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#1
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OK, Here's MY Life Story as it Applies to Quilting...
Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
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#2
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Oh my Lordy! What a wonderful tale! Thanks so much for sharing.
-- Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Qof DU) http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/index.html Member of the Houston 2004 Party Animals wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
#3
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Oh, Cea that was wonderful! Thanks.
Martha wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
#5
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Just wonderful, I love to know how people come to quilting and this is the
best retelling of that story! -- Mauvice in Central WI USA wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
#6
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And this is an official Me Too Post!
but you knew that about me already, didnt you. :-) Thank you Cea!! Diana -- http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44 "CHARLES MURPHY" wrote in message ... Just wonderful, I love to know how people come to quilting and this is the best retelling of that story! -- Mauvice in Central WI USA wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
#7
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Thanks, Cea. That was a great story.
-- Wendy http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm de-fang email address to reply wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
#8
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Mailed and posted
Cea: This is one charming tale. You sure have a way with words. I really like the style, but mostly I love the outcome. BTW: the show was IN Hampton, but I am not OF Hampton. Even so, I really appreciate your kind words. (Blush blush!) Let's get together soon. Just don't look for my number in the Hampton phone list! Hugs, PAT in VA/USA not far from Hampton |
#9
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Wow Cea, have you given any thought about becoming a writer! That's truly a
gift to write a story like that.....and a very nice story it was as well! Lorraine wrote in message ... Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. The disposition was considered to be extremely unfair, not to mention shortsighted, as the storytelling family, alas, were not the inheritors. Woe unto us! Much was the moaning and weeping! Much was the Telling and Re-Telling! As Things Unseen are wont to do, the Mythical Quilt grew in the young girl's imagination, until the very mention of the words "Quilt" and "Quilting" became a Holy Grail; something to strive for, a goal to attain. Part of this yearning grew from a desire to assuage the pain which the loss of GGM's Quilt caused the girl's mother. Over time, though, and with the onset of puberty, and the increasing charms of the opposite sex, the images of The Quilt, always ephemeral, faded in memory to soft colors and softer recollections. Marriage followed, and a move to a land far away from the Telling and Re-Telling. The girl, now a grown woman, discovered S.E.X., but only in it's relationship to making clothing for her own children. The Holy Grail was forgotten; a dusty relic, it resided in someone else's life. The Sewing S.E.X. grew into a cottage industry, most useful and satisfying. Still, there were visits home over the years. On one such visit. the woman discovered, hanging on a wall, in a place of Honor: a Full Color, True To Life, Matted and Framed Photo of the Much Coveted Quilt. This, quite naturally, revived the Telling and Re-Telling, the Moaning and Coveting, and thus, once again, piqued the woman's interest in quilts. The purchase of Quilt History books followed, and the Ladies of The LIbrary became familiar with her checkout habits, often recommending good reads.The desire to actually quilt remained muted and un-acted upon, as many other things intruded upon the woman's time. Her mother, over the years, purchased and valued a score of vintage quilts, and seemed to sleep better under their colorful comfort. The Daughter did think that much of the value of GGM's Quilt resided in the Not Having, as opposed to the beauty or perfection of the actual item. That, though, was before she knew The True Meaning of the Quilt. You see, years ago, poverty touched nearly everyone in the kingdom. There came a war, and consumer items were nearly impossible to obtain. Things of beauty and color were particularly cherished and cared-for. The Quilt had been lovingly crafted of tiny treasured bits of silks, satins, and velvets, then pieced and embroidered, but never actually used. To the girl's mother, it was a thing of inestimable beauty, in a house which could ill-afford luxuries. To the girl/woman, who was spoiled with the Having of many pretty things , it was a lovely thing, but never used, and, at the time, she placed a high value on usefulness, and did not believe in lusting after that which now belongs to others. 'Surely other things can be made to fill that hole in Mother's heart', she thought, not yet understanding the True Meaning of the Quilt. In a desultory way, she began here a quilt, there a quilt, finishing nothing, putting projects aside when more pressing matters intruded. Eventually the woman's Labor Intensive Juveniles grew up and found new digs. Although the cottage industry still thrives, the birth of GChIldren cried out for the celebration of a gift long-lived and useful, full of meaning and memories. The woman began to drop in on a continuing QuIlting Bee, occasionally contributing pithy short posts, mostly reading and learning, picking up tips and pointers. She learned that a machine made quilt is not anathema, and, using her considerable sewing skills, she might actually finish a quilt project, and the Quilt Police would not show up to confiscate her machines. She went to a quilt show and met Pat of Hampton, a genuine Quilter and all-around nice guy. In the True Way of Karma, the woman inherited a lovely quilt, boxes of quilting books, and many vintage quilt tops and fabrics from her beloved MIL. This year she finally finished her first quilt, a bright, colorful gift for her newest Gchild. The child's mother claims there is Magic stitched into the Quilt, as the previously rebellious, screaming toddler now goes 'gentle into that good night.' Another Quilt is in process, and the woman is discovering that she seems to heading in a rather odd direction with her quilts, a direction which she will address later, as it seems this Quilting Tale is at another lengthy beginning. Cea |
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In article ,
wrote: Once upon a time, in a small village some distance from here, a girl child was born. As she grew up, her parents, although far from illiterate, kept certain family legends alive in the time-honored oral tradition. One of these stories dealt with Great-Great Grandmother's Quilt, and it's eventual disposition on GGGrandmother's demise. gentle snipping Cea, this is a marvelous story! I love the way you told it and can't wait for the next one. -- Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas http://home.earthlink.net/~s_foster |
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