quiltersmuse.com Blog

Adversity can wear many faces. From time to time, we all are victimized by circumstances beyond our control. Perhaps it is not the special problems that are important but how we choose to deal with them. Even when we don’t think we have choices, we really do have some respite from troubles. We can re-program our own thinking so that we act in ways to counter the issues facing us and start on a path to resolution.

Even baby steps toward renewed goals can have a way to setting the mind on a course of action that will result in improvement of circumstances. For example, if you are having financial difficulties, keep track of exactly how you are spending every penny. Keep a notebook and every time you purchase anything, whether it is a book of postage stamps, or lunch out, write down the transaction amount. Soon you will be able to track your spending habits and see ways to cut back. In this U.S. economy, at the moment, it is wise to combine errand trips to maximize gas mileage. It is good to cut out non-essential expenditures (not counting fabric or books, of course, if you are a fiend for such things, as am I).

If health issues confront you, sometimes a simple change of diet can help considerably. Remember that the body is a collection of chemicals. Learn about the nature of food so that you will know if what you are eating is contributing to your general sense of not feeling well. Perhaps you will decide to do without dessert, eat less (or no) red meat, eat more salads and fruits, dairy or fiber. Like everything in life, diet is a balancing act and the food you eat should provide some benefit to you, not just fill a void.

Taking a walk can do wonders. Exercise helps to release endomorphins in one’s brain for a feel-good effect. A simple walk can provide Vitamin D from the sun, can compress vital parts of the spine for better health, can aid against developing osteoporosis, and can leave you feeling much happier overall. Besides all of those benefits, it is fun to snoop on the neighbors and see what is “new” in their yards, in terms of flowers, plants, pets, etc.

The other area that most of us struggle with at some point in our lives is adverse people. Everyone has an ego and everyone is the most important person in the world – to himself or herself. Ego is not necessarily a bad thing. Without it, no one would have confidence to accomplish anything! But we’ve all known those souls who can take their own significance in too weighty a manner, presumably feeling superior to all around. Often, we misread these situations. The person in question, whether it is a boss, an abusive spouse or other deterrent to our happiness, may be suffering from feelings of inadequacy and actually have an inferiority complex. Again, there are “tactics” to use in coming to terms with interacting with those whose existence seems counterproductive to our own personal happiness.

Finances, health, and other people seem to be the three major factors in our lives that determine whether or not we possess a feeling of well-being, on any given day. Today, I want you to look in the mirror at yourself. When you do, repeat this saying three times, “I am good enough. I am smart enough… and EVERYBODY likes me.” Giving yourself positive feedback, although even you may not believe yourself at first, is a sign of good mental health. I did not make up the saying but I think it is a good one to share with you. Remember to smile and count the smiles that are given in return! Have a great day and a wonderful week!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

This morning, the world’s eyes were turned to a notable event: a wedding! Kate Middleton was gorgeous in her lace appliquéd wedding gown to go with her very pretty face, and of course, William was dashing in his military garb. What a nice change of pace to view happy people. I hope that the couple remains as joyful in their choice of life partners as they seem to be today.

My exposure to world events is usually limited the “Nightly News” on NBC. At least they try to insert a tiny bit of good news each night with some heartwarming story at the end of the broadcast. On other news channels, I quickly get tired of the rants that are full of misrepresentations and the coverage of potential candidates who are essentially “nut-jobs” who think that their wealth can buy the highest office of the land. Can it? Scary thought!

I like reading about historical events. Those are finished and fixed in time. They cannot be altered. The conclusion to any story is already decided and it is up to the reader to try to make sense of the facts or to reinterpret them, perhaps.

In order to keep any sense of wholeness, it seems that artists need to isolate themselves and concentrate on enjoying the beautiful. That includes even the most common, ordinary events such as a flower blooming, or the pose of a dog, or the look on a child’s face. I suppose it is good to be aware of the horrible tragedies that happen to other people. Most of them are outside of our control and most of them have no direct impact on our own lives.

You know, I can’t take “the world!” I can only look into the face of my true love and know that everything is okay. If you have the love of even one other person, you are blessed beyond measure. If you enjoy the friendship of others, then you have a very rich life, indeed. As we see on the news, life can change in a moment: a fire, a tornado, an earthquake, a son killed in action, a child gone missing, the awareness of a life-threatening illness. etc. changes the playing field. Bad things happen to good people. But while we are still here, let’s take time to really enjoy the “good things.” Wealth can only be measured by inner peace and an appreciation of all that we already have.

Royal School of Needlework Press Release that describes the making of Catherine’s wedding gown.

Patricia Cummings

Random thoughts of this afternoon include the following.

We have watched with great interest the moving of earth next door, in preparation for a restructured stream bed. It will be interesting to see what is done with all of the large granite slabs that had been part of the former house’s foundation. As part of the transfer of ownership, they are mandated to remain on the property. By summer, the plot of land should be transformed into a destination for those walkers who want easy access to the Heritage Trail down by the river.

Site of a former home and before that, a former mill that dyed wool blue for Union soldiers’ uniforms. The house was made toast by a couple of swipes of a backhoe last week.

It has been a sobering thought to realize that most of my Irish ancestors were textile and rubber mill workers in Massachusetts. Hard work, bad working conditions and low pay all made the mill owners rich and the workers die young, as so many of my people did. By comparison, my life is “cushy.”

The birds are calling to each other and Jim is planning to plant lots of flowers this year and has already been raking and cutting brush in the yard, in anticipation of Spring (while there is still snow on the ground, in places). The high temperature this afternoon reads 51 degrees.

Sometimes when one goes poking around family business or genealogy, one is apt to discover someone whose behavior does not meet one’s approval. That is more likely the situation when large families are involved. It is heartbreaking to see the extent to which some individuals ruin their own lives through drink, laziness or crime. Some people become their own worst enemies.

One of my houseplants keeps putting on growth but has bloomed only once since 2004. I wish I knew what it needs because the blooms of this succulent are very large and spectacular.

The big stir this week has been the Red & White Quilts Show in New York City. I have appreciated the photos I’ve seen of the quilts. I hear that a book may be in the works and that the exhibit may travel to other venues. It boggles the mind to think of the number of hours it would take to make 651 quilts. The earliest was from about 1850, and the quilts spanned three centuries.

I am always amazed at letters I receive from readers who have quilts and want me to tell them how much they are worth. First, I’ve never hung out my sign as an appraiser and that is not a “title” to which I aspire. Usually, I get some very brief description and no photos but am asked to name a ball park price. I simply do not have X-ray vision that can see through the screen into someone’s living room. I enjoy seeing photos of old quilts but expecting me to give a value is bound to result in frustration (for me and you). The bottom line is that I don’t care what your quilt is worth in terms of “value.”

Back to work hand quilting. The quilt won’t quilt itself and I am eager to finish it so I can move on to other projects. It’s been fun so far, even though my wrist is not fond of the process and carpal tunnel issues are flaring up again. However, this particular quilt really needed to be hand quilted and I’m so glad I did!

Be happy!

Pat

A four letter word that I really dislike is the one that people often tell themselves or others. It is not a “swear” word but it should be. Whenever one utters this word, it is at once a resolution that is disabling of further action. Be sure never to use this discouraging word with anyone you really care about who has an aspiration of some kind. Never tie your own hands behind your back by muttering the word to yourself.

Against impossible odds, we see people surviving and thriving who really should not be, under the circumstances. They find a way to do what is needed by avoiding a simple word, “can’t.” Think about the man who was pinned down by a rock that crushed one of his arms. Ultimately, he had to cut off his own arm, but he saved his life.

It’s the same with anything in life. If you think you can succeed and you listen to your own inner voice, your dream will come to fruition. Many times in my own life, I’ve used the idea of mind over matter to achieve a goal. One small example of that is learning to swim. I did not swim at all until I had to learn how as a university requirement. In order to pass the course, I had to swim four laps of an Olympic size pool. This was a challenge from someone who came from a non-swimming family. My mother always told me that I’d drown if I went near the water, above my ankles. Silly woman!

I not only learned how to swim. I signed up for additional courses at the university, including a Water Safety Instructor’s course. Then I attended the National Aquatic School for lifeguard training and the following summer taught swimming at an all-girls summer camp. It is very possible to overcome any mindset, if a person is determined enough.

As much as you can, please try to put the word “can’t” out of your mind. All the time, I am told by people that they just “can’t” even think of learning to quilt. They know they wouldn’t succeed. Well, I suppose it is one thing to say that, but is it really the truth? Of course, there is freedom of choice. I’m not saying that everyone has to learn to swim or learn to quilt. Just never say “can’t” until you try. The young climber stuck between rocks would be a skeleton by now, if he’d given up altogether. You can try to give up bad habits, but please, please, never give up on yourself.

Those are my thoughts for the day.

Pat

Daniel Hernandez, who would not admit to his “hero” status again last night, gave a short speech at the memorial ceremony in Tucson to honor the fallen. He reminded us of the Latin phrase, “e pluribus unum” – “out of many, one.” This phrase often appears in conjunction with an American Bald Eagle on patriotic textiles. Indeed, Dr. Carlos Gonzalez, who introduced himself as half-Mexican / half Mexican-Indian and fifth generation American, provided a Native American blessing. His presence reminded us of Arizona’s rich and vast cultural history. Last night’s presentations beckoned us all to work together and to love each other, even though we may differ in religious or political views or cultural orientation.

If only the peacefulness and sense of healing effected by the shared words last evening, especially President Obama’s clear-headed and compassionate speech, could pervade into our very fiber as humans and could endure. That is a heartfelt wish and a noble thought. However, it is unrealistic to think that enduring peace on earth shall ever be the norm. Many reasons prevent this from occurring: greed, man’s quest for the trappings of this world such as power and fame, and a perverse need of media critics to tells lies, rouse the rabble, and further elicit political dissension.

To me, it seems like a crying shame that certain high-profile media people like Beck, Limbaugh and Palin felt the need to make themselves the center of attention at such a sad time. It appeared to be defensive behavior. I may live in a bubble but, really, if the “cross-hairs” on the map had not been brought up at this time, I would not have been aware of them, nor would I have ever thought of Palin as culpable. That said, the “map” is off-topic, and it is “off-putting” that she created such a thing. But, this tragedy was not about her and I speak for myself when I say that I was annoyed that she inserted herself into the equation with an eight minute long video. Why does everything have to be a chance for her own self-promotion?

For a couple of days, I had turned on Fox News just to see what the conservative right extremists were saying. Now that I have satisfied my curiosity, I will not tune in again. I just kept thinking, “How can these people get away with such outrageous misrepresentations, and why does anyone watch their shows?” Moreover, who believes them? Can’t anyone think for themselves anymore? Where has fairness gone?

Headlines spotted this morning criticized the president for not striking the right note in his speech last night. It is always amazing to me how I can hear a speech and really enjoy it, and someone else has to find a way to “dis” it. No, it is back to business, as usual, I am afraid. I can only pray that people will try to embrace the truth more often than they believe the lies. I am so grateful that we have such a great leader in President Obama.

Patricia Cummings