From the Editor's Computer
Putting puzzles together requires a fixed
goal, and if a single piece of the puzzle is missing, you aren't able to
succeed. On the other hand, making a
quilt is an open-ended process in which you can quickly change direction based
upon the pieces you have on hand. And no
matter what materials you are given, you are able to complete the quilt...There
are many people who are blinded by the challenges they face, believing that
they don't have all the pieces they need to complete their
"puzzle." They are unable to
see the endless opportunities in their midst. - Tina Seelig
In the past when people asked me how I put
the paper together, I answered that it was like putting together a jigsaw
puzzle. However, as per the quote above,
it really is more like putting a quilt together.
The many pieces can go fit in virtually any
spot. While I have a basic framework,
I’m often required to change direction based on what pieces I’m given. Sometimes the item I plan as the focal point
ends up in a different spot, or eliminated all together. Just when I think I have it all laid out, I
sometimes find out that I’m short a piece or more and then I scramble to find
something to fill that spot.
Our lives too are like piecing together a
quilt. While we may think that we have a
certain complex pattern in mind, often we are piecing together something that
resembles a colourful rag quilt.
A piece of friendship here made add some
much needed colour to our quilts. Or we
may find we have to remove a dark frayed piece of an activity that no longer
excites us, or takes up too much of our time.
We may think we have the borders of our lives in place, only to find out
that we’re coming up short and must search through the remnants for a scrap or
two that will fit the bill and help us out.
The best part of piecing and stitching the quilt
of your life together is that you are not confined to any one pattern, piece,
or colour scheme if it doesn't fit your concept of how your quilt should
look. You are able to pick and choose
the pieces of your quilt, and create new patterns and colour combinations at
will if you desire.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
