We've Only Just Begun

The little inchie, top center, I made into a sewing charm.

I have a deadline approaching. My small group inchies need to be mailed out. From a larger group of postcard exchangers a smaller group emerged to take on the fun of making inchies and exchanging them. I don't believe any of us had ever made them. Tiny art, big hands. A bit of a problem but you begin to feel the piece and after practice get better at making them. I love it when others give you suggestions because they have been there before. They know the drawbacks and pitfalls and can offer helpful hints.


That is where my middle son is also. Today is the day his career as a police officer begins, officially. Swearing in, graduation - it's just the beginning to a bigger and longer race. The duration will be long, frustrating at times but most of the time filled with gratitude for an opportunity he has been given to serve the public. I know - I watched his father do it well. The oath he took said it all - to protect and to serve.


I'm not always good at serving others. Sometimes I just want to be left alone. But my son thrives on serving others. He is a gentle soul, a happy person with a great heart. Yesterday I had a flat tire and not only did he change the tire; he felt my car needed a good washing. He goes the extra mile. That is what I want to do in my art work. Fannie taught me to look at my art as an extension of myself and to go the extra mile in making the inchies. There is a verse I am reminded of that goes like this: if they want you to walk a mile, go another mile; if he wants your garment give him your cloak also. This is my paraphrase but you get the jest of it. Going the extra mile is where the blessing becomes yours.