I M Perfect lady

When I thought of the woman who passed away from our Art Quilt Group, I wasn't fully aware of what she gave me.  How this group was the pattern that I followed for WIND – Women In New Directions.

One of the key components to WIND, was that there would be women mentors, that we would have someone who walked our journey ahead of us. Someone to give us courage, wise words, humor and plain life experiences. A place to gather for mutual interests, and let friendships form and flow within the circle.

What I gained from the women of the Art Quilt Group, was beyond fabric and ideas. 

I was able to see women who mothered in a wholesome way, who grandmothered, in ways that would celebrate and honor your child, and their child.

In times when my world was colliding with sorrow and grief, I was able to see women with life scars living in joy.

I can't know when this group started for sure, I am thinking it was in 2004 and even 2003. Early on in my dabbling in Art Quilts.  And, I was seeking others who didn't follow patterns, and who wanted to step out of the typical box of traditional quilts.

Not only did I find women who were quilting in new ways, they were also living life by their own rules. Rules of uniqueness and individuality. Again, our group's strength was its diversity.

This was my pattern for WIND.

To gather women who would meet for creativity.  It was my belief, that as we create artful pieces, we express who we are.

And, within the group friendships are formed and we lean on each other in times of need. Sometimes we mentor, and at others we are mentored. 

What was so impactful for me about the Art Quilt Group, was the individuals who shared with me their lives, their pain and in doing so made me feel that I would be okay.

They had lived longer, were further ahead on the journey. 

They became mothers to me.

Putting life into perspective and allowing me to sit in hope and confidence, and that growing often happens through painful choices.

The woman who passed away holds a special place in my heart. Her quiet knowing that things will all work out, had me believing before evidence would show up. She gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to have a mother who as present. She was more a mother than my own.  There with me in my darkest times lending her ear and understanding.  She brought her whole self to our group and shared it generously.

Perhaps we intuitively model the women we surround ourselves with. They give us courage and wisdom to live life to our fullest. And dare to be ourselves boldly.

I will remember what she contributed to the Art Quilt Group, and then how that flowed into WIND.  

Her smiles, encouragement, insightful views, presence, friendship, kindness, quiet joy, delight…

Her legacy lives on.

Photo by Ann Sandberg