The Parable of the Scraps....

Once there was a kingdom where all the subjects were given a basket of scraps. Everyone’s basket was equal with the amount of scraps, however they varied greatly in variety throughout the kingdom.

There were a few rules set forth with these scraps…the subjects were admonished to take what scraps were dealt them and make something beautiful out of them. Another rule was set forth stating they could not trade back and forth for the mixture they wanted, rather, they could only share what they had through acts of true service, otherwise, they had to make do with what they were dealt.

The scraps had darks, lights, mediums and sparklers mixed throughout, however no two baskets were alike with their scraps.

There was a cry of dismay go throughout the kingdom. That’s so unfair, we don’t particularly want what was given to us.

As time went on, the subjects began to see that LIFE HAPPENS. Sometimes we are presented with grave disappointment—maybe in a failed relationship or unsatisfactory outcome. Sometimes others let us down. There are times when we experience grief and sorrow. Perhaps we found out some heartbreaking news or witness the passing of a loved one. I like to call these scraps the DARKS—they add depth. Because we experience them, it adds a new dimension to our lives that we only get by being acquainted with them.

The next group of scraps were broken down into LIGHTS—the blessings that life affords us such as shelter, food, good health and the beauties and wonders of nature, the little moments that take your breath away and you feel thankful. The lights offer sharp contrast to the darks and we appreciate more the lights when we experience the darks.

SPARKLERS come next, for they do just that, sparkle. They are the rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, the small unexpected acts of kindness, the pure joys life has to offer us such as the birth of a child, the magic of believing and the joys derived from service to others. They let us know that hope springs eternal.

Last but not least come the MEDIUMS. They are life’s constants, such as work, family, and friends. They are the glue that holds us together and create balance out of chaos. We often take the mediums for granted because they are blenders. Often they go about unnoticed, but are very necessary.

When the subjects set about trying to make something beautiful with what they were dealt, some found there was no balance, that the dark sometimes overwhelmed the light and they were lacking luster. Soon, the subjects began to discover that by truly giving of themselves, they were able to give to each other some lights and sparklers and in turn greatly enriched their own lives and felt for the first time what it means to be selfless.

Over time, with combined efforts and great giving from one to another, the most beautiful tapestry was woven with tremendous depth, beautiful heights through the lights and an added punch from the sparklers. It was a treasure which truly stood out in the kingdom, because the beauty could not be bought, but only shared. By accepting one another and their difficulties and working together, they learned that even though LIFE HAPPENS, it can be enriching, lovely and of great worth. The subjects began to realize, that no matter what their particular station was in life, all subjects stood on equal ground when it came to life. Sometimes we can control what happens by our choices, but oft times we cannot, and need to have the grace to accept what may lay ahead. It was also discovered that through the darkest of scaps came the most beautiful rainbows of sparkle.

May we go about continuing to build on the beautiful tapestry of life. Share your joys and abundance with those less fortunate. Be friendly and show small acts of kindness along your way and before long, your tapestry will radiate the beauty of your life and what you make from it. Happy New Year to all my bloggity friends and may 2009 be a year worth remembering and treasuring. Make beautiful quilts and tapestries and last but not least, enjoy the journey!

A couple of great pillows that my sisters made for my mother

My sister, Heather embroidered and put together the pillow in pink. She gave it to my mother for either a birthday or Christmas. My sisters, Heather and Rose stitched and put together the pillow with the quote from the Grinch that stole Christmas. I took a picture of the back as well as it is so cute. They gave this to my mother for Christmas. I just love it. The Grinch is one of my most favorite holiday movies.

My mother's Christmas present this year from my sister, Carolyn

This quilt was given to my mom this year for Christmas from my sister Carolyn. She is a beautiful quilter and for this quilt, used the Thimbleberry pattern that was a flower block of the month. The colors are really rich and it is a show stopper. My mother just loves it!!

The Chinese Block Quilt

A couple of years ago, myself and my four sisters pieced the blocks for this lovely quilt. The pattern dates back to the 30's and we put it together and had it quilted with a lovely old fashioned clam shell pattern to keep in line with the antique pattern. What a fun quilt this was and it was even more fun keeping the secret away from our mom till Christmas that year.

What to get your single brother who is 32 and hates Christmas...

I get inspired by all my bloggity friends out there and again, Vivian, you inspired me. You quilted a mud flap girl quilt and I thought I must make my brother some hotpads. Maybe he'll cook twice as much now...what do you think?

Journal Covers....

I have been practicing making journal covers for the composition notebook. I made one up for my sister, Carolyn, for Christmas. I'm still trying to perfect it so it is a work in progress. I have had a lot of fun doing this. The sky is the limit....oh, by the way, I got the quote off of Vivian's blog and I just loved it. Thanks Vivian!!

Christmas Tree Skirts--the dressing of the tree...

I've always loved the tree skirts for the Christmas tree. These are two of my tree skirts. The little one we did in our quilt guild out of scraps. I believe it was a Thimbleberry pattern. The nativity tree skirt I did for the store last year. I remember how excited I was to make it because it was a nativity tree skirt. Nancy Halverson did the pattern. Can you tell I love her designs??? Anyway, I think the closer we get to Christ on Christmas and remember that this celebration really is about him, the happier we are and the more we are reminded to be like him.

Star Santa

This is the quilt that I learned to paper piece on. Needless to say, I chose a very difficult first project. Hey--let me tell you that now I can paper piece with the best of them!! Truly, Santa is a star don't you agree?

Yipee Skipee--it is finished and ready for the store...

I feel Duck Duck Goose and I have become good friends. I most thoroughly enjoyed piecing this quilt top. I put movies on my laptop and away I sewed. What fun doing this is for me!!

Fun times at the quilt guild Christmas party.

Fun was had by all at the quilt guild Christmas party. We had an ornament exchange, fondue with cheese sauce for the vegetables and meats and chocolate for the cookies, fruit and delectables. Great food, great company. Last but not least we had my favorite, show and share. The following pictures are of the fabulous quilts that have been made by the members of the quilt guild.

Merry Christmas to all and to all.....

Fun embroidery project with Nativity buttons. I really enjoyed making this.

More Nancy Halverson Christmas

And the shepherds kept watch over their flocks....This was such a fun quilt to make. My husband bought me the kit last summer and I finished it in time for Christmas of last year.

And the stockings were hung....

Here's a sneak peak at our Christmas stockings. A couple of years ago, Nancy Halverson came out with panels for Christmas stockings. I embroidered the details and then glitzed them up with beads and sequins. I love the magic they bring when the light hits them just right.