Be careful what you're good at... LOL

[Tink]

I really enjoy interior decorating and have learned to sew, paint, craft, etc just enough that I can do my own without having to spend an arm and a leg to get the custom look I like. Family and friends often ask me for help and/or advice in this area after seeing some of my ideas in my own home. Most of the time I don't mind helping, so jump in willingly.

Today I felt bad for my Mom after hearing it's taking her longer than she had hoped to get her new apartment organized. She said she's simply uninspired and needed help to get it done. So I spent the whole day with her decorating her new place. I hung curtains I'd made, Customized a mirror for her entryway, hung shelves, and other decor on her walls, and arranged her living room for her.

Shortly before I left, Moms boyfriend and one of his sons came by. They just recently moved into a house together and said it looks dark, dreary and dumpy. Now they've asked me to come do their place. I guess I'm flattered that they appreciated my work, but I really do not want to do their place. They share the house with 3 cats, (I'm allergic) 3 dogs that according to mom have no manners or grooming, and I saw the last place her BF lived in and it was just a mess. I know I'd have to clean before I could even start, and I have no interest in donating my time to them. I did help the BF a few years ago to organize and decorate his kitchen in his other house, and it's not something I care to relive.

Be careful what you learn to do... you might be expected to do a lot more of it than you care to.

[Janet]

That's a tough spot to be in Tink. Too talented for your own good. I would just try to put them off telling them you just don't have the time right now. Maybe your Mom could kind of back you up. Tell them you just have too much to get done before the snow flies.

[Tink]

ROFL Janet

That's a tough spot to be in Tink. Too talented for your own good.

I don't know that talent has anything to do with it. I've just learned how to do some basic things so that I could do cheaply what others might hire a decorator to do. I'm a miser when it comes to spending money on anything I might be able to do myself. I'd love to have someone else paint for me, but never have because I don't want to have to pay them and wouldn't ask anyone to work for me for free. Ya know?

[judy]

I feel for you Tink. You'll have to come up with a reason, like Janet, said why you can't do their decorating.

I love doing my own stuff too. It's silly to pay for something you can make yourself,
and then you can make it exactly the way you want it.