Wednesday, October 24, 2018

2018 Monthly Color Challenge :: Blue-Violet



If you happen to be looking for the prize give away it is on the Peek-A-Who hop post.

This month's color challenge of Blue-Violet by Jen at Patterns By Jen, was a tad bit easier than the Red-Violet of last month!  Last month I had to dig deep to find just the right shades of fabric to include...



As I pulled fabric the favorites "floated to the top" quickly...



As I pieced this block I pondered just how fragile life and relationships can be.  A word or statement to another can be misunderstood and cause some great pain.  A month ago my husband and I recently made the decision to leave the worship team that we have been a part of for nearly 17 years because of a "statement" made... an action really, but actions speak louder than words... and that action cut to the core.    

So... after being committed to attending and leading worship for so many Sundays we were a little lost about what to do on that first Sunday "off".  We decided to go for a leisurely Sunday drive on Highway 12 and enjoy the scenery of the Scenic Highway of Legends.  This was an area that was ravaged by the Spring fire this summer.  Many homes were lost, many more threatened... and by the grace of God the tiny villages of LaVeta and Cuchara went unharmed.  

We stopped for a little hike up the face of what used to be Panadero Ski Area.



Dave was a ski instructor there when he was in college...  It was quite the trip down memory lane.  



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But as we hiked and talked we sought solace in the presence of God in the midst of His great creation.



The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ~ Proverbs 18:21




The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4





Did you notice the blue-violet color of the Colorado skies?





We would be foolish to believe that we have never said or done something that caused damage in the relationship that had seen better days... much better days!  Our families were very close, but over the years, as I said, comments were made and misunderstood (on both our parts) that caused pain.  The pain was never addressed and simply ignored and brushed aside until we suddenly realized there was a pile of hurt much larger than the rug, and the rug could never hide it.

We have had the opportunity to visit, share and discuss some of the hurts with  with ears and hearts that were ready to listen and try to understand the others views, perceptions and interpretations of what has taken place over the years and where the chasm of damage and carnage collected.

It is no easy task to sit and discuss the topic of conflict and hear, receive and acknowledge your part in the whole messy situation.  Was it worth it?  Apologies were offered by all parties present and healing has begun.  

As with all scar tissue... it will take time.  And the reality is that the scars may never fade completely, but it can serve as a reminder of where you have been and lessons learned.

I am so grateful for the therapy time that quilting offers!  And the beauty of the fabric...  Some of the most beautiful quilts and patterns occur when there is contrast... Often the greater the contrast, the more beautiful.  




Of course, they do say that opposites attract.  So there is that...

In quilting, or even home decor or fashion, when there is a clash of colors it is easily corrected by selecting a different option...

If only life and relationships were that easy!

Do you use your quilting time as therapy?  I have also used house cleaning as therapy... crank the 80's rock & roll and clean to my heart's content.  I always feel better after a good therapy session...  How 'bout you?  Leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you 😁

Sewing is good for your health...

Melva


Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series


Linking with:

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts
BOMs Away at What A Hoot
Color Challenge Link Up at Patterns By Jen


4 comments:

  1. I do use my quilting time as therapy or reflection quite often. Sometimes I listen to spiritual talks and devotionals given by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I often find solace in those, as well as that oh-so-necessary thing, humor. Your block is great and it reminds me of the Amish sunshine and shadow patterns that are an allegory of life. =)

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing your story. We have a break over here too and I don't know if it will be addressed or healed before we leave the area in a few months. Sewing is my therapy. It not only soothes my soul, but also energizes me and makes me vivacious. I will miss it over the next few months while we are preparing to move. But moving is the right thing and I will be busy. Your block is lovely, well done! The sky is perfect for October & Blue-Violet. Not sure I told you that your blog inspired me to start one of my own for my sewing. Thanks sew much!

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  3. Beautiful photos. I can see God all around you in them. Yes, I use quilting as my therapy. It allows me to think about other things and focus on accomplishing something I can see and feel. My family will send me to my studio when I am too grumpy. LOL

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