quiltersmuse.com Blog

Yesterday, I watched the ceremonies that surrounded the creation of closure for the life of Senator Edward “Teddy” Moore Kennedy. In thinking about his life and its importance to others, the fact that he was a “Dad” stands out above others. Anyone can be a “father,” but it takes a real man, with values and substance, to be a “Dad.”

His sons, Ted Jr. and Patrick, gave speeches testifying that their father was there for them, when they were young, supporting them and teaching them life’s lessons, even when the going got rough. Ted lost a leg to cancer and Patrick had chronic asthma. Their “Dad” was there at the times that counted the most: when they were ill, struggling, or when they needed reassurance. He was there at Mission Church in Roxbury, to pray daily, when his daughter was recovering from lung cancer. She was present at the service and was looking well.

Their stories remind me of a book for children that I have always enjoyed:

Coincidentally, yesterday was August 29, the same day that my own father died, in 1974. He had been there for me, all of my life. Just like Ted Kennedy, John Edward Grace instilled in me the thought that I could do anything. A frail, undernourished and sickly child, I went on to ride horses, learn to swim and teach swimming, graduate from the university, study in Spain, and be the certified school teacher that my “Dad” always had encouraged me to be.

In a sense, watching the funeral proceedings on television yesterday was a sort of homecoming. The Catholic Mass inculcates the root values with which I was brought up. Even the lingering Irish accent on the lips of one of the priests created joy in my heart. As an extension of my own Irish heritage, the “Celebration of Life” ceremony was very much in keeping with my own thoughts about life and the hereafter.

Few people will get as much attention, in death, as “Ted,” nor the sincere good wishes of an appreciative public, all witnesses to his life. Any secrets of his misbehavior surrounding have now gone to the grave. Perhaps, this goes to prove the Senator’s thought that “Redemption” is possible, after all, and not just with God, but with the public at large. Good things were remembered and shared: how he went out of his way to help others, how he loved to sing and joke and sail, and what a loving family man he truly had become.

We, by nature, are an imperfect people. Good thing that none of us have to be perfect to be loved. Senator Kennedy was loved by many, as witnessed by yesterday’s turnout and tributes. Now, he is placed at rest, with honor. The person who attempts to fill his shoes in the Senate shall have a mighty task at hand. The sacrifices of the Kennedy family have been incalculable. On the “hill,” I suspect that it will not be “business as usual,” … for a very long time. I only wish he’d have been present to hear the accolades.

Be sure to view an extraordinary edition of “Meet the Press” in which David Gregory interview Maria Shriver and others important to Senator Kennedy. Taped on August 30, 2009.

Patricia L. Grace Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

Yesterday, as I was standing in line at the post office, waiting to part with some cold cash, the total amount owed by the man in front of me was $54.40. He said to the postal clerk, “54.40 or Fight?” Confused, the clerk had never heard the historical term “54-40.” The customer went into a detailed explanation about the term’s connection to disputed land ownership in the Oregon County/Columbia District, with both the United States and the British having had an interest in claiming the land that reached from the 42N to the 54 40 N parallel. To read the details for yourself, please visit Wikipedia.

I spoke up and stated that “54-40 or Fight” is a name for an historically-based, quilt block. He said, “a WHAT?” I replied “a quilt block.” I’m sure I lost him.

This photo, taken by me in May 1994, with a Polaroid camera, shows two blocks on the right that are of that same pattern. The other two blocks are “Ohio Star.” The sashings is a Hoffman print, I believe, of hot air balloons. The quilt measures 37 1/2″ square and was a gift to my sister. The name of it is “Balloons for Barb.” I took the photo so that I would have a memory of the quilt, as she lives clear across the country and I knew I would never see it again.

I made a single “54-40 or Fight” block in red, white, and blue, to illustrate an article for The Quilter magazine. Quilt blocks that have associations or greater meanings are very appealing. They are like mini-recordings of historical moments.

Have a great Wednesday!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications – The front page has a photo of an unidentified quilt block of grapes and leaves. Have you seen this before?

Stephanie Saboor has sent us a photo of her great grandmother’s quilt, made in the 1950s. The woman’s name was Grace Ellen Traylor and she lived in Springfield, IL. The twin size bed quilt features the Democratic Donkey and “Ararat,” the Elephant. She states that her grandmother made a second quilt of this type, but featured the Elephant in the middle and the Donkeys in the corners on that one, and that quilt was raffled.

We are always happy to feature photos sent by readers.

To see other examples of these blocks, visit our website file: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/republican-and-democratic-quiltblocks.htm

Thanks, Stephanie.

Patricia Cummings

From the quiet of our living room last night, we watched television and waited for the outcome of the presidential election. While it is difficult to lose a dream, John McCain was gracious in defeat and the true gentleman he has always been. When the big news came, crowds had already assembled, across America and across the world.

In the Chicago’s Grant Park, the throng included such notables as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the famous Oprah Winfrey, both with tears in their eyes, like so many others there. The President-elect was inspiring in his acceptance speech. All that was missing from the program was a chorus of “Let Freedom Ring … let the white dove sing.” The crowds gathered could have just run out of their homes and businesses to see the Second Coming. Some were on their knees, some were jumping up and down, all were moved by emotion in their anticipation to once again hear Obama speak.

Earlier in the afternoon, in visiting another quilt historian’s site, I came across a link to a disturbing site. The (Ph.D.? or is that he a Dr. of Divinity?) “Reverend” was condemning the political candidate of his same color, using very derisive language including the abhored “n” word, and exclaiming the most hateful things I have ever heard a “man of God” say. In fact, I only stay tuned to his message, out of shock. For 22 minutes, his video railed against Obama. The only thing I took away from the message was a great feeling of shock and sadness that anyone could act so vile under the guise of calling himself a follower of Jesus. There is also the issue of separation of church and state, if he does, indeed, have a church, and the video is not just propaganda.

Barack Obama has the support of millions of people, worldwide. His record, one of scholarship and leadership, speaks for itself, and the majority of those in this country have affirmed his selection as our president. We will be watching the change of guard closely. At the same time, we know that one president cannot “do it all.” We shall pray for his safety and continued success. Like others in the crowd, there were tears in our eyes at this monumental milestone in American history. We will soon “pass the torch” to a young leader, a leader of promise, a leader who has the “audacity of hope.”

Patricia Cummings

Today is a day to celebrate. The contentious fight for political power will soon be over and we can all sink into our easy chairs to watch comedy shows and educational television rather than negative political ads. At least, I would enjoy relaxing with anything that is less taxing than choosing the man will lead this great country of ours for the next four years.

Both of the leading candidates for the “first” office of the land have exemplified behaviors of leadership. In addition, we were blessed to have had other, primary election, candidates in the race who were willing to lend their hearts, their minds, and their hands to the cause of democracy as we know it. Supposedly, the two men who are best qualified to be president have been left standing.

Tonight shall be an exciting time, as the votes are tallied. For Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, it will be a bittersweet experience due to the loss of his grandmother yesterday, coming right on the heels of this great day. For Presidential candidate, John McCain, even if he does not win, he can rest assured that running for the presidency was an act of patriotism.

I have expressed my choice by going to the polls, and so doing, I remembered the 1920 election when women were first allowed that privilege, due to the efforts of outspoken women such as Susan B. Anthony. I hope that you will vote today. In our capital city of New Hampshire, a sleepy little town compared to the much larger cities of the U.S., there was no waiting at the polls this morning. I went prepared for a long wait. I suppose that many people will vote after work.

Sentiment is running high in this country as we face more problems and more tests than ever before. Please vote your conscience, thinking seriously about who will best address your issues, whether they include better and more affordable health care, an opportunity for higher education for your children, an end to the war in Iraq, or a current lack of employment for you or loved ones.

In these hard times, we need to pull together. We need to see the best in each other. We must give others the same opportunities that we demand for ourselves. We must accept people of all colors and languages as belonging to the same human race, and treat them accordingly.

Of course, like you, I hope that my slate of candidates will win, both in local and national races. We must cross the dividing lines, as Barack Obama has stated. We are, after all, and forever, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Patricia Cummings