2020 Reflections

Each of us has certainly had our fill of gripes and grumbles about 2020 that begin and end with the Coronavirus pandemic, and other not-so-nice events in between. These events serve to remind us that we're not in control. 

In the past months, and as recently as yesterday, I've heard quilt makers and other creative sorts give voice to how the pandemic has impacted them. They either: 1) experienced an emotional withdrawal from their creative process that caused them to drastically reduce, or completely stop creating; or 2) experienced a  renewed, almost frenzied focus on creativity, fueled by a determination to fill each day with therapeutic productivity. The latter is what happened to me.

As many creators have remarked: "I can't imagine what people are doing who do not have a hobby!"

Reflecting on 2020 means acknowledging that early-on, I reckoned the pandemic would last a few months. And so I determined to use my time wisely. I didn't want to come out of lock-down and all that at-home time with nothing to show for extra sewing room time. Ha!

But I made. As if in a frenzy. And I kept making. It was therapeutic. 

In addition to finishing 18 quilts (see 2020 Quilts tab, above), I also made:

lots of totes, bags, cases, and zippered pouches; 

masks, a pillow, hot pads, bowl buddies, and finished a crocheted afghan; 

bought a used peg loom to teach myself peg loom weaving and made two rugs and four chair pads;

and sewed clothes for myself.

And because wonderful virtual learning opportunities arose, I took five virtual workshops that have fueled three new creative loves:

1) patterned improv quiltmaking

"Jazzed," 43" X 43"

2) Kawandi, hand-stitched according to the method used by Siddi women in India; 

3) and braided rag rugs. 

I expect these techniques to appear often in 2021 makes.

I also spent time in my role as Central Florida MQG media coordinator, learning Wordpress and moving our website/blog from Blogger to Wordpress. Though there's been a steep learning curve, Wordpress doesn't present the roadblocks Blogger does.

My latest Blogger issue is that I am unable to upload photos from Iphoto on my computer to Blogger. Now I have to first move photos from IPhoto to the computer desktop, and then upload them to Blogger. Ergh. There's always something. 

We missed four different planned trips in 2020. The holidays were very quiet. And though I'm tired of being at home all the time, a positive is that as Dan and I spent time more time together, we learned two new card games: Gin Rummy, and most recently Whist (an old-English gentleman's game). We also bought and learned to play Backgammon and Rummikub. 

Dan is an excellent cook who makes all our meals, and he managed to improve upon his already delicious, wickedly good pizza. 

before baking

after baking

Upon further reflection, I want to thank those of you who regularly comment on my blog, Your support and encouragement in 2020 has meant more than you know! Since March, I haven't spent any in-person time with friends (or family, for that matter). I depend on phone calls, FaceTime, Zoom meetings, blog comments, and Instagram remarks for all my socialization. So even email interaction is vital! These virtual relationships and friendships kept me going in 2020, and I expect  that will continue to be the same for many months to come. 

Because of the good and not-so-good aspects of the past year, I've been compelled to more frequently turn to God. In prayer, I can express frustrations brought on by the pandemic, and find a measure of willingness to accept and  find peace. Though each of us may wonder what the purpose has been for so much angst, if these anxieties draw us closer to him... perhaps that is His purpose. God is the only Light that can illuminate the darkness of 2020, and give us hope for 2021. 

Now Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. - Psalm 39:7 

Bless you all. Linda