Saturday, December 31, 2011

Piecing it all together

Front
As are most of you, I'm trying to figure out just how the heck this last year passed so quickly.  I remember my son saying that to me when he was in his early teens: time just keeps moving faster.  And as my mom would say to me each year, I would reply:  you ain't seen nothin' yet.

So here I sit.  The first part of the year was really rough, with my sister's end of life and subsequent passing.  It is only now, nine months later, that I can even let myself think of her or say her name without bursting into tears.  It's just how life is, fleeting and fragile.  With her passing came a renewed sense of the importance of the everyday things, and family and friends; her final parting gift to those of us she left behind.

Quilting therapy
Balancing the sadness has been the great joy of our grandchildren, much more family time than I've spent in years, more time with old friends, and my new found passion for quilting.  Along the way, my Etsy shop and fiber business has slipped into the closet, but I'm working on a way to work that all out soon; these last two years have been a bit of a sea change and I'm trying to find my new direction without rushing, as I have so often in the past.

Before I left California, I wanted to be sure and make a backing for the scrap quilt I made this fall, so when I return, it's ready to be assembled and quilted.  This is my "memory" quilt, and I've decided it will be fun to make one at the end of each year with scraps from the year's projects, along with scraps from my other quilting friends.  As an old song can transport me magically back to another time, I expect these fabric scraps will have the same effect.  This particular quilt will remind me especially of my quilting friends Liz and Terri, and the many great laughs we had while visiting this year.  That laughter was an important part of my healing process.

Scrapped back
A year ago this past week, I was so down that I thought to end this blog.  I missed you, and came back.  I'm glad I did.  You've been a great support to me this year, through the sad and the happy.  I only wish we could all just hang out for a day and catch up in person.

I wish you all the best for the new year ahead and look forward to sharing 2012 with you.  Cheers!

Martie

9 comments:

Kim said...

I'm so happy you decided to come back to blogging. I have so enjoyed getting to know you better this year. I hope 2012 brings you nothing but joy!
Hugs, Kim

Cathy G. said...

Martie,
I think (too often) how quickly time slips away! But one of the joys has been to meet YOU in this vast blog land! Here's to a wonderful new year ahead with continued healing and inspiring projects!!
Happy 2012 and hugs!!
Cathy G

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

It has been a pleasure to get to know you this past year. I would be lost, if it weren't for my blog and the caring folks I've found here. I love the quilt. I would love to have some sort of reunion for all of us somewhere. I think of it often.
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Courtney

Lesley Ann Staples said...

Hi Martie
I too am glad you decided to stick with the blog. I look forward to getting to know you better in 2012.
That quilt is fantastic...good for you.
Lesley

Ter'e said...

Ahhhhhhhhh Martie........we sure feel your heart. Remember the good times with your sister. Sit back and savor those memories. Watch those tears turn into smiles.

I am so thankful you continued your blog. You are like that little ray of sunshine and heart, combined, that we all enjoy. Many blessings to you in 2012.
xoxoxoxoxo

minicoop said...

LOVE the quilt back! Don't think I saw it finished.
Thank you for your blog, friendship, laughter and for taking me down the rabbit hole into the fantastic land of quilting!!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Martie!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Martie,
Your thoughts sound eerily similar to mine as we move into a new year. I've been neglectful of my blog and hope to pay more attention to it in 2012. I truly believe the friends I've made through blogging (even though I've never had the privilege to meet many of them) have helped me through so many difficulties in my life over the past few years. It's so nice to know there are friends out there I can share happy and sad times with.
Love, Ruthie

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

So sorry that I have not been a good friend to you this year. I have missed coming over here and I hope to do better in this coming new year.
I am so sorry about your sister. It has to be really hard for you and I understand how it hurts to even mention their name.
Your quilt back is just beautiful.
I too think of how fast time seems to be getting by me. I know this past year with so much happening I have not been a good blogger.
Take care honey and I hope this year brings you lots of Happy and Prosperous days.
Love
Maggie