Tears of Joy

Recently I have been pondering how fortunate I am to have the ability to quilt my way through this difficult season of isolation and stress.  Quilting is definitely my therapy.  I find there is something about the ability of creating something with my hands that gives me a sense of well being.  Other quilters who have brought me their creations for me to quilt agree.  They also don’t know what they would have done if they did not have quilting to keep them sane during this crazy time.  I am so thankful for how quilting has helped to ease the stress of being alone and keep me from getting bored. 
Quilting has been used as a way to cope throughout history.  Women often made quilts during war time to appease their loneliness, as well as contributing to the war effort or charities with their creations.  So, like these women, many of us have turned to our sewing/quilting projects instead of mindlessly watching TV and wondering where the day went.  Or baking another calorie laden yummy and dirtying every dish we own, as well as adding to our waistlines. 
One of my favorite movie lines is from Steel Magnolias.  Trudy (played by Dolly Parton) states, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."  Can you relate???  I know I do.  There have been many moments of just wanting to cry and be sad during this quarantine.  The loneliness and lack of fellowship has been overwhelming at times.  During this season of Covid-19, I created my newest pantograph, “Twinkling Teardrops.”  I named it so, because I firmly believe that if we didn’t have times of sadness and tears, then JOY would not be as sweet!  I encourage you to focus on the good and try to get in as much laughter each day as you can, even if it is through your tears. 
Keep quilting and being #ContinuouslyCreative.