Apr 27, 2008

Spring Ritual: The Gathering of the Feminine Energies



Throughout time, humans have gathered together to share in common dreams, goals, rituals, and celebrations. The gatherings in Spring time are often association with the rituals of the divine feminine. It is a time of the dying of the darkness of the winter season and the welcoming in of the light of the new birth of Spring through birth and re-birth.

I couldn't help but think of this and feel these emotions as five Oregon quilters gathered in "Marathon Quilter" Cher's lovely Portland home to share a wonderfully prepared luncheon and discover the common threads of blogs and blogging, quilts and quilting. It soon became apparent that we were also sharing the variety of differing textures and fabrics of our lives that make each of us unique and distinctive, yet also women with much in common.

Each of us was very different, yet each of us part of one another and somehow also, very alike. In the course of looking at the vast array of quilts and quilting, stash and stashings, threads and threadings, we meandered our way through the process of getting to know one another better. I was delighted to find that it also helped clarify and helped me further understand different sides of myself as I saw similarities brought forth from each of the other ladies.

We talked about why we blog...as well as why we quilt...and it truly made me think even more deeply about this process and the role it does... or does not play...in each of our lives. Each of us was brought to blogging for similar yet different reasons, just as each of us discovered quilts and quilting for similar, yet different, passions. I loved being able to gather with other women that I knew only from their written word and creative quilted expression and discover other multi-faceted parts of their personalities. It was a beautiful day and a great gathering together of similar-minded women.

Spring gatherings usually reflect not only our desire to express our more social and sociable natures, but also as a reflection of the delicate and perfect dance between dark and light in our own lives while Earth is in her own time of rebirth. We all endlessly strive for finding balance between our masculine and our feminine energies in our everyday reality. So I found it fascinating, to feel so welcome into this feminine circle as each of us opened ourselves to sharing our weaknesses as well as our strengths through this shared hobby and passion for quilting.

I enjoyed my visit with these four lovely ladies and genuinely appreciated Cher's gracious hospitality and lovely surroundings...framed by beautiful artwork, energies of creativity, and a room filled with dear women. My thanks to Cher, Holly, Patti, and Dot for a lovely day, interesting conversation, and truly inspirational quilts and quilting!

7 comments:

Holly said...

I'm glad I finally got to meet you, Michele! What a fun day it was visiting and getting to know everyone better. I only stitched an inch the entire time :) Thanks for taking pictures.

Patti said...

What a lovely way you have with words - as usual. You have described the day perfectly. I was so happy to meet Cher and Holly once again, and you and Dot for the first time. I look forward to many more meetings in the future.

And I'm eagerly waiting for my psychological analysis!

:-)

Cher said...

love the photos-do send more to me when you get a chance...however-no rush. It certainly was a gathering together of similiar yet unique women-I enjoyed everyone so much more in person! I look forward to the next time we are able to see each other.

Clare said...

And a good time was had by all! Lucky you to meet those lovely ladies.

dot said...

WOW!!! What a great write up on our get together. I came away with so much I don't even know how to put it in words. Your write up on the day certainly makes it magical. Thanks, it certainly was a pleasure to meet all the quilters and to be in the presence of wonderful creativity.

Tanya said...

It was great fun to see some of my quilting friends together, especially since I hadn't realized you all lived in the same vicinity! Wish I could have been there!

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