Saturday, December 31, 2005

As usual, when I'm not playing with scraps of fabric, I'm playing with orphan blocks. It has gotten to the point where some quilter friends offer up their "trimmings" and parts of blocks. LOL..that's pretty bad..but for me it's a challenge that I enjoy. And it doesn't bother me what other people think. I reside here in my tiny corner of the world. I have chosen to have this small, little life. I like it that way. Trust me, I've run the bigger race. I've climbed the mountains, forded the rivers, and dug the tunnels. As the wife of a school administrator, daughter of a parent with cancer, mom to five adopted kids, foster mom to more newborns than I can remember, church member, community member, etc, etc, etc I know all about the "flow" of life in the fast lane. I've spoken out, spoken up and been counted.

And now I'm choosing again. And this is the road less traveled. I don'thave to impress or please anyone any more, unless I choose. If you want to say my time could be used more productively, making trophy quilts, or maybe quilts that would win awards...you are right. But I'd rather make 9 patches for babies of my daughters friends. I'd like to know that every baby has a snuggly quilt to love. And maybe they don't all have one, but I do my part and that's the best anyone can do. So if you are making the quilts, and doing the needlecraft things that make YOU happy, you understand. And if you aren't then you probably aren't happy with yours or mine, but that's not mine to change. I'm doing whatI love doing. And that dear blogger friends, is exactly what I will be doing again, in 2006.

9 comments:

dot said...

Finn, your quilts are beatiful. We are all different therefore out quilts will be different. I enjoy checking you blog daily to see what the next pleasant surprise will be. Keep up the good work and know that your quilts are used and loved. What good is a quilt if it isn't used. Ask the Valvetine (hope this is spelled right) Rabbit.

dot said...

opps that should be beautiful. I guess I should read and check my spelling.

Laurie said...

Finn,
What a refreshing outlook on life. When we moved to KS, 4 years ago yesterday, I left behind all the volunteerism I had done. Soccer mom for 2 teams for 5 years in a row, Parish Council for 3 years, Religion Teacher, Room Mother, Party Planner etc. It was the BEST thing about moving. NO MORE mamking others happy. So, I hear ya. Making quilts because I want to, and not because I have to or for show is the BEST! So far I've been lucky...all of my quilts have been accepted graciously and with lots of love and gratitude!
Hugs
Laurie

Quilts And Pieces said...

Hear, Hear! I agree! I just quilt to make myself happy!

Happy New Year Finn!

Tonya Ricucci said...

Good for you, Finn. Your life sounds pretty alright to me and we wouldn't want you any other way. Here's to enjoying yourself and making happy quilts. Cheers.

Carolyn said...

Finn, I know what you mean. Like Laurie, I moved (7 years ago) and stepped out of the volunteer mode. After a year, I went back to it, because I missed it. Two years later, I stepped out again because it was too much. I've so many other things to do, that I WANT to do that I stopped. Of course, in our little community, there were many people unhappy with me. So I kept away from them too. Now I volunteer when I want in the way that I want...usually by quilting for a cause. Finn, keep doing what you want because for me it is certainly uplifting and inspiring to see your accomplishments! Happy new year!

Joanne said...

Hear, Hear, Finn! I'm letting the rats have the race, too. Still have a few commitments for 2006, but by June I should be free and clear and back to playing on my own time!

Darcie said...

May I offer a very belated "CHEERS TO YOU, FINN!"

You're an extraordinary woman...and I celebrate you!

Susan Tidwell said...

Congratulations on getting out of the rat race! It seems that once you start volunteering etc., you get in deeper and deeper and folks take advantage of your giving spirit until they squeeze you dry and you have to quit altogether. Hope you enjoy your lifestyle, I know the recipients of your quilts will!