For a few days, I have been unable to access the “posting” part of this blog, try as I might. In the meantime, that situation has been alright with me, insofar as I have been very preoccupied with a number of other tasks. I have begun writing a major book for a commercial publisher: yes, about textiles! As always, when undertaking such a project, it is an exercise in expanding the knowledge I already have by following up on finer points of research. I love to learn. For me, the fun is in the details!

I brought a quilt downstairs that I’d pieced and begun to quilt a couple of years ago, thinking that I’d do more hand quilting on it, sitting in front of the television. I find that I rarely engage in such an activity (watching TV, that is), and when I do, I want a break from doing anything with my hands, as I’m having flairs of carpal tunnel syndrome again from typing so much. Someday!

At our favorite used bookstore last week, I found a recent book about the trials of military wives and families and what they have to endure: anticipating a loss, and experiencing actual losses. I don’t think that the public realizes much about military life. After all, servicemen are a minority in this country. The book is insightful and I’m enjoying picking it up for a few moments, time and again. Perhaps I’ll post a more complete review of the book when I have finished it. I like to let people know about books I have enjoyed!

The trick with book reviews is to provide enzyte reviews tantalizing tidbits that encourage readers to want to learn the “rest of the story.” I would not imagine that any publisher would want to have the whole contents of a book “given away.” In fact, the beginning pages of most books have disclaimers about reproducing the contents. Just because you own a book, either because it has been given to you, or you have purchased it, the book is yours to read and enjoy but not do with it as you wish (including scanning and photocopying), unless other written permission has been awarded you to divulge content beyond what could be considered fair and reasonable. Just sayin’…

This week, I was contacted by a copyright attorney whose wish it is to bridge the gap between the “pros” and the general public. It is an important concept. Most people do not understand the copyright law or they choose to ignore it, pretending that it does not apply to them. The attorney suggests that authors and other creators of artistic works insert more clear cut guidelines as to how their products may be used (or not used). Already, some designers have placed disclaimers on their quilt patterns by saying that no more than 5 quilts can be made from the pattern, and that it may not be mass-produced. That would preclude the pattern being taken over to reproduce in Third World markets. That is just one example of a clear directive.

It is 12:46 a.m. and I have rattled on. The house is quiet, except for the hum of the air conditioning. I’m looking forward to attending a few quilt shows very shortly. Of course, the autumn is the best time of all in New England! In the meantime, the peaches are ready and they are calling me to make my sister’s wonderful recipe for Peach Pie. The key ingredient is Almond Extract.

See ya later, gator!

Pat
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The compass is a very old instrument to aid in navigation using the reference points of North, South, East and West. A more sophisticated instrument of the 21st century, the GPS indicator, can assist drivers or hikers in reaching a destination. Both types of geographical indicators are external. On the other hand, each of us carries our own internal compass, a device that is unseen and inaudible but accompanies us throughout life. For lack of better words, I will refer to this as a moral compass or personal compass.

Life is a “long and winding road” – photo by James Cummings, taken in Shelburne, VT.

This internal indicator, like the voice of the GPS device, can be ignored. If only we pay attention to it, our moral compass can help guide us to right and wrong behavior and whatever is in our best interest. When we make a mistake, this personal compass tries to redirect us to make a different choice in the future. Many times, just like the GPS instrument, we will have to reconfigure our path.

Every human has the ability to know when their actions are an insult to the Author of the Universe or an assault on Nature. Humans are funny. They often engage in behaviors that are detrimental to themselves and other living things. If the mean, little boy who stands torturing his chained dog with a power spray of cold water would listen to his own sense of morality, he would know that his actions are wrong and would stop. For some reason, bullies of every stripe get a kick out of pushing around those who are weaker than themselves, or those whom they can easily dominate.

Some men, ineffective in their own lives because of their own deficiencies, enjoy verbally and physically browbeating their wives and children. Some of the more famous celebrities make news due to their reprehensible behavior of threats, violence, name-calling, or bigotry. Oh yes, alcohol can be blamed, in some instances, but often drinking is just an excuse, not a reason.

As a shocking aside, along the same lines of thinking about persecution by bigots, I heard a song (on PBS television) sung by jazz singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959) about “ hanging from a tree.” The song, of course, refers to southern lynchings of Blacks, in past years. Those killed were a “lesson” to others, and a result of an illogical lack of moral sense: people caught up in the group mentality that calls for action before thought.

If the news about some Islamic countries is true, then Muslim men have no problem in stoning people to death or finding any excuse to “off” women or severely punish them. To Westerners, their actions are barbaric. As usual, the motivation for violence is all about individual power and maintenance of hierarchies. Power can kept by intimidation and persecution: by making others “stay in their place.”

The only true freedom lies within each individual’s experience of the human condition. Though incarcerated, humans can transcend their temporal surroundings through memory, prayer, and visualization. When prisoners of war are kept in solitary confinement, their own brains full of hope and faith can be a primary source of survival.

To sum up, external compasses will help us to reach one geographical point or another. A moral compass has a far greater purpose. It aids us in becoming our own point of reference, and our own guide to determining what is right and wrong. This subjective, visceral index that we all carry may be unseen but can be experienced, just the same, if only we will listen to our best selves.

Whether you head north, south, east or west today, listen to yourself. Consider how your choices could impact the quality of the rest of your life. Even the best hand-held compass cannot provide that information, and no scientific device will ever be as important as your own moral compass. Unspoken hunches and sensibilities are your constant companions. Listen to them! They speak volumes!

In life, we all take a few wrong turns, but there is always a chance to “recalculate,” even without a GPS system.

“Don’t worry. Be happy!”

“It’s a long and winding road.” – The Beatles

Patricia Cummings

Tomorrow, or all weekend rather, we celebrate Independence Day! Our forefathers worked hard to establish rights for themselves. Consider this: it took 144 years for the privilege of the vote to be extended to women. Today, the women suffragists who effected that change are but footnotes in History books, even though they dedicated their lives to the Cause.

There always has been a discrepancy in treatment among classes, races, and the empowered who hold most of the money of society. There is a decided pecking order. For those who refuse to grovel, there is always a high price to pay, whether it is from the lash or from a lashing of the tongue.

I was just reading a first hand account written in 1898 by a former mill girl. It is a retrospective on her life, when working at the Lowell mills. Long hours, poor working conditions, and work for children that would be considered abusive by today’s standards, prevailed. Yet, the girls themselves were thankful for the work, the small sums of their own that they could bank or put in the collection bucket at church, or use to buy a new dress. In many cases, money was sent to support brothers in college. At the time, (1840) few colleges admitted women.

There is no equality between men and women and there never will be. Those who think so are only fooling themselves. Most often, women are victims. They are pushed around by drunks and ne’er do wells who would like to think they should control all of the household money. Not much has changed, truly, since the early 1800s, when women began trying to advocate for their own legal rights.

For all of our big “talk” about equality of the races, there is an innate dislike of anyone who looks different than us. That includes “older” people and “heavy” people, as well as people who are of a different faith or political persuasion. It is as though we have to be homogeneous and fit a certain standard, in order to be acceptable to our fellow human beings.

We should have written these words – “All men are created equal, except when they are not.”

The concept of “Freedom” becomes an illusion. Who is truly free, and how was their freedom attained?

Today, I have more questions than answers. I continue to be baffled by people who feel entitled to pass judgment on others. The only conclusion I can arrive at is this: The Human Race is Nuts!

Patricia Cummings
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We are a consumer society and I suppose I am guilty of being a constant consumer myself. My downfall is buying books. I’ve hardly ever met a quilt book or textile history book I didn’t think I needed. Ok. Quilt history writing is my profession. At least that is how I justify my purchases. Lately, I’ve tried to stop justifying anything I do. After all these years of hard work, I feel entitled to just about anything I want that is affordable and within reason. My wishes are usually small, relatively speaking.

At least I have a focus in life. As I see it, I celebrate “pieces of the past,” those “pieces” being material objects that are the legacy of once-living souls. Sometimes, these individuals made quilts; in other cases, textiles were created in tribute to their lives, and in still other instances, purchased material goods served to represent the people who loved them who were away and could not be there in person.

Due to their shorter life expectancy, textiles usually are not as valued in the public eye as, say, fine European paintings by (male) painters, or finely crafted wood furniture, or highly-perfected sculptures that have a record of longevity over centuries. On the other hand, the apparel of monarchy is preserved in medieval paintings and other historic paintings such as the murals of Velazquez at El Prado Museum in Madrid.

Tonight, I cannot sleep. I am thinking about how much I value textiles. I am also considering the upcoming birthday of a granddaughter and pondering what I could possibly do to honor her special day. The answer I am coming up with is nothing! She has “everything.” The house is swimming with toys, books and videos. The grandchildren have constant stimulation. Taken to museums, libraries and playgrounds, they participate in swim lessons and play dates and are taken across the country and beyond. I’ve already made her a quilt.

When I exit this world, I will leave behind a huge amount of research and writing that is unique and was original to me, when I wrote it. I consider myself lucky to share ideas with the millions of people who have read my words on my website, in books, magazines, newspapers, in letters and newsletters. Mostly, I sit here alone with my thoughts. Writing is not generally a collective effort! It is a solitary and often lonely existence, but a way to reach out. Writing makes me happy and so does making quilts. That is my life and my legacy and furthermore, all that I can possibly give. enzyte reviews itself is truly the greatest gift.

Patricia Cummings

In high school, I read the most delightful story called, “Waiting for Godot.” I would have to re-read it to report on its content accurately (and should do that)! The title is significant and a constant reminder of how patient we have to be, waiting for events that may never happen or people who may enzyte reviews show up.

It seems that I am always waiting. It probably happens to you, too. Waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting for the mail to show up, waiting for a phone call, waiting for a kind word, waiting for guests to arrive, waiting for contracts, waiting for change of one kind or another, waiting to buy new clothes, and waiting for many other reasons.

Waiting consists of wanting the future to be now, but it isn’t and furthermore, it never will be. Wives and family wait for military men to return home. Children wait to see their Dads. People can’t wait for their children to grow up. They can’t wait to see their first grandchild born. They can’t wait until they retire. They can’t wait for vacation.

To say, “Live in the moment,” may have originated with the hippies, but probably not. Christians wait for the glorious Second Coming. So did people in the nineteenth century who felt that the exact day could be determined by clues in the Bible. They were wrong. Wait, wait, wait. What to do? A dish of ice cream sounds marvelous. Will you join me? We can wait together for this guy called “Godot,” or
(God?)

Patricia Cummings

No matter what goes wrong in this world, there is always someone to pass the buck. Even CEOs of companies can get away with blaming their employees for bad choices and dead-wrong decisions made in the heat of expediency and time/cost effectiveness. A case in point is the recent British Petroleum disaster. It will take years before we can determine the extent of the damage already done to wildlife and habitat by an accident that potentially might have been prevented.

I notice that the news is downplaying the story of the birds and fish that have been affected. I did see one segment about out-of-work shrimpers in Louisiana, but that was about it for coverage. Of course, I do not watch much television. Good thing! It is upsetting to see birds covered in oil and barely able to stand.

On another topic regarding animals, the town of Barre, Vermont is considering legislation to require that cats be walked on a leash and not allowed free to roam. They are a threat to wild birds and other critters. Other communities already have this legislation in place from OH to CO and FL to MD and New Orleans. It is a good idea to restrain cats, although they definitely wouldn’t like the idea. See the full story here:

Part of not letting a cat roam free is taking responsibility for one’s pet. So is the idea of having the pet neutered or spayed. There are enough feral kittens around and they become feral cats that breed more feral cats. It is a sinking feeling to inadvertently run over any animal. Cats dash into the street from out of nowhere. That happened to us on one dark and very rainy night in a busy suburban neighborhood. There was no way we were going to try to go around trying to find the cat’s owner. The cat should have been inside on such a terrible night!

Responsibility extends into many areas of life. We are responsible for keeping all in our care safe, human or animal. Why do some of us not feel an obligation to the greater world to protect the environment? I am sure that the economy will not be affected by the BP oil spill. It is just a shame how we continue to pollute our oceans and poison the feeding grounds of birds and fish.

I am really tired of lackadaisical and self-serving individuals who do not put much thought when it comes to their work, or the quality thereof, but are the first in line to collect the perks and the pay. What kind of world will our grandchildren inherit?

Patricia Cummings

As I look back on my life, always a good thing to do during one’s birthday month, I realize that the information I value most is that which I’ve learned within the last 25 years or so. Life is a process of personal growth and evolution, a constant state of “becoming,” and that is a good thing!

Choosing to enter the testing program to become certified as a master craftsman in quilting caused me hone my skills and expand them from 1991-2000. It required me to think beyond the “Quilt in a Day” mentality. Don’t get me wrong. When I began quilting, it was a very appealing notion to finish a quilt in a day or a week. Now, I undertake projects that often take much longer, sometimes as long as a year. I am one of those pokey people. I still hand quilt, hand piece and hand appliqué most projects. I savor every moment.

After all, I have only self-imposed deadlines as I do not make quilts to sell. As I age, I realize that time is more precious than gold. I don’t give away my time without thinking twice.

Constantly challenging myself as a quilter has resulted in learning practical math skills, and caused me to embark on a study of History, in general, if only to investigate the “times” in which a quilt was created. In doing so, I have learned about cloth production, mill girls, women’s studies, slavery, literature and poetry, and American history.

In presenting programs to groups, I have remembered principles of teaching learned in my university days of formal study to become a certified teacher of Spanish. No matter what we learn, it is all “good” and always has other applications in our lives. More than once, my knowledge of Spanish has come in handy to communicate with native Spanish speakers who are learning to quilt.

The most valuable course I ever took in school was a one credit, Personal Typing class, at the university. For a writer, the ability to type well is invaluable! Truly, it was a gift of knowledge to someone, like me, who was banned in high school from taking Business classes, as they were reserved for “dummies.” In my day, the suggested careers for women were teacher, nurse, or secretary and little else was mentioned by guidance counselors!

Today, I am pleased with all of the learning opportunities I have had. Life is not worth living if we do not continue to improve and learn… every day! Quilting is responsible for leading to other recently-acquired knowledge about 19th century Literature, History, and Women’s Studies – and I’ve loved every minute, and the joys of “making connections!”

Patricia Cummings