I can't unlearn it

Another setback ...
My pop-up book for a story about maple syrup is at the point where I just want it to be done. The first idea didn't work, nor the second, or third.

But after more digging, research on pop-up structure, and countless experiments, things were coming together with my book:

The pop-up, cut-out maple tree structure: Success (finally).

The text: Edited and ready to go ... but should it be handwritten? Set on the computer? It was back and forth until it was clear: set the type on the computer.

The maple leaves: Painted in multiple colors with a hint of decay from overwintering on the damp wooded landscape, and crumpled for effect.

Hold on ...
As I was working on the final steps to construct the modified pop-up structure, I heard a voice coming from the television.

I wasn't watching, but could hear what was being said.

Because we're in maple season, local programing is sweet on sugar shacks. Apparently, not all maples produce sap, and of the ones that do, the sugar maple is the best.

The voice from the television set interrupted my concentration. "You can identify a sugar maple" the man on the screen said, "by the shape of its leaves."

"It's got five distinct points" he said, holding up a sample.

When I looked at the television screen to see the leaf he was holding, then down at my work station, I knew my leaves were missing a few points.

Ughhh, what now?

Does is it really matter?
That's what I asked myself. Who's going to know? This is all a bit abstract anyway, just let it go, I told myself.

This project is taking longer than I thought it would, I'm weary of all the stops and starts ... and it's so close to being done.

But I couldn't leave it, because now I know ... and I know they're not right.

Granted, this is not a scientific study on maple trees, it's art, and there's room for artistic license.

But still. Anyone who opens the pop-up and knows anything about sugar maples will say to themselves, "Eh, it's nice, but those leaves. They're not right."

And they'd be right.

So, those three pointed leaves above? Gone. I'm cutting and painting new ones.

But that white paper cutout for the pop-up? It's finally come together.

This project is testing me. I'm learning by doing, by osmosis, and ultimately, with persistence.

If you've been working on a project that throws you a curve ball at every turn, keep going. I was disappointed to have another setback, but the closer I get the sweeter it is.