I don't like having my picture taken, but this one is ok.. It was taken in Ireland.
I try to look for the best in a situation, and am willing to be happy with what there is. That isn't always the easiest thing to do, and occasionallyit hurts. I try to 'be' about making do, being happy with what I have, I take responsibility for myself and my place in the world. I'd be happy to walk away from that mindset, but it seems to be who I am. I have a happy, goofy, almost carefree way of looking at life and I don't take it, or myself very seriously. I wish that was 'all' of me, but it isn't. I also have a part that gets hurt, or wounded, and uncertain of how to fit into 'things'.
I've been a fan of Quiltville way back to discovering it in 1997. I'd rather play in
a pile of scraps on the floor or in the wastebasket than what's in the pile of yardages. Making something from almost nothing appeals to me. I don't have anything to prove, it's what gives me pleasure. I like the challenge.
Having linked over to Bonnie's(of Quiltville)new blog in June-2005, I hestitated only a short time before deciding I wanted to journal online. To share my thoughts, dreams and quilts with whoever happened along. And of course, I registered with Blogger and was able to leave a comment for Bonnie, and eventually Tonya. Bonnie linked back and encouraged me, as she has so many others.
Over the next months of 2005 the idea of a blog ring(web ring) for makers of unusual quilts or in an 'outlaw' style was born. Not art quilts, but traditional quilts in a different style. More breaking the rules, less pattern-following and less name dropping. I was invited to join the Mavericks, and altho I wasn't sure I was what they were looking for, I took the plunge and joined. Not as prolific as some members, but more so than others, I was happy, and felt I had a 'home' so to speak. We seemed connected, for awhile. That connection is something that I miss. The group is larger now,more diverse, only slightly more maverick, in my opinion. I suppose that happens when things grow larger. And as with other organizations, little 'connections' were made between some and not others. That seems to happen when you bring friends together inside a structure.Of course you would be more mindful of your friend than of me, or others. That's why it was desireable to have your friend become a ring member. It's not that the person can't stand on their own merit, they can. Definitely. And I can't fault you if you would rather spend your limited free time, reading of their accomplishments instead of mine. Maybe it's that you are into primative quilting, or just brights or, antique quilts,or applique or maybe it's just that you are a prolific quilter and some of us just trudge along not accomplishing as much. I don't have any answers, only more questions or wonderings.
I was proud to be a Quilt Maverick, and I'm trying to still be proud to belong to this group. But it doesn't seem much like a group anymore. I suppose that's what happens as groups grow larger....right?
I have considered dropping out of the Mavericks, I've thought about it alot. The people who read my blog, and leave a comment or don't, would still come by. But if I'm out of the ring, (and without the logo) how would readers link on to others in our group?
On my sidebar I try to put blogs that are fun to check out,and gals who aren't in a ring and might not be found. I try not to play favorites, and if you join a ring you have a connection, and I can remove your blog from my sidebar and add someone else. I don't want 200 listed on my sidebar. I'm aware that some have taken my blog off their sidebar when I took their off....life happens, and such is life.Maybe you are just happier or more connected with a quilter who's blog you found by reading mine, and maybe you just don't stop by mine now, in favor of others.....it happens. Maybe we shouldn't underestimate how our actions impact others. But obviously still about personal choice, not loyality.
I know about "calling a circle", and circle ceremonies and the committment that goes with being part of circle. It implies support and connection. I thought a web ring was a circle. Maybe that's where I was mistaken.
Maybe the Mavericks are just a group, with a membership list and a few people who are always included in everything. Sometimes it seems more like a popularity contest than a supported, connected circle of like minded quilters.
I smile alot, and laugh easily, but probably not as much as back in 2005. I still don't take life very seriously, but more so than before.
And I still love blogging, and am happy I followed Bonnie into blogland. In regards to the Quilt Mavericks, maybe I just took it all too seriously, I am still happy to 'be' a Maverick, it just doesn't mean as much as it used to. Some of the innocence has rubbed off, and Finn has gotten a bit older and wiser.
The 'dropping out' is part of that same directive. It's time for me to be the maverick I am, and go off by myself. I've not done it to join another web ring, nor to start one. I simply need to be independent, and to 'own' my space. I apologize if toes were stepped on, or feelings hurt.
new sewing studio. And I wanted to snap and share something 'quilty' since it's been a while. These are the blocks I am working on in reds, creams, mediums and darks. It's a 9 patch variation, and this isn't the correct lay out. It will be on point,
putting the room together. Still lots to be sorted, but that will come gradually.
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