Dear Mayfield,

Our midweek Web Notes are all about strengthening and reminding us of the ties that bind us in a time of undetermined length when we are scattered from one another.  Today I am offering you brief examples from quilters and a scientist, understandings of our undeniable connection always. I’m also inviting you to respond to everyone on this email chain if you have a quote, a small story, a photograph, an example from the natural world, something you have read or overheard, or anything else that makes visible the web that holds us together. We look forward to hearing from you.

Quilters’ Compassion

In the United States there is a vast shortage of necessary medical equipment and supplies in the current pandemic. In response, the local quilting guild decided at the end of last week to do something about it. As we all know, Rob Stoll began quilting with creativity and joy several years ago and has become active in the area quilting guild. The guild sent out an email a few days back exploring the need for masks in DeKalb County. They received five replies for a total of 285 masks. With Rob as coordinator, the guild set about responding to that tangible need last weekend. The photo above is of the twenty-five masks Rob made on Sunday, a wonderful stitched prayer of compassion. Requests to date have come from DeKalb County senior facilities for their residents and staff.

Quilting bees are a part of the communal heritage in rural counties like ours. Today’s guild quilters are not gathered as a bee quilting together in one room. But they are quilting together in spirit stitching into the reality that we are always in communion with one another in our strength and in our vulnerability, near and far.

Cosmos Connection
Brian Swimme, scientist
Director , Center for the Story of the Universe
California Institute of Integral Studies

When we deepen our awareness of the simple truth that
we are here through the creativity of the stars, we begin
to feel fresh gratitude…what a stupendous mystery!

Peace, Martha