Many of you know my friend Beth who partners with me on many programs, including By the Chimney No More. Even last fall we realized that the centennial of women's suffrage was probably going to be overlooked by the media because of the presidential elections.
No one could have ever anticipated that a virus could shut the world down and send all people into isolation. I hope you are coping with the news and staying safe. So far so good with my family which is saying a lot since many of them are in the medical profession or social services and on the frontlines.
How are YOU doing?
I know a few people are still reading the blog because you tell me on the phone or through an email or an occasional comment. Some of you may even think that you just don't want to deal with anymore than the burdens you are already caring and I understand that as well.
Suffrage commemorative stamp from 1970
I'm continuing to post articles on the blog because--well--it was already written and after 4 years of work, I'm not ready to throw it all away. If nothing else, working on the centennial is a wonderful diversion for me and I hope it is an occasional escape for you.
My father once told me that when FDR took office during the Depression, he told his cabinet, "I don't care what you do, but DO SOMETHING." I'm not sure how accurate this was but I've always found that keeping busy helps me cope. I sleep better knowing I've done something that day--even if it is as mundane as cleaning out the junk drawer or sewing a binding on a quilt.
One of the projects I worked on at the beginning of the quarantine was a suffrage wreath for my front door. I had an old fake wreath from before I married and I decided to revamp it for the centennial. It was pretty ugly and kept getting moved around our basement:
The game I created was revamping it with what I already had and the one thing I always have plenty of is FABRIC. Pinterest had lots of examples and tutorials on creating a fabric wreath so that became my inspiration. Here's the finished wreath:
Fortunately, I had some leftover silk flowers from arrangements my mom and I made for my lecture on suffrage gardens that I could place in it. Once the weather is warmer and less rainy, I hope to repaint my front door with paint I found in the garage and place my wreath proudly on the front door.
Like many of you, I've been making masks for the healthcare workers and community outreach folks who live in my neighborhood. Yesterday I started cutting out blocks for a Christmas quilt--a someday project that I'm getting around to now because--well it is someday and I needed a little Christmas.
My dog says very little has changed in her life except that my husband is home full-time now.
This week I was hoping to watch Mrs. America, the story of the ERA amendment and Phyllis Schaffley. Unfortunately I have now learned that is being presented--not on the FX channel--but on HULU. The bad news is that I don't want to pay for another channel that isn't going to give me more than the one show I want to watch. The good news is that you get the first month free so I might break down and sign up for it.
My perception is that everyday I accomplish something, no matter how small, I win. I like this quote a lot from Mary Ann Radmacher and hope you find solace in it too:
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"
Stay well and stay busy if you can. I am thinking of you all and keeping all us in my prayers. Feel free to email me about how you are doing: allentownquilter@gmail.com
I read all your posts, and have learned so much! Thanks for all the work you've put into the suffrage centennial. Who would have ever thought that this year would bring what it has?! Your wreath is just great - those are the colors I'm using for my suffrage quilt project! Hugs to you, Michele!
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