Watching President Obama take office the other day was certainly a thoughtful experience. I admire that he speaks to and for everyone including Republicans, Democrats, the
Christians, Muslims, Jewish people, and even the non-believers. All
their ideas and rights to happiness are countable and considered. In a day of great splendour, parades and 10 balls he took a moment to thank the organizers of
the inauguration and then the waiters in the room most significantly. LIfe isn't just about the mighty.
His name is on the lips and minds of many around the world as we wait to see a change in perspective and a new way to look at life. Hope has a voice. Speculation about what he will be capable of doing is the thread of many conversations. I am not worried that he can't perform to expectations, but rather overwhelmed by the spirit of his speech and the idea that it is my responsibility to follow his lead...that we, the people, are the ones that can help him succeed in bringing about a world we want to give to our children. What I heard and loved the most was that he put the responsibility to fix the problems of the world in my hands, the hands of every individual...that his voice is MY voice. I heard him ask me to look into my heart, to look into the eyes of my neighbors and to try just that much harder to do the right thing. That single idea has made me smile at people I don't know, and to note with pleasure that they smile back.
The doctrines of which he speaks are not new, just slightly altered in a fast paced world... a world racing to who knows what or why. His words echo the values of my family, the values I was brought up to believe make the world work: do unto others as you would have them do unto you, everyone is equal, extend your hand and help those in need, lead by example...and these are things that are not always easily accomplished. What I heard was reinforcement of deep seated beliefs from a man asking me to reach deeply into my own heart and be strong. He did it in his own words with honesty and conviction and I for one cannot ignore the greatness of that single fact. Bravery, the forgotten art of life.
As for the fact that he is a Black African American, he didn't get elected because of that and he didn't elect himself! The people chose him fair and square. He has earned this in a battle well fought and with the help of many, many people that were willing to stand up and say they believe it can be done and he is the one to do it. The difference was in the voters, they stood up and gave Civil Rights a huge clap. And by the way, feel free to think differently to me!
Quilting always reflects the times of the makers. Today is no different. We look back at inspirational patterns to find direction and a way forward today. However, no matter how hard we try we always add a bit of ourselves into the interpretation of the old ideas. Seeing this concept come to life gives me great pleasure in the shop. Stepanie brought in her version of Pop Stars to show me yesterday and isn't it a beauty!!! It looks terrific with the spotty stars and light bright, clean colors. It has its own personality.

Pop Stars is a Spiderweb quilt pattern that has been around for a long time. It is a perfect example of a pattern that adapts to modern fabrics beautifully. Perhaps it would traditionally have been made with a single fabric for the stars but it is actually a great way to feature an inspirational fabric and use up a lot of scraps.
Speaking of scraps, our Sheena has been away for a month at the beach. As scrap is the mother of invention she took only a bag of bits with her, and a few choice new fabrics from the Anna Maria Good Folks range and finished this top!

The tulips have become a bit of a theme as well. Each time they pop up they take on a personality of their own, one of the maker.
Looking forward to 2009 and lots of great things. After all, if one of the first news stories of the year is a plane that lands on water and 154 people walk away, well things can't be that bad. I was completely gripped by that story. Never has anyone been so happy to have their feet in the icy waters of the Hudson River as the passengers on that plane! Anyway, no matter how you look at today I hope you enjoy it. k