Fibro Feelings – Pumpkin Carving
I carved my first pumpkin this week – at least the first one I have any memory of. I grew up mostly drawing jack-o-lantern faces on pumpkins with black Sharpies. Luckily, my friends offered lots of help and support, as I had no clue what I was doing. After trying to scrape out my pumpkin guts for quite awhile I felt like it was a loosing battle. I’d removed a lot, but just couldn’t get the dang thing smooth. The carving station was set up on the floor and with the combo of leaning over my baby bump and my fibromyalgia my back was KILLING me. I honestly thought about giving up the whole carving idea. One of my friends stepped in at two different points, getting me to the point I need to be at. I hope she realizes how much I appreciated her help.
I decided to use a pattern since this was my first attempt and tried a simplistic Halloween shape. I found it very difficult to cut through the pumpkin in an organized line, but I also just really wanted to be done by that point. Turns out the pumpkin I’d brought was extra thick, making it harder to carve than a typical pumpkin. I was semi-satisfied with my final product and can honestly say I’m not sure it was worth the stress on my body. It fully drained me of all my energy (thank goodness I did not have to drive home) and my mid-upper back was still sore and extremely tight all of the following day. That next day my writs were also shooting and burning in pain, just getting dressed.
I hope our trick-or-treaters enjoy it sitting on our steps on Halloween. I know that I have a whole new appreciation for professional pumpkin carvers. I’m sure they have sharper tools, but you have to apply a lot more pressure to those gourds than I thought! At least I can now say that I’ve carved a pumpkin. =)
Do you have any pumpkin carvings tips and tools that I should know about should I attempt this again?
I’m thinking that maybe I should have tried something even more simple, like this.*
*Image Credit: from www.flickr.com by foilman.
Posted: October 29th, 2012 under Fibro Feelings.
Tags: Back, Fatigue, Halloween, Pain, Wrist
Comments
Comment from The Practical Fibromite
Time October 29, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Congratulations on carving your first pumpkin!
Pumpkin carving is *very* hard on the upper body and back. There don’t seem to be many ways to make the process ergonomically friendly.
If you want them illuminated, try using a drill or a jigsaw — IF you feel safe working with power tools (and proper safety equipment, naturally). You still have to scoop out the pumpkins, though.
This year we bought unusual-looking white and pale-orange pumpkins and have left them in all their original glory. Sharpies and paint pens are also great options.
Again, congratulations!
The Practical Fibromite recently posted: It’s Almost Halloween — and You Know What *That* Means!
[Reply]
Comment from The Practical Fibromite
Time October 31, 2012 at 6:21 am
That’s a great idea! We just got a Dremel and a glue gun — think of the horrors that could be unleashed on the world….
Have a wonderful Halloween.
The Practical Fibromite recently posted: Self-Care and Holiday Stress
[Reply]
Felicia Fibro Reply:
October 31st, 2012 at 11:20 am
Hehe, you too! Those are two staples in our house, although I usually stick to the glue gun and The Helpful Hubby to the Dremel.
[Reply]
Felicia Fibro Reply:
October 31st, 2012 at 12:35 am
Thanks! I was contemplating trying a Dremel type tool if I try this again. We also bought 2 other pumpkins that also look a little atypical that we didn’t carve. Great minds think alike!
[Reply]