Good mail consists of something I have ordered, a present that is sent to me, or anything other than an ad. Today’s mail brought three books about Medieval textiles, and The Quilter magazine!
Some folks received their copy on Saturday, and today, I’ve been receiving nice e-mails and phone calls from some people who thoroughly approve of the article. Only I know that I’ve discovered some fascinating additional material since some of the photos were published. Those couple of updates will be on the e-book that will be marketed via CD by the museum.
I just keep learning more each day, and adding information. At some point, soon, I’m going to have to “call it a wrap” as they say. There are more than 300 pages already.
The nicest thing about research is that I learn so much. First I find one piece of a puzzle, then another, then another and all the pieces end up making the whole story.
Some facts that are discovered may, at first, not seem to quite fit. Yet, in the end, every piece of information is significant and adds up to the whole view.
This project has meant more to me than any other research project I’ve ever done. I became so wrapped up in trying to find out everything I could about Ellen Webster, and in the end, I realize that the more I learned, the more I truly like her and admire all she did.
This labor of love, and I do not say that lightly because I have been running around the countryside to do some of this research, or I’ve been reading or writing for 10-14 hours per day since March, with the exception of three days that I can recall. Even when I was struck with a (temporary) case of Bell’s Palsy in April and May, I was still here at the computer, working as best I could.
I am so happy that everyone I asked for information was so ready to lend advice. It may seem like a trite saying, “It takes a village,” but in this case, it has taken a number of “villages” for me to be able to round up some really neat brain candy. Do you get excited when you learn something new? I certainly do! Oh, and of course, the magazine is showing 12 images of more than 200 and they will all be on the disc. I’m sure you will want to add both the magazine and the CD to your collection.
This particular work is really hard to describe because it is so comprehensive. With the MLA Style Manual, in hand, I am just starting to create a Bibliography. All I can tell you is that “I’m dancing as fast as I can!” I can’t wait to get this information into your hands, so that you can enjoy it. I’ll keep you posted, and if I seem to harp on this subject, it’s because it is a totally riveting one and I’m so happy to be able to share all that I’ve learned.
Patricia Cummings
