Dear Starlight,
Quilting and patchwork feel both like practice and metaphor. This week, I reflected on my daily river encounters and the scraps of documentation that are forming my memory quilt.
This afternoon, as I shuffled my slippered feet to the shore—feeling no need for proper shoes—I thought of friends lost to cancer and my mother-in-law’s diagnosis. It made me wonder why I don’t reflect more on my dying wishes—another way of asking about my living wishes, which I’m not sure I know.
If I had five years to live, what would I do? Five years feels—not urgent, yet achingly brief. My imagination was calm, practical. First, I’d help my son navigate entry to college, ensuring he’s ready for his next chapter. Next, I’d simplify and organize everything for when I’m gone. Then, I was surprised—there was no magnus opus in mind. Instead, I imagined art classes, the smell of charcoal and oil paint, curious adventures like my cross-country train trip. The type of travel that is a follow-the-dot scribble versus packaged luxury. And then, as I sat there on my rivers edge log, I thought; just more of this sitting by the river, lying by the ocean, floating in a lake, more fireside gatherings. Maybe even eat bread and cheese again.
Looking at my river photos, I wonder: what will be my life’s work?
I’m not sure, but I’ll be content knowing I’m sewn into someone's memory quilt. That something I’ve said, shared, or inspired carries an ember of warmth into the future when I’m gone.
Going into 2025 with that goal ⬆, plus more art classes, ocean side naps, fireside hang-outs, and an occasional nibble of parmesan.
PS. It’s a full moon today and also the solstice is this week. Last year I shared rituals and practices I’ve created for this time of year. What are your’s?
PPS. Are you looking for super special unique gifts for your beloveds? I have a few favorite ceramic drawings available. You are welcome to venmo or paypal me and they will be wrapped and shipped in time for the holiday. The smaller sized are aprox 5” x 4” and the larger aprox 8” x 10” woven with ribbon for hanging on the wall.
