Helen Kelley | loose threads

    Priorities

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, "The world is so full of a number of things, / I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings." Each of us has many choices, but there must be a single something that takes precedence in life. Some people are obsessed with sports, some are consumed with a love of adventure, and some immerse themselves in their jobs, while others spend their time camping or making extensive home improvements. All of these people lead interesting, varied lives. They have sorted through all those "wonderful things" that the poem mentions. These people have prioritized.

When you walk into my house, you know instantly what my priority is. You know that I love quilts. Our house is a homey place, not unlike millions of others, filled with books, a television, green plants, and music. But my walls are hung with quilts and pictures of quilts. My workroom is stacked with fabric. My storage area is packed with quilts: old quilts, new quilts, anonymous quilts, and, most importantly, my quilts.

My vacuum cleaner sits in the middle of my work area because I intend to neaten the mess...someday. The ironing board stands near my sewing machine, right where it belongs. Kitchen shelves are stocked with spices and recipe books, but the most important thing in my kitchen is the microwave. Why? Because that little miracle allows me to spend less time preparing meals and gives me more time to quilt.

My life is filled with many obligations. If I have a day just to myself, I take a few moments and savor all the possibilities.

Helen Kelley is a quiltmaker, lecturer, author, and teacher from Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can visit Helen on the Internet at her website www.helenkelley- patchworks.com or email Helen at this address: helen@helenkelley- patchworks.com.

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Lunch with friends is always a good option, as is making presents for my family. Of course, I can sew or I can go to the quilt store simply to finger the fabrics, experiment with the colors, and ponder new methods. The important thing is that I have choices. My priorities usually lead me to choose playing with fabric.

On ordinary days when I don't have a choice, I bow to the demands of civilization. I organize my life, fulfill commitments, and keep appointments. Even then, when I am dealing with telephones, automobiles, and the needs of those around me, I take time to snuggle under a quilt, make my sewing machine hum, or leaf through a quilt book and dream. I may spend a couple of moments exploring a new technique or sorting through my fabrics. Sometimes what I do is as simple as ironing a length of prewashed fabric, folding it, and putting it on the shelf, ready for rotary cutting. In the midst of a busy day when I am coping with all that life requires, I remind myself of this priority of mine–my quilting.

William Wordsworth said, "The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers." He was right, you know. So always, in the midst of getting and spending, driving and delivering, cooking and cleaning, paying bills, and meeting obligations, I take the time to indulge myself. In the midst of the necessities, I know that it's important for me to maintain a sense of satisfaction and take pleasure in beautiful things. This is what my quilting gives me. It helps me face the daily grind; it keeps me functioning and happy. It's my priority. Quilting is important.

©HK 2007