There are a bunch of women who are making squares for a quilt. I sent around the written instructions, which details the cutting lines, sequence for seams and what kind of fabric to use. There are a lot of numbers, including fractions. One sentence in particular felt like a puzzle, when in real time it only takes thirty seconds to complete.

"Sew the second rectangle to one short side of your specialty triangle, right sides together, and the first rectangle/square unit to the other short side of the specialty triangle, right sides together."

One woman felt stumped. 

"Can you please give me a picture to look at?"

I sent her a photograph of a finished block. That calmed her down considerably.

Being able to see how the triangles and rectangles combine went a long way toward being able to reproduce one.

Lectures about how to communicate with your spouse can feel overwhelming. 

"Don't stonewall, or interrupt. Have a soft start up, without any you statements. Listen and mirror back, including affirmations and positive comments. Avoid defensiveness, and whatever you do don't criticize."

It's enough to strike a loquacious person dumb. 

Mentoring is a chance to see a healthy couple speak with each other. A husband and wife, whose interactions have been smoothed over time like a hand buffed oak door, is a beautiful thing to witness.