Now that the book has gone off to the printers, my life has changed significantly. I took two days off at the end of last week – Thursday and Friday. It was really hard! I just kept wanting to get on with the next things for the book, and my mind kept thinking through the options for the next book, trying to set goals etc.
To keep myself otherwise occupied I did some shopping, wasted time on Facebook, continued with learning Italian with Duolingo, and went to The Gymnast’s school assembly where she received a big award for excellence in behaviour and attitude which she’s been working towards since she started school. It wouldn’t have been so hard to relax if I’d had some books to read, but the library didn’t have the two that I’ve been particularly wanting.
On Saturday night we had an extended-family dinner here for a birthday. My sister has been working on our family history for several years now, and she’s discovered all sorts of things. Apart from being related to Baz Luhrmann of The Great Gatbsy movie fame, we’re also related to “embroidery royalty”. I asked her about this on Saturday night, because I knew there was a connection, and I wanted to know what it was.
Here’s a little game. I want to you to think of the most world reknown French embroidery related company that you can. Thought of one?
Hopefully you came up with DMC?! DMC was founded in Mulhouse in France, from where many of my ancestors came. And it turns out that some of them are related to our family. The company name DMC stands for Dollfus, Mieg and Company. We’re related to both the Dollfus and Mieg families.
My sister details the connections on her blog, Becoming Prue.
It feels somewhat apt to think that I’m related to the people who founded the world’s most well known embroidery thread company.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
I always thought SOMEWHERE I would be hanging out with Royalty! Now I know where!
And congratulation on getting the link made. I’ve been working on some history, but have only gotten back to about 1700 and know it’s Denmark and UK and Germany. But that’s alot!
Lynn
Congratulations on getting the book off to the printers! Looking forward to seeing it on the shelves.
Well, no wonder you enjoy embroidery so much. It runs in the family.
Family history is a tricky area. My father was from a famous European family. I once told someone and they became very nasty indeed. I have no need to contact other branches of my family. I know who I am and my DNA proves it.
National Geographic have a fantastic DNA thing you can give as a gift and they will trace your DNA and help you see where your family originates. It is a bit sketchy but it worked for me. Your sister and you might like that. Other companies do it too.
Relax, before you drive your family nuts!!!