I used to make customised items for people.
It was only little things, like monogramming things, maybe painting a mug how they wanted, or making a bookmark with their name on. Little things. I mostly worked craft fairs, antiques fairs, things like that.
Eventually, I worked at sewing, and got good enough that I could whip out a tapestry in half an hour- not a large one, but just large enough that it'd have a name, maybe a face. About A4 size.
So, I started working at those medieval fairs you get at old castles (I think they're known as renaissance fairs in America, or something). British people should know what I mean- the ones you get at castles when everyone dresses up like they're from a certain period, and there's all sorts of stalls and tents and things.
So, I had my own little stall, tucked away, where I basically did the equivalent of an olde worlde caricature, in tapestry.

Now, on this particular day, I'd had several customers come and go. One, in particular, was Eric; Eric came to everything I did, and had a chat with me. He was European- Dutch or German or something- and a really decent guy. He kept trying to talk to me in the style I had to, even though he kept messing it up.
After a while, when it was quiet, I asked him if he wanted a tapestry of his own- he assented that he did, and sat down.
I began working, as fast as I could, but every time I did, he'd fidget, and ask me when it would be done.
I would, naturally, give him the same answer every time.

"Anon, E. Maus"
(BornToBeBemused was born,feeling bemused,on, Tue 19 Jan 2010, 18:07, 6 replies)

I don't get the Maus bit.
/is utterly stupid blog
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Wed 20 Jan 2010, 9:32, closed)

Say it like mouse.
Maus= mouse.
(BornToBeBemused was born,feeling bemused,on, Wed 20 Jan 2010, 12:52, closed)

Yeah I get that
But I don't understand what it's in reference to. Were you making a mouse (from the German "maus") or is that what he ... no I still don't get it.
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Wed 20 Jan 2010, 13:14, closed)

It's a relatively common Central European surname
imposed on Jews by 19thC anti-Semitic governments. Because Jews are like mice. They have whiskers.

I think the common surname bit is the significant part here.
(Toucan - http://www.titmonday.com, Wed 20 Jan 2010, 15:54, closed)

Ah! Right!
Well - now I just feel stupid.

*feels*
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Thu 21 Jan 2010, 9:50, closed)

hm
kind of not worth it
(Hernandez Fiendish probably won't be here until at least, say, Wed 20 Jan 2010, 16:33, closed)