I had to think long and hard about this prompt! I wasn’t sure if there was anything to celebrate. The last two years have been filled with sadness, anger, uncertainty and fear due to the world in turmoil! Even though my life is in the best place it has ever been and my sons and grandchildren are all fine, there is still this lingering gloom. Then I found a journal that I had written when I was 14 years old ( more than 60 years ago ) . It was filled with silly jokes, spontaneous drawings of who knows what and a list of things I wanted to achieve “when I grew up”. And lo and behold most of those dreams have come true! It forced me think of how lucky I have been. The friends I have made and managed to keep , the perfect job I had for 38 years, my education, the beautiful homes I have enjoyed, the trips and summers at the cottage, and of course my art career that has saved me mentally and emotionally through many sad times and situations. After years of being single and finding the perfect partner who has made many of my dreams possible is the topping on the cake! So…..yes I can celebrate!
In the journal I found a story about a birthday party I went to for my Grandmother. There were balloons, and streamers and confetti that the “old” people were throwing around and acting like kids. I wrote about how embarrassing they seemed to me. I was mortified!
Now I realize that we never really “grow up”, we just get better!
I can not change the world situation but I can celebrate like a kid again!
Party Like a Kid
cotton, pieced applique, machine stitched
22” X 40”
Everyday happiness is something to celebrate;this is a beautiful piece of work.
Ooooh, your quilting texture is divine! The world does give much room for doom and gloom these days, but the ability to look in the opposite direction, into the inner circle rather than the wider one, is definitely the way to go when it gets to be too much. I read a book where the author got out a blank notebook and wrote down 1000 things they were thankful for. From big things like health and a roof over their head to small things like getting the closest parking space to a shop that week and sighting a pretty bird that morning. I love that initiative and do it once a year. Your post reminds me of that practice, and I hope your quilt reminds you of all of your joys every time you look at it.
You are truly a fortunate person and has a remarkable mind caring deeply about the world. Childhood memories can often become a source of energy in life, and this is a beautiful piece brimming with joyful, celebratory spirit.
You are truly a fortunate person! Childhood memories can often become a source of energy in life, and this is a wonderful piece brimming with joyful, celebratory spirit.
Such a joyful piece.