Sunday, April 29, 2007


One year ago today I recorded my first entry in my journal. I look back on that year with tons of good memories . I met many people all over the world, and made many friends. And unlike years of schooling –where I found many friendships were based on people’s looks or possessions—I’ve made friends that have no idea what I look like or if I live in a straw house or a glass mansion.

I found that I’m pretty normal and lots of women go through the same juggling act of working, raising a family, and treasuring a few moments of quiet for a passion they have. The passion--- quilting.

I’ve told others before, that in the past year, while reading literally hundreds of entries, I never once read about someone in a panic to complete a quilt because a loved one was going to sleep cold tonight. In today’s world, while many ARE kept warm by those quilts, I think women quilt for other reasons. I think it’s an artistic expression that allows emotions to be placed into something tangible.

Until this year, I never quilted something and gave it away. I don’t know whether I never pushed to have the time, or subconscious maybe I felt my projects weren’t good enough. But in the past year, I given 9 projects away. I think the graciousness of quilters is contagious. I also think quilting is a gift in itself, and it’s a gift better given away the kept hidden inside yourself.

I love reading about the different seasons around the world.

It’s fascinating when I see someone do what I call, “Quilt Ogl-ing”. That quilt could just be strips sewn in a straight line, but they can tell you a story about the fabric, a story about the pattern, or even a story about the reason they’re making that piece. They aren’t methodically going through the motions as a reason to an end---there’s definitely a soulful reason to their quest.

On an average I get to quilt maybe 2 hours a week—sometimes as much as 4 hours, but then there are times when I go entire week without a stitch.. I think reading about other quilters has taught me patience and finding blessings in little things—sewing a button on Chelsey’s shirt, walking along a dirt road with Ransom, or just swinging….

….. on my Covered Porch…..

The photograph – a gift from Don’s sister.

28 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

What a beautiful post and the gift from Don's sister looks ver special. I just love to see things that have been well used. Thanks for your lovely thoughts.

Joanne said...

Hear, Hear!
Nice gift too -- how was your visit with your DMIL and DSIL?

CONNIE W said...

Wonderfully written. Thank you. I'm so glad you have a blog and that I found it. Congrats on the one year mark. :)

Carolyn said...

Happy Anniversary! I'm so glad that you made the decision to blog, I always look forward to your entries.

Leigh said...

A lovely post, thanks you.

Tazzie said...

Happy one year bloggiversary! I hope there will be many more. I have so enjoyed getting to know you via your blog.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

quilter197 said...

U get 2 to 4 hours weekly to quilt? Good for you. Most important is to make sure you get that time for sure. Mine is usually @our cabin in N.Wis. I try to make very little cooking the plan, & I can concentrate on a weekend full of quilting and/or knitting. During the week? Too pooped! :o)
Deb

Carole said...

Happy one year anniversery! Okay, I can handle that you might not "live in a straw hour or a glass mansion", but please tell me you have a covered porch and a wooden screen door? lol Great post! Keep well!

Fiona said...

A thoughtful and interesting post as always. Over the past year I've very much enjoyed reading your posts and thoughts on life and quilting - here's to many more years of blogging!

Unknown said...

An eloquent post today (as always) - happy Ist anniversary - here's to many more blogging friend :o)

Libby said...

You really have found the key to blogging - the kinship found with those we would not have met any other way. Makes the world a much smaller and friendlier place. Save a rocker on your porch for me *s*

McIrish Annie said...

Congrats on your 1 year anniversary!! You have given so much to us here in Blogland. For me, you give off a sense of calm (whether you are or not! LOL) which makes it great to read during my hectic day at work!

I am amazed at how much you get done quilting wise with the limited number of hours you have!

Quilt til you wilt and keep on blogging!!

Jane Ann said...

What a lovely, thoughtful post. Milestones are always good times for reflection.

Unknown said...

Beautifully written, I do so enjoy reading your posts, Happy anniversary.

Bonnie said...

Very nice post. Happy One Year.

a said...

Happy one year...I share a lot of your thoughts.

Quilterin said...

Congratulations for one year blogging!
You are doing a good job. I`m looking forward to the next 12 months.

Holly said...

Happy One Year! I quilt about as often as you :)

Linda C said...

Happy Blogiversary, Melanie! Glad to have you along for the ride.

Kairle Oaks said...

Cheers! To a year of blogging! Way to go!!!

Kim said...

Really? Only one year? It seems like I've "known" you much longer! LOL! I love reading your posts--yours is one of the first I check. Blog on!

Rose Johnston said...

I love ur blog....happy anniversary!!!

Wendy said...

Happy one year Journal Anniversary. I really enjoyed reading your post. I'm glad to have found you and I look forward to another 12 months.

Patti said...

And every one of us is so glad you've stuck it out this year. We've had a wonderful time getting to know you, and our lives would be much emptier without the richness you have brought. Here's to another great year of posting and quilting!

Clare said...

Belated blogiversary - I can't believe it is only a year. It seems a lot longer than that. Your SIL obviously knows you very well - that knocker is very you. Oh and yes I did quilt a bit for you last weekend, but I lost the thread LOL and have had to start again.

Beemoosie said...

What a beautiful post! It's amazing how many friends we can make when we aren't sizing one another up! Congrats on your one year mark!

Finn said...

Hi Mel, love the knocker...*VBS* Very classy gift.
And what a lovely post. I think you are right on target with it. Most likely none of us quilt to keep of family or friends from freezing. I belive, as you do, that in today world the 'cold' that people suffer from is of a different sort. We've gotten way too far from front porches, Sunday picnics, lazy days in the hammock, even family meals. I've come to believe the gift of a quilt is a continous fabric 'hug' from me. Every time they use it, they should feel hugged. I'm so very proud of you for leaping over that hurdle of self doubt and gifting someone with a quilt *VBS* The gift is in the giving. Big hugs for you my northern friend, Finn

Quilts And Pieces said...

Happy Journal Anniversary!