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Sunday, July 17, 2016

Embrace Life


Sometimes........
......life just happens.
And you have to 'get a grip'.




You need to sew,
you need to keep busy,
but your brain is going in a million different directions,
your emotions are a tangled mess.




Such has been the case for me these last few weeks,
and, thank goodness that when The Scrapmaster
could no longer deny her alter ego,
and introduced The Fabric Pig,
she also became a fabric snob,
and I was in the right place at the right time.

Armed with two big bags of her cast off solid fabrics,
and inspired by this beauty made by Smiles from Kate
I was able to do some mindless 'cutting and sewing therapy'.




My father has passed away at the age of 83.
Despite the age factor,
it is always a tremendous blow
when you lose a parent.

I feel so blessed to be a quilter,
to have this passion,
to be able to channel my energy toward the positive
while I process life,
and yes,
death.

Perhaps it is the teacher in me, but isn't there always a lesson?
Today's lesson:

Embrace Life


40 comments:

Ellen said...

I am so sorry to read of the loss of your Father. It is hard to lose the ones we love... I am glad you were able to find some solace in quilting. You are right, we really must embrace life, our passions and our loved ones too!

Quilt Granny said...

Well said. I lost my dad 10 years ago, I still think about him often (almost daily because my mom, who is 83 talks about him all the time). For what it's worth memories do keep him alive in my mind. I never knew what people meant when they said that until after he passed, but it's true. Keep going the way you are right now. . That's all I have to share with you b

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh Karen, I am so sorry to hear this! Losing a parent is devastating, no matter their age, and my heart goes out to you! As my precious mother ages, I am reminded constantly of what she means to me and how hard it will be to lose her one day. I am praying for comfort and peace to surround you sweet friend, and for good people and even better quilt projects to keep you encouraged throughout the grief season. Hugs & blessings to you 💕

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

so sorry about your dad - yes in a way we expect it when our parents age but yet it is always a shock and a big adjustment when it happens. We are lucky we have our quilting as therapy at times like this - it does help a little to loose ourselves in the fabric and stitching and remember the good times.
Love the quilt and the wavy lines.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I do believe quilting is therapy. I love the simplicity of this quilt and the combination of colors. And the wiggle line quilting seems perfect for the squares.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thankful that you were able to find respite in quilting.

Gina said...

I'm so very sorry to hear you have lost your father. Remember that those who love us never truly leave us. Take time to grieve but don't lose yourself in that grief. I'm glad you haven't abandoned your quilting and am using it to focus your mind xxx

Lesley said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I can understand the need to embrace life and your quilt is a gorgeous reminder. Take care!

Bernie Kringel said...

Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. This must have left you with a very deep sadness in your heart. My parents are both 81 and I treasure my time with them. If I think too far into the future, I get a glimpse of that that is going to feel like, and how difficult a time it will be. How nice you had this lovely treasure trove of solids to play with. Good therapy for sure.

I hope all of the wonderful memories of your father bring you comfort and warmth.

Lesley said...

So sad to hear the news, but glad you found a very productive way to work through your feelings. It is a gorgeous quilt and I love how you quilted it!

hetty said...

Oh, Karen, So sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad that you were able to cut and sew to work through this trying time. The quilt is beautiful. A great scrap project! Sending you positive thoughts and cyber hugs!

Fiona said...

Oh Karen, I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad - it is a very sad time for you and he will always hold a very special place in your memories. You do have a good therapy and it does take time .... a big hug for you my friend. I wish I could pop over for a cuppa and chat and a real Hug of course....
Hugz

Linda said...

I knew you were the right one to give all those fabrics to. And little did we know at the time how therapeutic they would be. Your quilt looks amazing. You keeping this one for yourself? Big hugs from me and The Fabric Pig!

Binsa said...

Good Morning Karen my thoughts and prayers for you in the passing of your Dad.My parents are in their mid eighties you think about it but when the time comes it is so so Hard.Our Jess called the other week and wanted to know about her Nana's sponge recipe so I said Nana bakes every Saturday why don't you go and spend the day with your grandparents and Nana will teach you.So last Saturday she did armed with a pen and pencil for Mum's secrets.I learnt this week what a special time it was for the three of them.Hugs to you

Sondra said...

I offer to you the song called: Wayland & the White Rabbit, I will shorten it for space concerns:
"One fine morning as Dad was walking just to see what he could see
He spied the little white Rabbit,he was frozen as solid as he could be
And Dad cried as he knelt down beside him and he asked God how could you be so cruel and his heart broke for the little white rabbit,
But you see that the owl would never have been so gentle and God was so kind.
"I said Dad why do you look so sad, he turned as he stood by the doorway he said things are not like they used to be
I smiled as if I could teach him, I said, Dad it's mercy in disguise
Once you told me of the little white rabbit, and you said that the owl would never have been so gentle and God was so kind
And I love you cause you're strong and I love you cause you're weak and the Rabbit is running within me."
So my dear friend:

Stay busy and stay positive, create while you heal, your Dad is not gone he is running within you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Karen i am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing,may he RIP my friend,sending you big hugs xx

TexWisGirl said...

i am sorry...

Judy said...

I'm sorry. Losing someone that you love is so hard. Thank goodness for creative outlets that help us when life gets hard.
You're so right-embrace life. Every single day.
Take care of yourself,
Judy

Jessie said...

Karen, I'm sorry you have lost your dad. Death is never easy for us to process, no matter when it comes. I also feel so grateful to have my sewing as a way to work through difficult emotions. I believe that we are not the first to find solace in making something whole and beautiful out of a bunch of little pieces. Just imagining generations of women before us, taking comfort in their stitches, has comforted me over the years. Hugs to you.

Maria said...

Sorry to read of the loss of your dear Dad.. Sew good you are able to find comfort in putting fabrics together for your lovely quilt...
Hugs Maria ....

Linda Reeder said...

Your therapy produced beautiful results. You have used sorrow as a motivator. I would say that you are embracing life.
So sorry about your father.

Allie-oops Designs said...

Karen, I am so very sorry to hear this - I lost my dad when I was 17, he was 43 years old, you never expect it and it's always hard. So, so hard. Oh sweetie my heart breaks for you. I am lifting you in prayer tonight, and will keep you close in my prayers as you grieve - wish I could give you a big ol' bear hug, hon.

Needled Mom said...

No matter how much we try to prepare ourselves for such loss, it is always so difficult, Karen. He will remain alive in your wonderful memories he has left for you.

We are so blessed to have quilting to help process our thoughts during these difficult times.

Karen said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It doesn't matter how old our parents are we never want them to die. May you treasure your memories. Sending you hugs and prayers.

Lin said...

Dear Karen. I am so sorry to read about your loss and send much love and sympathy. There is a lot to be said for stitching your sorrow into something useful or beautiful or both! I am glad that you were able to do that and you have a beautiful quilt to remind you of him. xx

Anonymous said...

My condolences on the loss of your father. I actually think it's harder when they've been around into our aging years - we know they won't last forever, but it seems like they might somehow. I'm so glad for your friend who tossed the solids your way. That is a lovely, lovely use of them. And thoughts of him, love for him, will always be tied up in it. Hugs.

Carol Swift said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your father. You are so right about it not mattering about the age of our loved one when they die. Your quilt is beautiful and a wonderful way to channel your sorrow. Hugs

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

Your quilt turned out lovely Karen, I like how you did the quilting, and it's interesting how by using the same fabric for all the centres it gives a slightly different look. Thinking of you :)

walk2write said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you and the rest of your family. So sorry that your father has passed. Your beautiful quilt is a loving tribute to the many and varied moments and memories you had and have of him.

Createology said...

My condolences on the passing of your father. May your memories of him stay close to your heart. I am reminded by your post to "Embrace Life". My chosen word for 2016 is Embrace and that is what I am trying to do in each aspect of my life. Blessings Dear...

Just Ramblin' said...

Goodness, I don't know where I've been and that I didn't read about the passing of your father. I am so sorry! It is hard to lose a parent. For some reason, we think they should live forever and when they go it definitely leaves a hole in our heart. But, hopefully, good times and memories will come to your mind and you will find peace and comfort.
So glad that you can quilt. It really does help to keep busy creating
beautiful things that will help us heal. I love your last sentence, "embrace life". We really should enjoy life and our loved ones!

Hugs to you,my friend and again, I'm sorry for your loss.
Nola

Sandi said...

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing Karen, mine died suddenly of a heart attack at 58, 28 years ago. It is hard at any age to loose a parent. Hold onto the memories they will last you a lifetime. Glad you have a lovely quilt to keeps you warm.

Karen said...

Oh, Karen...I just read this post, and my heart breaks for you. I've walked this path, and it isn't an easy one. Hang in there, my friend. :( Big hugs. xxx Karen

Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Sending warm thoughts your way and hoping that there's lots more fabric to pour your tangled energies into if you need it!

Sheila said...

Karen , to each of us we feel our parents will always be there for us and when the time comes and we loose one of them our hearts have a huge hole to heal . I am not even sure we ever get over that loss, we simply learn to live with it . For me i have a message on my phone my Dad left and I can at least trunk that on and listen to his sweet voice . I do however still feel he is beside me and guiding me just as he always has just not visible. I am so glad you have your sewing to help you heal from your loss , my heart goes out to you. Love Sheila

Afton Warrick said...

I'm so sorry. While I had a hard time (and used quilting as a method of coping) when my Grandma died, it doesn't compare. I don't know what it feels like to lose a parent, an I don't want to hurt like that, no matter how good their life was or their age. I will take your advice and embrace life. It's an easy thing to forget in the chaos and the hectic, but it's so important.

Julia D @ Jada's Quilting Adventures said...

Sorry to hear about your dad. I'm glad you had friends and sewing to help you with this difficult time. Hugs to you!

sunny said...

I'm sorry I missed this post. It's so hard to lose a parent. I'm so glad you've experience the love from the blogging community, and you've been able to sew in your sorrow. It's always nice to lose ourselves in our 'work'. Hugs and prayers.

Carrie P. said...

Karen,
I am so sorry to read this news about your dad. I lost my dad years ago so I know how you are feeling. Hugs, dear friend.

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

Love your quilt and thinking about you and your dad x