Goodbye to Eleanora

I've just returned from the funeral of Dani's Grandmother, Eleanora, who you can see in this picture from the engagement party just a few weeks ago. I wish I had gotten a chance to know her better. Eleanora was a force within her family. She had strong feelings about faith and education and in that vein, was determined that her grandchildren would get good education. She was, justifiably, proud of her family and was a woman of great faith. The Mass for her at St. Patrick's today was lovely and personal. She was well-known and loved by her church community, her family and friends, had a marriage that lasted and was strong for 53 years. It doesn't get much better than that.

Eleanora reminded me of my good friend Betty, who was similarly loved and important to her community. The sort of woman who makes one want to be a better person. While I am not a Catholic, I am always impressed by the Catholic Funeral Mass. It contains elements of great sadness and also great joy. No matter how you try not to, hearing Ave Maria always makes the tears come. There was a woman who sang it and had the most lovely voice. The Priest was Irish Catholic and delightful, he clearly knew Eleanora and it made all the difference. It makes me want to be a better Episcopalian. I fall short in so many ways lately.

Anyway, that's what I've been up to for a couple of days.

Thanks so much to all the people who left such nice comments about my Festival quilt. I'm preparing to paint my new room/studio. Probably won't get that done till this coming Monday. Anyway, when I get it done....sigh...I can, at long last, open my sewing machine and play with fabric. I need a table to sew on and I've wanted a real table-like a wooden dinner table. Yesterday, after the wake, I stopped at Wally Mart and found a nice one for around 90 bucks. Right next to it, there was another table that would make a great computer/cutting table. I think I will go with these two things and get the lead out. I feel empty and un-creative and a little depressed. Wonder if I'll remember how to use my machine? Wonder where I put it?????