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November brings the time of reflection and Thankfulness. I know that I am blessed.  

For those who don't know me, my family has had its fair share of medical issues. This really hit me a couple of times during the past month. First, my youngest daughter had to write an essay about what inspired her. I didn't really pay attention until I got the email that said your child submitted responses and here are what they are....

She wrote about the fact that I had always taken time to encourage her to be artistic even when I had health problems. I thought that was so sweet and was touched by her response. Then, I had my husband empty the attic and I found several boxes of projects that got put away when I had been hospitalized for Lyme encephalitis, or when I underwent any one of my 4 heart procedures. These were my personal issues. This did not take into account the several kidney surgeries, the spinal surgery and all the testing for my daughters. One year we had more than 400 doctor visits for someone in the family. I think that the time waiting for these many appointments as well as the music lessons or school functions was part of why I switched to hand projects. I had lots of time but not in front of my sewing machine. But, everyone in my family came through these issues and we thanked our stars that we weren't as bad as some of the other families we saw. One week at the Pediatric ICU can change anyone's perspective.

I was shocked at how many projects I didn't get to finish and was happy to finally feel like I've come out of a tunnel and have energy to finish some of the ideas that I had started on. It's been a long time since I felt this productive. I realize just how hard things can be for people who struggle with everyday issues much less more serious health issues. My heart goes out to those who have battles we don't know of. But in looking at my daughter's writing I understand how she could put her feelings into art and let it work to heal her through some of her own conflicts so I can't take the credit for anything other than showing her the door to using her ideas.

So, what can all this info have to do with quilting? Well –

I'm thankful for modern medicine (and health insurance) that has helped my family overcome medical issues.

I'm thankful that I lived longer than my grandmother and grandfather and can be productive in things that show my creativity.

I'm thankful that I have the materials that I can use at my house for projects that I want to do.

I'm thankful that I took the time to share how to put yourself into creative projects with my friends and family.

I'm thankful that we have a very supportive group that can help spur us to be better quilters.

I'm thankful that we have a great meeting space that can provide a respite from everything else once a month.

These are just several from a very long list. I'm hoping that you can add some of these to your list, but it does let me see that even during the dark times, I still have much to be grateful for and to enjoy.

Oh, and use that extra hour that we get in November for quilting....

Quiltfully yours,
Meegan

November

Wed. 20     Barbara Persing - lecture and trunk show: Pictorial Art Quilts

                     Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church on Route 55                                           in Lagrangeville.                     

Wed. 21        Barbara Pershing Workshop: Iceland Poppies

                       Dutchess County Farm & Home Center
                       2715 Route 44 in Millbrook                   

Thurs. 21        Community Quilt Bee/ Liz's Barn 10 am

 

Coming in December

          Wed. 18 FDQ's Meeting                                        

          Wed. 18 Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill will present Aurifilosophy

 Location:     

                        Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church

                         1168 Route 55 in Lagrangeville