Kinda all over the creative, protesty place

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I attended our local April 5th Hands Off protest this afternoon, an AMAZING turnout on a beautifully sunny and warm day. My knee cooperated, especially as I kept moving, saying howdy to those I've met at previous rallies, also noting that I hoped to not run into them again. Their knowing smiles spoke the same.

During this Lenten season, I've been able to maintain my PMA via prayer, reading, meditation on said texts, revising Brave the Skies for a Monday release and of course sewing. Lots of sewing on loads of projects, lol. I wonder if my copious collection of both EPP and Kawandi-style items makes up for scattered thoughts, probably. I've fashioned a few coasters with orphan English paper pieced blocks; they come together easily, actually more quickly than I thought they would. I like having timely finishes, makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. Protesting relieves my heart, but for now, not much emerges from it other than personal peace.

Small and large blocks using the same style of papers, only their sizes are different.

Sewing on all these projects acts as a distraction, I realize that. Editing a novel for publication is similar; I sense a theme. Keeping myself from pondering too deeply the disaster imploding in America, I stitch, read, read some more, pray, sew, then do it all again. What does this mean, I'm not sure. But I recognize my efforts aren't more earth-shattering than keeping me from dwelling in bad places. And maybe that's more vital than I know.

Kawandi-sewn coaster with one of my fave EPP blocks attached.

Near the end of Christ's corporeal life, he told the disciples he was going to leave them, instructing them in various manners of how to go on once he was gone. His crucifixion was devastating, his return a huge shock. Then again he departed, and while his immediate followers suffered tremendously, over two thousand years later his message of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control remains. Those fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22, 23 seem hard to find in my nation's current administration, but are vital aspects to be reclaimed, flaunted, applauded. They are essential in one's character in this rather dubious and at times vile world. Working on pretty fabrics and writing uplifting novels keeps me sane, alongside prayer and meditation. If my efforts look messy or askew, I don't mind. My sewing coffee table is certainly in a state of disarray, but no one is harmed by that chaos.

My Ukrainian flag doubles as a message board.

Maybe I have too many projects going, but at the end of the day, I'm keeping outta bad trouble while stirring up some good trouble. What's so wrong about peace, love, and empathy anyway?

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