Label quilts not people

I have one of my quirky little thoughts that has been on my mind this past month. I was thinking about the double edge sword of "labels". I have 2 quilts from my dad's family. I have no idea who made them, what they were made for, or when they were made. My dad just knows him mom did all the needlework on one of them. This makes me so sad, they are beautiful quilts and they mean a lot to me, but think about how much more they would mean if I had the history of them. One little label would bring so much more meaning to them. One of the reason I fell in love with quilting is the history part of it, (a previous post covers this thought). Anyway, this makes me realize the importance of labeling our quilts. We never know who will end up with the quilt, and the road the quilt took to reach someone. Even the 'charity' or ugly quilts can end up meaning more to someone than we could know. Labels are important.

The reason I say this is a double edge sword is because of the way labeling can be so hurtful. A few weeks ago, I was at one of my son's baseball games and this lady showed up. She was dressed-up like she had just walked off some soap opera set. She was beautiful! She had on high, high clear plastic heels, and a low-cut suit jacket, with jewelry dripping everywhere. Every man there couldn't help but take notice, and most women were watching her too. The first thought I had, was to think she was a snob, and how arrogant she seemed. I was quick to judge her and label her as someone not very nice.

Well, the next game she showed up dressed in similar fashion, but with her 2 little dogs. My daughter is an animal lover, and not a shy child (to say the least)- so she went up and starting talking to this lady, which caused me to have to talk to the lady. The story ends up with me finding out about this lady and a tough situation she is in right now, and how she turns out to be one of the nicest people I've met there at the ball fields. I'm so glad my daughter's lack of 'judging' brought us together to become friends.

I don't know why, but I find myself thinking about how important a label can be for something like a quilt, or a bottle of cleaning product. And how hurtful labeling someone because of their clothing, or their car, or their profession can be to a person.

So, tonight is one of those long nights just wanting tomorrow to get here so I can get it over with. I don't mean to sound down, but I'm anxious for the vets visit. Nights like this seem to make more of my 'quirky' thoughts come out. I know this much, writing about it sure makes me feel a little better.

The 2nd quote for the day

"Label quilts, not people" -- :-) Kim