Hidden Talents.

I know how to...

I know how to take a tick off a person's butt after hiking.   I know that they love to hide in crevices and skin folds and I will find them, no matter where. 

I know how to fill water balloons without getting myself wet.  The secret is to turn the water on gently, and hold on the balloon so it doesn't pop off or squirt back to you.

I know how to make sewing patterns.  I can both draft them from a sloper or drape them on a dummy.  I am very good with making adjustments for large bosoms, small backs, stooped shoulders and butts with odd shapes and big or flat tummies.   I don't do men's suit jackets, they are a mystery to me,  and require separate training. 

I can sew anything you can draw or give me a photo to.  I worked at a costume shop for a rep theater and we did all our stuff from scratch drawings.  I loved it.  I can make cartridge pleated gowns by the dozen, as I did for one show, or fairy costumes for Midsummer Night Dreams.   I do okay with prop making, but falter at shoes and boots.  I can make bras, corsets, panties and what nots.  I worked as a sample maker for Playtex international and can sew exactly within a 1/32 inch tolerance.   Or i could. when i had good eyesight.

I know how to make jam and jellies.   Peach, strawberry, watermelon rinds, cherries, grape and apple butter.

I can can but I dont' like it.  It is a hot and tiresome chore.   Freezing things taste better and goes quicker.  But I do know how to get jars to properly seal.

I know how to train dogs for obedience trials.  I took lessons with our Akita for a year with a professional trainer, and we went up to advanced.  We could not train a trustworthy recall to him off leash.    Akitas don't come when called unless they want to, and they never do.  You have to get very determined and it's often impossible. They also don't retrieve well.   Other than that, he was rock solid.  

I can change a poopy diaper without getting my hands dirty in it.  I got very fast at diaper changing. 

I can soothe a scared child, even a stranger to me.  I volunteered at the hospital and learned a few tricks.  Hold the baby facing out from you, they calm down quicker if you are a stranger than if you hold them towards your chest.  


I know how to fold a paper airplane that will fly.  I know a lot of paper cutting  and paper folding tricks.  Give me scissors.

I know how to make cloth dolls that look like the child I am going to give them to.   And I can make tiny little things to go with them.  


I know how to entertain and keep orderly an entire cub scout troup for 20 minutes while the other leaders have a meeting.  I would not do it again for any amount of accolades or money.  The meeting went 30 minutes and I don't care to talk about the last 10.