Clean Slate

So...I took the entire month of May off....

from sewing, quilting, blogging, blog reading...basically anything quilt related....

including replying to quilty emails (sorry to those who did not receive a response from me).....

even OMQG stuff (a huge thank you to those who covered for me)...

I didn't sneak a peek at any blogs.....at all....zero....nada....none...

Once I made this decision, it was the only way to go.....

I knew if I slipped just once, read one blog, peeked at Google Reader, it would be all over...

Needless to say, I truly missed y'all....suffered terribly from withdrawals...and was extremely grumpy...

The other day my husband suggested I get back to my blog, if that tells you anything;-)

So....now I am slowly making my way back....

still haven't read any blogs yet, but will remedy that shortly.....

attended a lively OMQG meeting Wednesday....

spent some time in my sewing room Thursday....

Mosaic of Dragonfly gifts received

Before my self-imposed quilting hiatus, I completed another Priority: Alzheimer's quilt.  This one was inspired by some wonderful dragonfly gifts I've received from family and friends.  I have a thing for dragonflies, and when making this quilt, googled the definition/origin of the dragonfly.  I just knew the dragonfly must represent friendship or love or some equally important value.

AAQI #7040 Batik Dragonfly

I was a bit disappointed that the top search results did not scream this fact, but further research resulted in this excerpt taken from the dragonfly-site:  The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. 

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life (read more here:  http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html)

 I also discovered that the Japanese culture views dragonflies as symbolizing courage, strength and happiness.  All this makes the dragonfly seem worthy of being represented in a quilt ;-)  I'm glad to know that as this particular quilt for AAQI was dedicated to my friend Hope, who is definitely worthy ;-)

Have an amazing weekend!!!!