Whenever I examine my thread jar, I usually think of my Grandma Marion. Most of the thread
in the jar came from her sewing box. As I look at her thread, I wonder what she
made with it. Did she sew a teenager's taffeta prom dress or a wool suit or new chintz curtains for her kitchen window? My grandma always
had an ongoing list of projects. And she knew how to finish what she started. Not
much fiddling around when there were things to get done. Sometimes when I
procrastinate, I can feel her gentle nudging, a hand on my shoulder reminding
me that I tend to make things more complicated than they need to be.
Grandma Marion had a talent for getting rid of what she no longer needed. She must of had a purpose for the spools that ended up in my jar or she would have gotten rid of them. It wasn’t that she was highly organized
or rigid. Grandma just had a way of clearing the clutter so she could get her to do
list done. If she could see my desk at school right now, she would do more that
give me a gentle nudge. Knowing her, she’d pull up the waste basket and start filling
it. Maybe I should take my thread jar to work with me for inspiration.
I like how you look for your one little word and then there is the jar of spools and memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terje. I really like my thread jar. I took a photo of it a while ago and have had fun editing it with Picasa and Picnik.
DeleteI like the way you have written from one word - what a lovely memory of your Grandma
ReplyDelete'reminding me that I tend to make things more complicated' I certainly hear that! What a wonderful piece about your grandmother and her gentle hand on your shoulder!
ReplyDeleteI loved the glimpses of your grandma and you that you provided with this post. I especially loved the lines when you were imagining what she made with each spool of thread. While reading, I was thinking about your posts earlier this year about updating your resume!
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DeleteMind reader!!!!!
DeleteI have my Grandmother's buttons (but not the jar :) and scraps of fabric from her attic. Someday I want to make something to remember her by, but can't decide what. I do know that it needs to be symbolic of her simple, giving life.
ReplyDeleteSo much of what you wrote can be applied to writing and to life. I enjoyed reading about your thread jar!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing about your Grandmother. I loved the little nudge.
ReplyDeleteThat thread jar is truly inspirational. I need plenty of nudges, too. Thanks for reminding of my one little word.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I love the way one thought led to another and then another - lots of connecting memories. You certainly chose the right OLW!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I love the way one thought led to another and then another - lots of connecting memories. You certainly chose the right OLW!
ReplyDeleteI like the way your OLW has such a special connection for you. I love the idea that the thread jar helps you stay organized by triggering your memories of her. Neat!
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful post reminds me of my grandmother. I feel her hand on my shoulder quite often.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was a seamstress also. She collected buttons in a flat tin can like you put Christmas cookies in. My mom still has the can.
ReplyDeleteJust love this post, first of all the image of your thread jar and the fabrics that your grandma may have used calls to my love of sewing. Unfortunately I never do much sewing these days. Mostly I love the word nudge and the image of your desk. My desk flashed through my mind - not pretty here in my room!
ReplyDeleteI love the reminder that we need to write about what we know and care about. If only we would remember to do this with kids and help them to be more reflective about people and things around them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is funny that I seem to write a lot about quilts and thread and sewing. It was a big part of my life growing up.:)
DeleteI think it is funny that I seem to write a lot about quilts and thread and sewing. It was a big part of my life growing up.:)
DeleteI often need that same kind of nudge - but this makes me think... who could I be a helper to with a little nudge for them? Great memories show through in your descriptions.
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