Renewal and Reflection
This time of year, I am always warmed by such a sense of renewal. As an avid gardener, I can’t wait to watch the vegetable seedlings erupt from the earth and begin their new growth toward providing my family the fruits of my labor. And even indoor activities take on a whole new fondness for me. I find my sewing machine beckoning, housework much less taxing, and my stolen moments curled up with a good read even more rejuvenating.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how happy and grateful I am that the crafts of our ancestors are still thriving in this day and age. One of my favorite new pastimes is blog-hopping, and it’s been delightful discovering how many of you are still so lovingly addicted to the very same handiworks that kept our grandmothers’ grandmothers occupied. I am so proud when I discover women half my own age who are enjoying embroidering, quilting, pouring candles, working with dried botanicals, growing their own gardens, and uncovering and studying all the beloved handcrafts and traditions of old. And that you are passing your love of handiworks and other tried-and-true, timeworn yet timeless practices on to your own daughters gives me hope for a better future; one that hasn’t completely lost touch with the benefits of a more agrarian lifestyle.
My own mother worked full time as a registered nurse and was never interested in taking up frivolous things like needlework, vegetable gardening, or journaling. Even now, she has no understanding of why I would pour my own candles (let alone make them to sell) when candles are available at the local Wal*Mart. But I can remember my grandmother stitching embroideries and crocheting rag rugs just as clearly as I recall the plum orchard and honeybees my grandfather lovingly maintained. And while I have sons, and their interests at this point are centered around college, video games, their friends, and women (they are 23 and 24), I look forward to the time when I perhaps will have a granddaughter or two, and they reach an age at which they can begin to appreciate the handiworks, hobbies, and deep-seated love of all things past that their Granny Jodi will pass on to them.
I began this year with a resolution to be happier, count my blessings daily, support my fellow artisans more, and live a more simple and self-reliant life; taking pride in learning and practicing the skills and crafts of our grandparents and their forefathers. I am proud to say that, thus far, I have kept my resolution; and I fully intend to continue. While the industrial revolution continues around me, I have become thoroughly convinced that carrying on the traditions of handcrafting and homesteading will only bring us security, joy, appreciation, peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings.
JODI
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