The importance of what you don't do............

Many of us have been quilting for most of our lives.  About a year ago, I realized that it was time for me to slow down my quilt production. After 34 years of full time quilting, I needed a break to spend time doing other things.

Detail from A Quilter's Menagerie, by Ann Fahl

In December Oprah interviewed Stephen Spielberg, Sally Field and Daniel Day Lewis about the making of  "Lincoln" the movie.  History fascinates me, especially American history and what affect it has had on our lives. The back stories about the making of movies and other art forms always brings a nugget or two of wisdom my way.

Another detail of A Quilter's Menagerie, by Ann Fahl

 Daniel Day Lewis talked about how he needed at least a year to prepare himself for the role of Abraham Lincoln. Not only does he want to research his character, but he also needs to spend time doing other things. He finds joy in being home with his family and doing mundane things like taking the kids to school and soccer practice. So he has found that he not only needs to immerse himself in his work as an actor, but also spend time at non-theater tasks.  Both make him a better artist.

Swan detail of A Quilter's Menagerie by Ann Fahl

The bells and whistles went off in my head, when he said this. I've been balancing family, traveling/teaching, and making quilts for so long, that I'm not experiencing the many other facets of life. Daniel is so right. It's OK to take time off. I don't work on weekends anymore nor make 12-15 quilts a year.  Maybe just 2 quilts a year will be right when combined with being a master gardener. Yes, time away is much more important than I realized.

It has become very important to write my family history; both for myself and for my two sons. This is a fascinating journey using all the skills I've developed during my career in business and quilting: computer word processing, investigative work, problem solving, writing and assembling a book.  Right now, with the temperatures below 20 degrees, what could be better than working in a sun filled office then learning about all your ancestors? It's good to stay home.

So if a day comes, and you decide to do something other than make a quilt; don't feel guilty, it is OK.

A Quilter's Menagerie, quilt by Ann Fahl

Ann Fahl

"Embrace the Light"

Tea Party an original quilt by Ann Fahl

"Embrace the light," this is one of the messages that Oprah left her viewers today. My days will be a little different, now that Oprah will not be in my studio every day at 4:00.  I am one of her very fortunate viewers because I know what lights me up and inspires me. I have gone out into the world to teach so many quilters my techniques and I have been so rewarded by hearing your stories and appreciation.  Quilter's are very lucky people, we have the threads of friendship and support that help us to grow as people and quilters! For years I have known that I was meant to be a quilt instructor and artist. It took Oprah to put it into words.

Oreo and I stop each day at 4 each afternoon and I have a cup of tea and watch or listen to the topic of discussion for each show. This is not an exaggeration,  there is a little of Oprah and her wisdom stitched into each piece that I've made over many years. I have learned so much in the process and been exposed to  ideas that have made my life richer in many ways.

Thank you for everything Oprah.

Ann