Squint to Believe

(image of my quilt in-the-making)

In the process of creating my patchwork quilt, I was advised to lay out my squares, take a step back, and squint at the layout to check for color distribution. You don't want too many of the same color schemes sidled up next to each other. Neither is it advisable to have blocks of overwhelming patterns concentrated in the same area. "You can't see where you're cluttered when you're too close to it," I was told.

And, if this principle isn't also true in regards to my busy life. Sometimes it takes me climbing to an aerial view to get needed perspective. Though I don't believe my humble earthly position will ever allow for full understanding of my experiences, I'm so thankful for small stair step climbs that show me, however briefly, that my swatches are being sewn into the whole of something larger.

Contemplata Aliis Tradere

(image from here)

I told you about a week ago, that I was chew-ing on the idea of living in community. Despite the fact that an official discussion of the topic has been postponed, my thoughts surrounding it have not ceased. I've been thinking much on Eugene Peterson's translation of 1 Corinthians 12:20, that "no matter how significant you are, it's only because of what you are a part of."

It's been a twenty-something temptation of mine to hone in too much on what I am good at, what gifts I posses, what career path I should take...failing altogether to see that I am only a part of the whole. Maybe, just maybe, I exist to do something for the larger scope of humanity outside of finding satisfaction in my own work and life. I have this hunch that in my discovery of which role I play, I am being pointed to see how those things might serve to meet the needs of others, to serve in a more selfless capacity. Oh, let it be so.

I've thought also on this, St. Thomas' idea of contemplata aliis tradere, and what it is "to share with others the fruit of contemplation." There is worth in sitting silently. Meditation on scriptures has great merit. But, perhaps Bonhoeffer is on to something when he purports that God has put His Word in the mouths of men. Or that there's something to the thought that the Church exists, in part, to simply remind each other of the Truth.

Piecing it Together

(image from whipup.net)

I've decided to undertake a quilting project. My fabric swatches are piling up, as is my antsy-ness to get going. I know so very little about the process. I am thumbing through a few books to get some step by step instruction. But! If you are reading this, have made a quilt, and have some handmade homespun advice, give me a holler.

A Year of Taking In

If Christmas can be in July, then gosh darn, New Year's can be in August. For me, it's a time to look forward and look back. As you may well know, I'm a proponent of the rhyming yearly motto. This year's mantra was/is: Begin again in 2010. Before it began, I declared this a year of trying new things, of learning, of being okay with the untraditional turns by which my life path has lead me. I've tripped up plenty of times on this walk, believe you me. I've forgotten gratitude for the freedom that this year has provided for me to invest and wait. But, it's not over yet. I've still got five months of this year to make good on my self-promise. Let the learning, the patience from henceforth abound.

In one of my favorite stories, two young lovebirds speak fondly about their time studying at Oxford. Their home was lovingly termed "The Studio," and was a place were tens of friends gathered on a daily basis for spirited conversation. It was a lively time, filled with mind-broadening new ideas and joy in the diverse company they kept. It was, as they said, "a time of taking in." I do believe this is the phase I'm now in. Surely, there will be a time of giving out, of passing onto others what has been taught to me. But for now, I am a pupil. God, open my eyes and mind for the taking in.

As of late, I've been inspired by: this blog where you can sign up to swap crafts with others and this book that details the history and work of some contemporary letterpress printers.

I Do Like You

This book about Amy's kitschy hospitality is a barrel of laughs and a recommended read!

Chew Chat

This month's chew discussion centers on what it is to live in community. To prepare, I'm reading through Bonhoeffer's Life Together and the accounts in the New Testament of the early church. Any other suggestions? Feel free to visit the blog and add to the conversation.

Just Another Day in Paradise

...in Gordo, Ala., that is.

Printing paradise of Pickens County.

Where beautiful things are born.

I'll be back with more news from fourhatspress!