Sunshine & Thoughts

Can I get you a cup of tea?  Maybe a muffin??? They're gluten-free ;) Come on in, let's have a visit...

Lately, I have had time to consider the ways of the world and the chaos that seems rampant, and I have started the sunflower table runner and placemats for my customer.  Returning to my studio with a slower more meditative approach to my next project has been a sort of therapy.  I need at least 6 sunflowers each of two different sizes, and I am making certain that I am not rushing the process... taking the time to "pet the fabric" and carefully selecting the perfect colors for the petals, the centers and background.

As I have pieced the petals, I have been listening to a couple of my favorite pandora channels that lift my spirit and mood.  I tend to ignore most of the ads that are presented, but there has been one for a good time that has annoyed me... it is about easier access to mental health care.

Don't get me wrong... I know that there have been therapist for years.  With an increased focus on mental health over the years, it almost feels to me that they would like us to believe that EVERYONE needs to have a therapist.  This frustrates me.  

What ever happened to having a close circle of friends to share hardships with and to celebrate victories?  As a mom of young children, I relied on the friendships that formed at play groups or library time.  We supported and helped each other when a child fell on the playground or required a mom to turn her attention to just one of her kiddos and other moms stepped in to help with a sibling or siblings while she was otherwise occupied.  Moms of teens banded together if there was worry or concern for a wayward child.  

I cannot express how valuable the time spent with friends was to me... it is still very valuable, though less frequent.  In our area, people are spread out and close neighbors can be 1/2 mile away or more as many "neighborhoods" are made up of acreage... anywhere from 5 to 35 or more.  Several of our friends live 30 to 45 minutes away.  Friends don't just drop in anymore.

I miss the many, many morning conversations I had with a sweet friend who would stop by for a cup of tea and snack as she drove home from dropping off her children at the bus stop.  She and I were privy of some the deepest thoughts, fears and secrets of the other.

Life has changed... first off, children have grown, but she now lives in another state.  But more than that, society has changed.  We already know that time is valuable... but the world has taught us that we need to have "something to show" at the end of the day to prove that we were productive and not just a slug and laid on the couch doing nothing.

I question you... what is wrong with that?!?  Society poo-poos the idea of rest and with that the physical and mental health has plummeted into the pits of despair.  Children these days don't know what it is like to be bored.  They don't know how to entertain themselves... they wait for the parent or guardian to shuffle them off to the next activity.  We are not made for isolation... yet that, it seems, is what has happened... and we need to pay someone to listen to our troubles or frustrations.  This is just wrong!

I like the idea that more and more people and families are discovering a new-found interest in gardening, raising chickens (homesteading) and living off the land.  This doesn't always mean slowing down, though.  It can be hard work... But there is a deep satisfaction to the soul to find that you are more independent.  It can be relaxing and fun watching the garden grow and collecting the produce - the result of the time spent watering and nurturing the plants. AND the food is better for you... free of pesticides and harmful fertilizers.  So, the result is you feel better - physically and mentally.  A bonus is that there is often extra produce that you can share with others.

I always welcome excess produce that is sent my way... but even better is the conversation that takes place when a friend drops it off!  

I know that gardeners are already starting seeds and nurturing the seedlings so that they will be ready to go into the garden when the threat of frost and freeze is gone.  I am not one of those gardeners... well, I used to be.  But then I was introduced to quilting! Hahaha.

My personal feeling is that we don't need more therapist willing to listen... we need FRIENDS!  I caution that we need to be careful in choosing our friends... not everyone out there is interested in helping and supporting...

Thanks for listening to my rambling... I enjoyed the time with you.  I hope that you enjoyed it as well.  I need to get back to my sunflowers.

My friend and I used to say... Well, we solved the problems of the world... if only anyone bothered asking us. ;)

What problem of the world would you like to solve?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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