Sunday, June 09, 2019

Gifts

What do you include as gifts in your life?  I have many!

  • My children;
  • My sister;
  • My friends;
  • My quiet, pretty rural hamlet;
  • My cozy little house;
  • My memories of special people, special times;
  • My present-day internet connections;
  • My stashes...and TIME in which to use them...

I've been thinking about gifts this past week as I've been making a couple to take to family and friends on my up-coming visit to Montreal et environs.  I am so blessed at this stage in my life to have full use of my hands, and the ability to make art!  

In my last post I gave you a peek at a small piece I was making for one of my cousins.  Yesterday I picked it up from the framer's...

Glenelm, QC  (c) 2019
6" W x 6" L
Hand-dyed poly-cotton and silk, commercial cotton;
fused applique, machine quilting, thread painting


I also managed to get off my duff and finish the "twin" -- matted, this time.  Said cousin and her parents will have to discuss which version they want!  😉

Glenelm, QC (c) 2019
7" W x 5" L, matted to 10" x 8"


They're wrapped and ready to pack, along with this throw I knit over the winter, for the friend with whom I'm staying -- and who's graciously driving me around while I'm there!

Shown here being blocked...
Star Afghan - Knitter's Magazine, Summer 2008
Designer: Sandra Daignault, Calgary, AB
Yarn: James Brett Marble DK, colour # MT 12

I was given a few more gifts this week, too.  My son celebrated 34 years on the planet.  My daughter visited with a Mother's Day package of rich Columbian coffee beans, roasted by a Columbian roaster resident in Edmonton, and a gift card to my favourite bookstore.  And not one but TWO (!) skeins of fabulous Manos del Uruguay yarn, brought back for me by her friend L, who bought them in Uruguay on a business trip a few months ago!

Weight: fingering
75% Merino wool
25% Nylon
Colour-way: "Manglar"
Created by Fatima at Dragon, Uruguay

I envision a good-sized shawl...or maybe two shawlettes... or a shawl and some mittens and a hat...

A bell is not a bell till you ring it.
A song is not a song till you sing it.
Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay;
love isn't love till you give it away.
-- Oscar Hammerstein II

Mr. H. was right.  That's why there are gifts -- to be given, and to be received, used, appreciated, shared.  And love is the greatest gift of all.

Thank you, Gentle Readers, for the gift of your reading, your thoughts and comments.  I leave you now with a link to Nina Marie's "Off the Wall Friday", where this week she writes of the gifts of a wonderful holiday, new scenery, new acquaintances and new learning opportunities.

Have a great week!

4 comments:

Bethany G said...

You are a precious gift to all of us Marg...
I am loving my Red Pot and getting great comments on your beautiful framing - so kudos to your framer! You small art pieces are very special! The family will love the chance to choose.
And you are blessed with wonderful, thoughtful children! Have fun on your travels!
bethany

els said...

I so agree with you about all the gifts in our life and I love your mini's.

elle said...

yay for Mr. H!!!

Sha said...

One of the gifts for me has been the opportunity to meet you when you were still in Calgary, and to watch and listen as you have grown and blossomed anew. Your artistic skills, perception and, yes courage to explore new and different concepts and techniques is a pleasure and inspiration to watch.