Blog-writing for other organizations can sometimes make me weary. I’ve been the blog-writer for a local guild here, and the other day — Blog Writing Day, as I like to call it, when everything stops and I won’t do one more thing before writing out the news and stuff for the organizaion — I sat at the computer, my mind blank. I wrote the usual paragraphs, then wondered if I should delete some of it, as I am turning everything over to a new person in a month, and would she want to have to write this in her tenure? It all became very complicated, trying to write what’s in someone else’s head, in someone else’s world.
When I write for this blog, on the other hand, I try to find some space and some quiet — a recent challenge during covid-time and we’re all shut in our houses together.
The conditions of these two aforementioned things may explain why you haven’t see a post from me in some time. But here goes.
Part of the title of this post, weary, might describe us all at this time. We’ve been covid-ing since March (wearying), made it mostly through an election (wearying), our energy levels are low, and now we are all putting up our Christmas lights early, trying to bring in some light into this weary world of ours. Ours went up last Saturday, and since we celebrated Thanksgiving early — a social distanced, outside on our patio, meal with local family this past Sunday — all our Christmas decor is creeping in to the house, well before the end of Thanksgiving Day.
It feels right. We need something to celebrate, to rejoice in, and I am looking to the familiar warm-hearted feelings that the Christmas season can bring, and if that means early tinsel and lights and nutcrackers, bring it on. If that means putting out the Christmas quilts, and pillows and table runners, I’m in. Christmas tunes? Now on the playlist.
I was trying to think of ways to help lift the weary and wondered if you were interested in a quilty make to up the holiday cheer. If so, here are two possible ways:
This is a teeny little quilt (4″ x 6″) that can be slipped over a frame. These make cute gifts for friends, for shut-ins, for people you visit but who are still fretting about their gain of the Covid-fifteen-so-no-more-chocolates-please. Directions are found *here.*
This is my field of Christmas trees, made so long ago from *this free tutorial* and which needs to be finished. What always stops me in a project is that I get plans which then complicates everything to that something perfect in my mind, which then shifts me to never-getting-it-finished. Keep in mind that just participating in the act of creation (like our quilts and blocks –and even wooden blocks on barns), can help us feel better about life.
Example of Complicated (work in progress):
Example of Uncomplicated:
Maybe December 2020 is the season for simple, for easy, for uncomplicated. Maybe it’s the time for bringing light, for sharing our lives, for writing holiday cards, letting people know we are still here. And next year, when we’re all vaccinated (my Christmas 2021 wish) and we’re out and about and full of vim and vigor and excitement, and even in spite of all the recovery work that will be around us, we’ll not be weary.
We’ll be hopeful.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
OccasionalPiece--Quilt! 
Happy Thanksgiving, Elizabeth
Weary and hopeful pretty much describes everyone right now. At least I hope that everyone is hopeful. Bloggingn on a regular basis is time consuming, especially if you put a lot of content into it. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed looking at your blocks and quilt.
Once again you are spot on, Elizabeth! You (and your blog) bring light and hope into my weary world. On this Thanksgiving I am grateful that whatever clicks I made to tumble me onto you were among the best clicks ever. I am grateful for you and your willingness to share with us. Happy Thanksgiving🦃
A very Happy Thanksgiving to you also! I haven’t cooked a turkey in ages and here I am doing a 20 lb. bird for just my husband and myself today, its been in the freezer awhile and really needs to be cooked. I’ve been going back and forth rather I want to get a Christmas tree this year since we will be by ourselves on that day also. I think you helped me make my decision; I think I will go to the trouble just to enjoy the lights! Thanks for your posts, I always enjoy them.
You are the light Elizabeth! I am thankful for your blog and your thoughts every week. I may not always agree with you but it is a bright spot in my week. This year needs 5 weeks of Christmas celebration. Enjoy it!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Elizabeth. I love the way your pumpkin quilt turned out. The colors and fabrics are just gorgeous. I feel the same way about blogging these days. Completely uninspired!
Happy Thanksgiving Elizabeth!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Elizabeth! I’m working on my own little tree quilt right and now hoping to finish in time to use for Christmas. Yes, yes to decorating early! We put up lights outside Mon while it was warm. This weekend I’ll do the inside. Today we’re home for a quiet dinner . . . just the two of us and I’m fine with that. Hopeful for family on Christmas day.
I like to think that it is the cracks where the light gets in. Thank you Elizabeth for being a ray of light and sunshine in our dark days.
You really have a good way of expressing what so many of us are feeling. Thank you. I love the simplicity of those bright trees. Blogging is optional but I’m sure glad I discovered your blog and I really always look forward to reading what you write. Here’s to a brighter 2021!
Do you read Austin Kleon? This piece of his struck a chord with me:
The take-home from it (for me) was “Be the light or reflect it”
I like that
I’ve accumulated quite a few in the never-getting-finished category. I’ve watched others making use of these times with some envy. I’ve thought to channel similarly, but then I see a squirrel. Nice to be able to chase them. Love your Field of Trees. Awaiting revelation of the Plan.
I’m saddened by the potential new restrictions for the next three weeks.But I’m hopeful that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just hard that these restrictions come during what should be a joyous time of year. We will spend more time driving around and looking at lights, something that we always mean to do during the holiday season but in “normal” years find ourselves out of time. This is a good year to take things more slowly and enjoy what we can.