My new friend Carri died suddenly and unexpectedly last week. Her funeral was today. I’m so glad that we got to know each other. We talked at length about my affirmation quilt which says, “I am safe, warm & loved.” It’s a comforting message. I’m going to donate that quilt in her honor. I don’t know where it’s going yet but will update you guys when I do.
Thanks for the memories Carri. I love you and hope you’re happy wherever you are now.
I’ve always had a vivid imagination. The magical worlds I experienced in my thoughts as a child were intricate and delightful.
Unfortunately, nightmares were just as detailed. There were many nights that I woke up screaming for my parents, who’d run in and comfort me. As I got older I wanted to try comforting myself. So I hatched a plan and repeated these words aloud, “I am safe, warm & loved.” I am safe. I’m not in danger right here right now. I am warm. I can feel the covers, pillow, and my body heat. I am loved. Thinking about the people who love me helps fear dissipate.
I made this quilt with Sam Hunter’s paper-pieced alphabet for the gallery in her book, Quilt Talk. It took me a little while to decide what I wanted to spell out. Then I remembered the childhood affirmation. What would you say if you could say anything?
I’ve been neglecting to write for a few weeks now. What have I been up to? Well, aside from spending a lot of time getting un-sick (yuck) and with my kiddos at work (so cute) I’ve been working on the house. Here are a few new skills I’ve learned.
1) Replacing window screens. When I expressed amazement that my husband could do it, he showed me how. Now I’ve volunteered to do the rest of the screens in the house, starting with the back screen door, which has been attacked by vines.
2) Mudding drywall. Filling in holes, covering low spots, etc before we paint.
3) Using a paint sprayer. I’m pretty handy with a brush and roller, but the spraying bit was new to me. We’re rolling colors, but it’s very handy for white ceilings and hard-to-reach areas like under the water heater in the garage.
4) Cutting and installing carpet. Okay, so we didn’t completely install it with tacks on the side, but throw-rug-style is just fine for the master bedroom for now.
5) Scraping popcorn ceilings down. It’s easy! Just wet it down and scrape. It flops right off and you sweep the gunk off the floor.
Oh, and I’m excellent at sorting through items. Initially, they’re in three categories: save, sell, and donate. Goodwill’s having a good donation year in my town.
I have not been quilting, but am excited to do some paper-piecing with friends tomorrow. I’ll post s’more about that soon. Promise.
My niece was born just a few days ago on April 2nd. Her parents chose the name Mary Constance, a name rich with meaning… which still gets me all flustered when I speak it aloud. Her first name comes from both of her grandmothers: Mary and Maria. Pictured first is her Dad’s mom, Maria. She’s Mexican, living in Boston temporarily… which means she’s around to help out. She gives very nice, soft, gentle hugs.
Here’s her Mom’s mom, my mother, Mary. She passed away years ago. I like to think that baby Mary got some love from her before she arrived. I know that my mom would just be overjoyed to have a grandchild.
Mary’s middle name is also a family name. Her great-grandmother’s late sister was named Constance. I know her only in stories as Connie, my Aunt Lisa’s mother and grandma’s sister. What a wonderful tribute to her memory.
I started a quilt for baby Mary when I came to her baby shower in January. Since Mom and Dad were keeping her name a secret, I had family members write down their guesses for her name. Some of the guesses are pretty funny, like “Top Secret” and “Hey You!” Now that her name has been announced it’s time to work that quilt. It will have Sam Hunter’s paper-pieced letters in the center with her actual name and the hand-written guesses surrounding it.
You can get Sam’s alphabet here: http://www.huntersdesignstudio.com
QUILTArtbymegan 