 Mom Melinda with birthday girl Amanda Celebrations with Friends Beginnings and endings, stepping stones toward something—a birthday, anniversary, an achievement—progress in the right direction—all these things we celebrate with others. Usually with family members we expect these events, but when you are included as friends, you just have to feel special. So it was with much delight that I responded enthusiastically, “Yes!” when Melinda asked ahead of the July retreat if she could bring a decorated cake and plan a surprise birthday celebration for her daughter Amanda on the Saturday of the event. She even verified the number of people coming to the retreat so everyone would receive a cute little favor. She made us all part of her family—a special bond to friends who share a love of the acts of creativity and kindness that quilting engenders. As quilters we celebrate our friends when they offer their visual gifts as Show and Tell, and we give back our gleeful approval and encouragement. Sometimes the gift is like Devora’s elegant purse from a designer sweater-- the culmination of a long project shared step by step. Sometimes we applaud the overcoming of an obstacle like Bonnie’s three-dimensional block or Norma’s re-worked ruffled blocks, now ready for an uncomplicated completion. (Scroll down to see the pictures) Our friends celebrate the little steps that have meaning to us, as well as the big ones. So I will count myself, and you as well, blessed indeed when asked to be included in these special times. For our own souls, we must take the time to smell the roses, but also we must realize the important part we play in the lives of our friends in the affirming act of celebration.  The end of the story! Scroll down to see the beginning of Devora's creative journey--from designer sweater to structured, handled bag to honor the memory of the mother of a friend. Beautiful work! |
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AuthorRicki Bremer's love affair with teaching starting while teaching high school and junior high. Next came 29 years as a craft and quilt shop owner, and the publication of her first book, Simple and Sensational Purses from Placemats, now in its third printing. The second book, Dual Pursenalities followed. Later additions were the Private Eyes Nursing Apron, and her latest--a microwave hot bag pattern, The AAAhhsum Bag--which has been used exclusively at the massage booth at the Road to California Show. Ricki has continued to use her easy methods to bring the joy of sewing and quilting to beginners and others. She also loves to simplify things for those ready for more challenging techniques. The Fiber Arts Retreats, which she started in 2007 formerly through the Tall Mouse, are growing and expanding to new venues, and a new name--Fiber Qwest Retreats. Ricki aims to broaden the interest and opportunities to learn and play in all areas of fiber and the creative arts. Archives
June 2014
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