2024 has come to an end, and, largely because of the uncertainty created by the political climate, I am anxious about the year to come. It is a good time to remind myself that in my own small world there is much to be thankful for. I have a comfortable (if very messy) home, more than plenty to eat, wonderful grandchildren who are thriving, and a very patient and easy going husband. It is too easy to dwell on the less pleasant aspects of life — the fact that I feel suddenly so much older and more vulnerable physically, the reality of my self-imposed social isolation (also largely political), the chaos of material possessions that need to be somehow organized so that I can work more comfortably — but year’s end is a good time to reflect on the strengths and goals that will help me move forward. Because, as someone close to me reminds me often, now that we are going to have a felon in the White House, we know that ANYthing is possible and we might as well dream big.
2024 has not been without its accomplishments. This year I read 137 books. I finished 34 quilted projects, and hand-embroidered ornaments for each of my grandchildren along with 20 hand-embroidered blocks that will be assembled into a quilted throw. I also made many pillowcases, a few bags, 3 Christmas tree skirts, and a variety of small projects. Among the quilts was the “ghost” quilt that I gave the littlest grand, together with the book “The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt” by Riel Nason. (in the queue for next year is a second ghost quilt to put away with another copy of the book for potential great-grandchildren.)
In pottery class (so far) I have created 3 mugs, 2 bowls, about 30 beads, a few little ornaments, and 4 or 5 little relish plates of various shapes and sizes. I used an old, discolored lace doily that my mother made decades ago as texture on some of the plates. Not all of my “creations” are glazed yet, so some of them will be next year’s finishes, but they were ready for the kiln before the end of this year. Of the finished pieces, I put the beads on cords and gave them as necklaces. Jack asked for, loves, and uses one of the mugs and a bowl. None of it is perfect -- in fact, none of it is worth showing -- but it has been interesting and something different for me. Next week the "teacher" who doesn't actually do much teaching has promised that she will show me how to use the wheel, and that will be a new adventure.
There was not a lot of travel, but Jack and I drove around our own state of Michigan for several days and stayed in several small towns to visit quilt shops we had never seen before. He is getting much more involved in the process, as well as more involved in his own quite remarkable sewing journey, and is talking seriously about buying a small long-arm machine next year. I am not encouraging him because I think there would be a long learning curve that I am not sure I am prepared for, not to mention the space such a machine would need, but he will (as always) walk his own path in this quest. I had more plans but less energy this year than I had hoped, but it was not a total loss and I am grateful (and often surprised) to be doing as well as I am.
And tonight is New Year's Eve. I have never been to a big, festive New Year celebration and if I ever wished for such, I have definitely gotten over it. When my kids were very small, I used to set the clock back so that at about 9 pm, past their bedtime, I could declare it a Happy New Year and send them off to sleep. I suspect Jack and I will celebrate in much the same way. But first of all we will share my favorite tradition with my son and his family, the much anticipated chocolate fondue. Much as I enjoy chocolate and have a fierce sweet tooth, I am most looking forward to time spent with them. My family puts the "happy" in every year for me.
So good-bye to 2024 and a cautious welcome to 2025. I wish all of us good health and fortune in the coming year, and hope that all sentient beings will find peace and plenty. Happy New Year!
