There was an unexpected snow day this month. Since the municipal trucks were still outfitted with leaf removal equipment, rather than plows, the borough was ill prepared to clear the streets. So even though it was only a few inches of precipitation, safety won out. Schools closed early.
My last costume class was cancelled, so that impetus for sewing found expression in another pineapple quilt. The line of fabrics I chose from the shelves are like a Medieval book plate, with ornate foliage and felines.
But the thing with pineapples is, 576 of the 656 pieces are less than two inches wide. That abbreviated sample of the overall pattern renders cats and flowers unrecognizable.
I had forgotten that when I chose them.
As the blocks grew in size I laid them down on the floor and began to realize that the overall effect was more about color and less about the print. I adjusted my expectations accordingly. The final piece for each block is larger, being a triangle fully three inches on one side. I took it as a chance to add a pop of sunflowers. Four triangles converge at their corners to create a five inch square, drawing the viewer's attention.
"Look at me!"
One time I called my phone carrier to make a complaint. We were being charged for a service we did not need or receive, and I was hot to make my displeasure known. Part way into my rant I realized that the congenial woman named Jossy that I was speaking with had nothing whatsoever to do with past events. Plus her accent intrigued me.
"Where are you from?" I abruptly asked.
"Vancouver." Jossy went on in her lilting voice to describe the steep mountains outside her window, which she loved.
I had but a brief glimpse of her, and it was picturesque. She by contrast had only a truncated impression of me, and it was not flattering. Jossy addressed my problems cheerfully, and assured me that back charges would be removed.
"Is there anything else I can do for you today, luv?"
"Uh, no. That's all," I fumbled in my own orneriness.
After I hung up I realized that I wished I had behaved with more beauty. There is more to the whole cloth that is me than one fifteen minute conversation. But it was all she got. All she would ever get.
The funny thing is it is all those small pieces that make up who I am.
