry about yourself, I’ll find something or I’ll run up a jumpsuit on the sewing machine…”
“You’re leaving it a bit late, aren’t you?” he nagged.
“There’s plenty of time, for goodness sake!” I said over-confidently.
Now it is Thursday and I’m pleased to announce that, although it took three and a half days to finish the painting to my satisfaction, instead of the two hours I had originally anticipated, it is sat drying on my easel and is waiting to be popped into a frame Chris has prepared for it.
I would be very pleased with myself if it wasn’t for the little problem I have tried not to think about whilst I have been busy painting… what to wear to the wedding? I know… what about that pretty cream lace dress I bought for Jim’s wedding two years ago (still not married – waiting till next year); I’m sure it will still fit (it’s a bit stretchy) but is it too short? My legs look worse now my tan has faded – perhaps I could add some more lace to the hemline and lengthen it? Maybe it is too summery aswell – will it be cold in the church? – and what would I wear over it? My mauve duffle coat wouldn’t go with it and my smart, floor-length, black velvet opera coat might look a bit odd over a short cream lace dress. Oh dear! What else is there? What about that other pretty dress I bought in the sales? That’s a bit short too. Maybe I could shorten it further and make it into a top to wear with trousers…but which trousers?
If you will excuse me I think I had better go now and look in my wardrobe for inspiration. I am not too worried really, after all, I am an optimist. If the worse comes to the worst I’ll simply run up something on my sewing machine in an hour or two… Hey, I have bags of time!