# 20 Quilting and Writing

It is on record that the quilt is done--Halleujah! Sister Susan was the inspiration and driving force behind this goal # 48--Make a quilt with sixty squares. A few weeks ago she visited with the sole purpose of goading me to begin because I do believe she was afraid I would wait until Dec. 31st and panic that I hadn't begun cutting the squares. Trying not to compare it to any of her masterpieces; I am happy to say that it is functional, very bright, and finished. What more can I ask for? Lesson learned on this one is that a sewing master I am not and never will be. I never obtained that look of awe as we wandered around the quilting store nor did I rush to work on it every waking moment that true quilters tend to do. No, she gently pushed me to get the majority of it done while she was here and when we recently spoke on the phone, she expressed dismay that I had not finished the hand sewing. Groan! What a tedious job, but I perservered and it will now keep someone warm next winter--just don't look too closely at the stitches.

The other accomplished goal was letter writing to 60 people which has become one of my favorite activities. The return responses have been numerous and many have appreciated my use of their mailboxes as something other than a receptacle of bills and advertisements. Corresponding with author Jane Hamilton, Gov. Scott Walker ( he thanked me for writing--a civil exchange even though we have opposing views), the Dyson vacuum company, and numerous family and friends has motivated me to continue commenting on local, national, and global injustices or writing positive feedback for a job well done. Try it. The price of a stamp and stationery is miniscule for the return satisfaction of expressing your opinion.

Now back to the other 45 goals that are waiting to be tackled. Thanks, Susan, for the nudge to finish the quilt--maybe when I turn 70 I will attempt another one, but don't get too excited because I'm not ready to thread another needle, cut another square, nor buy quilting material for quite a long time--well, for at least another ten years. In the meantime, I owe you a long letter of gratitude and thanks!