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Doing Versus Making Do

The afghan I made out of yarn scraps was meant to last another month, but my hands seized up with a bad arthritis flare so I kept working on it until it was large enough to use on cold nights.

Very happy with how it turned out -- certainly colorful.

I'm still hand quilting the pink only quilt, which has been fun but also a bit of a bear to manage. Crochet is good for me, too. It helps me work out a lot of frustration and aggression, like what I imagine punching a heavy bag is for a boxer. I just don't have wear the clunky gloves. :)

Seriously, being able do something that I love (crochet) as physical therapy in order to keep doing I desperately don't want to give up doing (quilting) has also helped me deal with the depression over the limitations and fading abilities of old age, too.

Going to the quilt show this year also helped my spirits tremendously. No matter what condition I'm in, being around quilts and the people who make them makes me happy.

Now with the holidays on top of me I need my crochet and my quilting more than ever. They keep my attitude positive and light during a time when everything seems hypocritical, negative and oppressive. By the time this publishes there will be only 15 more days until December 26th!

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