have been hovering all about me this past week. Like ghosts from A Christmas Carol, they drift in and out of my mind. Thinking about rent, and then the first time we tried to borrow money to purchase a home. Remembering that in 50 yrs there hasn't been a time when I couldn't pay my rent or house payment. Gratitude for small remembrances. Lilacs, fresh cut grass, high school graduations, May wedding a year later. Pieces from memory, like pebbles on a beach. People, places, events...most from the past tied to the present time.
I've been away, well...mentally at least. I pulled this top from the shelf and made additional blocks to enlarge it.
I pulled this project from a drawer, having forgotten completely that I was going to get it pinned and quilted a few months back. I've made a couple new doll quilts that are on the cutting mat for pinning. I've watched old movies, old NCIS episodes, talked to a few people, made road trips in the rain, and been absent from most of my life all week. Yes, it's an anniversary week and day, and time. And did it bother me? Depends how you define "bother". The calendar and clock mark off the 50 year mark. That's alot of days, months and years......
We were so very young on May 30, 1959. Who knew what the Universe held in store for us? Who worried about it? Certainly not me. I was in love and I was happily planning a "future". Two more years of college, four years in the Air Force. Time, travel and miles spent in building a life, a future, a family. But the 2nd act curtain doesn't always raise on "happily ever after". Things happen. And things did. Things change. The 3rd act curtain finds me here, in the Valley, making quilts, servant to Ebony. And it's ok, and I'm ok. Every once in a while things have to get "harder" so that I appreciate it when they aren't. The Merry Month of May has passed, now, into memory, and it's June 1st *VBS* Is everybody gearing up for summer??? I am.
I've been away, well...mentally at least. I pulled this top from the shelf and made additional blocks to enlarge it.
I pulled this project from a drawer, having forgotten completely that I was going to get it pinned and quilted a few months back. I've made a couple new doll quilts that are on the cutting mat for pinning. I've watched old movies, old NCIS episodes, talked to a few people, made road trips in the rain, and been absent from most of my life all week. Yes, it's an anniversary week and day, and time. And did it bother me? Depends how you define "bother". The calendar and clock mark off the 50 year mark. That's alot of days, months and years......
We were so very young on May 30, 1959. Who knew what the Universe held in store for us? Who worried about it? Certainly not me. I was in love and I was happily planning a "future". Two more years of college, four years in the Air Force. Time, travel and miles spent in building a life, a future, a family. But the 2nd act curtain doesn't always raise on "happily ever after". Things happen. And things did. Things change. The 3rd act curtain finds me here, in the Valley, making quilts, servant to Ebony. And it's ok, and I'm ok. Every once in a while things have to get "harder" so that I appreciate it when they aren't. The Merry Month of May has passed, now, into memory, and it's June 1st *VBS* Is everybody gearing up for summer??? I am.
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16 comments:
One never knows what life may hold. Today is my 26th anniversary so I've been doing a lot of reminiscing myself.
Your string quilt is probably the most elegant one I've seen -- alternating the very darks and very lights gives a stunning effect.
First of all, I must say, in catching up since my time away, I am amazed at all the scrap quilts that have worked their way through your hands! Wow! 8-)
Pieces of the past seem so near, yet also so far, at times. Good memories, and not so good memories... They all make each of us what we are right now in our lives...
At times it is good to think about one's past... while we can... and hopefully right up untill we are no more... 8-)
I like what you are working on right now Finn! 8-)
Have a good week!
See, I was just up from my nap and headed to be the Quilter I know I can be since I have about 45 minutes when I thought okay just drop in on Finn real quick like. Naturally your writing started to pull me along with the undeniably fantastic blocks. I've got to go quilt, really, losing minutes all the time. I'll return (not in a bad, like the flu kinda way though...)
I liked that post - no bitterness reflected here - just a matter of fact that some things happen regardless...make the best and move on. Make that lemonade when life hands you a bowl of lemons. Learn thru any experience and later apply that wisdom when the present chapter of life is not as pleasant as you would like.
As always, I enjoy your home spun philosophy - take care - have a good week.
amelia
You are a survivor and you should be proud of yourself. Celebrate your victories!!
What a cute picture! I was really looking forward to June; it's one of my favorite months of the year (for lots of reasons). Now that it's here, however, I find I'm dragging a bit. Maybe tomorrow... ;- )
I am glad that May passed and pushed you into June unmarred. Let's all enjoy summer.
Chris
Memories - we remember both good and not-so-good ones.
Funny, how one can look back on the bad ones, and now see new visions, different points of view. Been there, done that.
Happy June, and BTW, that quilt is TERRIFIC!!!!
Onward. I love your string quilt. Is it finished? It looks like it needs at least one more row at the bottom. Yesterday is gone but there is today - and of course, tomorrow. Thanks for being here.
Yes, is it not strange where the paths lead. I never imagined I would end up where I am in life. I love your strings! So pretty. Please look for a package in the mail this week.
Have been enjoying reading here in some of the archive area of your blog today. I identify so much with many things you share. Just wanted to say your work is beautiful and inspiring and I thank you for sharing that and yourself too!! Hope to be able to spend more time here in future!!
Elizabeth
Haunting post. Gorgeous. Lovely. Thank you.
I've been away for a couple of days. Wonderful quilt and some precious memories. Hugs dear friend.
Hi Finn! What I love about reflecting on the past is we see things a lot clearer now than when we were living in those times. Does that make sense? I've been doing some reflecting myself. The month of June - love it!
All the long, lazy days of summer ahead of me. Maybe I'll start sewing something even. (chuckle)
Dear Finn, I often think it is just as well that we can't see into the future, or we may never go on!
You are right about the dark patches making the good patches shine all the brighter!
I love June cause it's my month! My girls tease me because I celebrate my birthday all Month and since my 40th some years ago I started celebrating my day all summer :) I had another day like you in July but now its just another day.
Life does move on and on Apr 30th I celebrated my 10th anniversary of being free from a very bad marriage. by getting out I saved not only myself but my 4 daughters too. Has the last decade been easy? not all of it and a lot of it was extremely challenging but looking back I've been extremely blessed.
It looks like you have been too!
ps I love your quilts!!
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