Lost.

Where did it go?

Is it under there?

Behind that?

In the closet that I haven't opened in three months?

The garage?

Above the washing machine?

I am convinced there are trolls living in my house and they come out at night and take my things. I am not the most organized person, but for the most part everything has a place.

Two weeks ago I misplaced a gallon-size bag filled with elastic. That's right elastic, but it wasn't just any ole elastic. It was several yards of adjustable waist elastic that I have only been able to find on the internet. The company where I ordered it from also sent a large collection of elastic samples. I never even had a chance to check those out before they went missing. I spent hours looking for the bag before giving up.

Then yesterday afternoon I went to get several yards of fabric and it was not where I thought I had left them. It just came in the mail last Saturday; I hadn't even taken in out of the mailing envelope. I clearly remember walking out to the mailbox, retrieving the package, opening it to verify the company mailed the right print and then placing it on a shelf in our home office.

NOW IT IS GONE. Where does three yards of fabric go?

And why is it that when we can't find something we look in the least likely places for it? We all do that, right? After looking in the probable places; I found myself walking around opening doors and cabinets and looking behind pieces of furniture and muttering to myself "There's no way it's in here." I conceded to my loss after searching for about an hour. I even re-ordered the fabric last night because I need it for a dress that I have promised someone. I figured that would make it magically appear, but I was wrong.

And why is it that something can go missing in less than a week, but I know where to find shoelaces that I bought two, maybe three years ago? This morning I noticed that one of the laces in Lilly's shoes was about to break and I knew immediately where to find a new pair. They were in a white basket above the changing table in the laundry room.

I guess the trolls have my stuff in a secret hiding place along with a hundred or so socks that go missing from our laundry each year. I hope they enjoy Joel Dewberry's Sparrow fabric. I hope they make something with it that will brighten their day. I hope it makes them feel pretty.