In taking my own advice about counting blessings instead of sheep, I am thinking the following thoughts this morning:
1) I am inside in a warm house, not on the street, and not out in the woods, like the wildlife that is foraging for some kind of food in the snow.
2) At the end of this closing year, I can look back to the many research projects I have undertaken and published, and all of the lovely people I have met along the way.
3) I can look back to the decent father and decent mother who brought me into this world. I was not “strung up by the hair of the head” but rather, had every advantage.
4) I do not have to leave my home to fight my way through airport security. I work from HOME and I love it!
5) My husband got up early this morning to go do the food shopping. Hard, concrete floors of grocery stores and warehouse outlets really increase the pain of my arthritis, so it is a blessing that he shops.
6) I am lucky to have recently seen my grandchildren, if only briefly. They are lovely creatures and very amusing.
7) My steadfast friends in the quilt world are a joy to know, and I seem to be making more friends as I go along.
I am thankful to have the courage of my convictions and to have no fear in speaking the truth. It’s about time someone did so.
9) I love Facebook! It keeps me connected with extended family across the country, in a day-to-day way, and up to date on the activities and accomplishments of cherished friends.
10) I am grateful for the technical expertise of my husband, Jim, webmaster for Quilter’s Muse Publications, and computer guru extraordinaire.
11) I am ever happy to live in America where we appreciate freedom, knowing that we only remain “free,” at a price.
12) I appreciate people like Don Beld and all of the state coordinators for the Home of the Brave program who attempt to make sense of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by making tribute quilts for families of fallen soldiers.
13) I am grateful for all of the new research work done this year in the quilt history arena and all the dedicated researchers, writers, and academics who are behind new discoveries.
14) I feel happy that a few magazines will still publish quilt history articles, and a couple of book publishers are still taking on the subject. So saying, I think of Bob Shaw’s latest book and that of Jinny Beyer, both master works.
15) I am thankful to still be a part of The Quilter magazine after more than 10 years of writing quilt history and related articles for that magazine title. I am particularly grateful for all of my husband Jim’s photos that make my words come to life!
Yes, I don’t have to look far or think hard to find many points of gratitude. Home, family, friends, country, meaningful activities … what more is there that really counts?
I wish you health and happiness in 2010. May all of your troubles be so tiny that you barely notice them. The New Year is upon us. If you “believe,” anything can happen!
Peace,
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
