Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Impossible......Made POSSIBLE!


I have to start by saying when this Advent Stole was in it's very infancy last year, it was before I knew I was ill. Yes, I did not feel good, but had no idea of the storm to come.
It was the ONLY one I had shown fabric and trim to my minister BEFORE starting; he was dealing with health issues and I wanted him to have a glance at something to look forward to.
Little did I know....
For a year, the pieces laid on the table and languished~~I often wondered if I would ever feel good enough to work and finish it. It was frustrating, somewhat heart breaking.....seeing what used to take normal amounts of time just wait and wait and wait.
At one point, I put it away. It was a reminder of what I was going through physically and I honestly did not know if it would ever be finished to grace a Church Service at my most favorite time of year.
Sometimes, you are blessed with a gift you know is more than human intervention, more than doing your part as a patient to heal~~you know that you are meant to finish work. The Universe has things left for you to do.
And so, it is done.
The Impossible, POSSIBLE.
I am thankful beyond words.
I am HAPPY.
And I hope my minister will be too!!! ;-)
I'll let the photos talk now.....
























In closing, I have to admit this was some of the most difficult fabric and trim I have ever worked with, and the bullion fringe, being very long, had to be treated with kid gloves. One kink or bend, and it's there for EVER.
But I could not envision anything different, for the time of year in the depths of Darkness, we seek Light.
It is, in some ways, the Story of the Christmas Star, the lights in the night sky, the offerings of gold.......the tribute to the King.
I hope I have served well.


Pax....

53 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

It's just beautiful Anne!

Robin said...

Exquisite Anne! Absolutely exquisite!!! There was obviously more than just a human hand at work here!

Anonymous said...

The most awesome work I think I have ever seen you do ! ! ! !
Marilyn
p.s. Got cut loose from Care Center after 3 long years. Now just regular check-ups once a year ! ! Thank God ! !

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Congratulations! It is so, SO breath-takingly beautiful -- a true heritage treasure for that minister and church. The reality of Alpha and Omega -- in that work of art -- and in your life -- infuses it.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Janet!

I am so glad it is done and received~~yet this morning I looked around the studio and thought *what's missing*???
It had become part of the landscape.... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Anne, a faithful servant INDEED! Every perfect stitch a prayer offered up. It is incredible. YOU are incredible! The longer I live on this pretty blue planet, the more I am grateful that God is God and I am not. BIG LOVE to you, beloved friendling ♥♥♥ Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Robin,

Thanks~~it was a toughie! I am very thankful my hands held out to finish it properly. I still cannot feel worth a hoot in my fingertips, nor can I see too good! LOL! (need a new glasses script)
So I am thrilled!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Great news Marilyn!!! WHOOO--HOOOOO!!!!
I think you should celebrate! (I sure would...)
It's good to be back in studio some~~working toward better managed time, getting back to blogging and creative work.
And of course...THE HOLIDAYS.

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Debra,

Thanks especially on the Alpha Omega. I could NOT find any premade embroideries, so I dug through all my considerable *stuff* and old skills and made these from scratch. It was a daunting job.
Happy I took time years ago to learn old skills.... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Deb,

Oh yes, ME TOO! God does a pretty wonderful job managing everything and I have to say sometimes I am amazed at His results!
I could have rambled on and on about the significance of different things on this piece, but decided maybe it was best to SHUT UP for a change and just let it speak... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

GlorV1 said...

It's just beautiful Anne. How very generous of you. It will be well received. You've outdone yourself. Hope you are doing well. Thought I would give you a link that you can visit at your leisure. Love this piece and your jazzy music.:)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Gloria,

Good to *see* ya again! TY on the stole~~looking for the link?
Will e-mail.....
And yes, I left the jazz player going this a.m. to keep in a mellow mood!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anonymous said...

So gorgeous Anne, you have such talent.....xox

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Corrine!

It is now that time when you've finished a long project that you sit around wondering...what do I do next???
(been slinging gesso to try and get back in the groove without getting deep in anything before T-Day)

XXOO~~
Anne

kj said...

i have to say i am humbled with blinking eyes and a deep swallow to know the peace the accompanies this incredible work of divine art. i know you and i know you are at full peace reflecting on this. this is faith at work. i hope you might see this at the christmas star church service this year. any person of God wearing this will be bless and be blessed.

it is stunning anne. stunning

love
kj

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Praise the Lord...this is totally amazing. I think God really wants to keep you here with us to honor him in your visions. Stunning! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey KJ,

Thank you~~let me say shoving the needle through that tight woven fabric kept me VERY HUMBLE. There were days when I could sew only 4 pearls at a time, but I knew it was to be finished~~just KNEW IT.
And I cannot wait for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Mary-Helen,

That is precisely what I am hoping! I have work yet to do, and am trying to gear back up and get the brain going.
You have work too my friend~~love your blog posts, even on the days I don't comment.

XXOO~~
Anne

Unknown said...

This is indeed faith made visible. What a gift of thanksgiving for your brave trek. It is amazing.
QMM

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Peggy!

You know, I never really think of these as a visible form of faith, but you're right. I just sort of let the ideas flow, the work happens (tho slow this time) and then when it is in the sanctuary.....ah, then I feel it is complete!
Thanks for your kind words.

XXOO~~
Anne

audrey said...

Anne,
You serve well every day! God has been good to you because He knows you are needed by many. This stole is a testament to the time and love you devote to His ministers.
What a year you have had, and as the Christmas Season nears, we are all especially grateful for the healing you have experienced to date.
It is truly a lovely piece, Anne. When you see him wear it, you will be glowing with pride.
(((hugs))) to you, always.
audrey ♥

Jo Murray said...

That stole is just awesome Anne...as are you. It was meant to be.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Audrey,

Thanks so much....it has been some year, eh? ;-)
But I think I have been exceptionally blessed with good friends support and support from a *Bigger Friend*~~I need to be here to do more work!
Really, thanks for your kind words and I cannot WAIT to see this *in action* the first Sunday of Advent!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Jo,

TY!!! I am so very very thankful I was able to finish it. Makes everything seem possible now!

XXOO~~
Anne

Nancy said...

Stunningly beautiful! And what a journey.

Jan said...

It looks as though it came down from the heavens and was made corporeal by your hands. Truly awesome. Yep, ya done good girl! I'm so glad you have gotten well enough to be able to finish it, what a testament to your strength and determination.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Nancy!

Yep, it was some journey, and worth every step of it.
I am glad that it is in the recipient's hands now, and I can quit worrying about accidentally dumping something on it! (the studio is a dangerous place...lol!)

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Jan, I love how you stated that! You are far more literate than myself. :-)
It is strange to have it out and gone. I was so used to seeing it here....but it is also a reminder that I wasn't letting anything get in my way...you know me! lol!

XXOO~~
Anne

Robin said...

It is my favourite time of the year too...Alpha, Omega, Infinity.....(and Purple)! All of the comments above have included the fabulous adjectives the stole deserves. You have always created exquisite, almost other-worldly pieces for your Church.....but....oh...this one...sigh.

It will shine like the Blessed Star that night...God is so proud of you...as is your Minister and all of US! It represents Hope and Faith...

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Ah Robin, you would have loved this *in person*~~almost of the quality to be in "Tosca"~~at least in my little mind! ;-)
Knew you'd fall for the color--I am not a fan of some purples, but this one was lush.
Pressed grapes in the cold of the year...frost on the vines. It was just an amazing shade; hard to reproduce with a digital camera.
TY for your sweet thoughts!

XXOO~~
Anne

marilyn said...

Absolutely beautiful, the stole and your marvelous spirit.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks so much Ima!
I think working on the stole kept the spirit going full blast... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

My Vagabond Heart said...

It is absolutely breath taking. You did good. I have to tell you...When I was diagnosed, I had just started hand quilting a hand pieced quilt of Ohio Stars, for John on our 25th anniversary. I, too, was not able to work on it. I even put a note, to my sister in law, with cash to ask my teacher, Sharon, to finish it, if I didn't survive. As I recovered, I quilted on the sly so John would not see it...he got it on our 26th! I have no doubt that stole will have more meaning to your minister than any other one you've made.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vicki,
You so know how it feels to have that nagging piece of work out there, IMPORTANT WORK, and no guarantees that it will be done.
But DANG!
We's GOOD!!!
I think we both had a lot of help from the "Big Physician Upstairs".
Miss ya!

XXOO~~
Anne

Linda and Michelle said...

This is exquisite! everything about this marvelous work of art speaks about the kind of person you are. So glad you are well enough to be creating again.

Debrina said...

Wow, wow, wowzy wow wow! I've never seen its equal - it is beautiful beyond words. You have imbued this piece with spirit and life and it makes me believe in heaven :-)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Ladies!

After working on something as long as I did this, I have been wandering in more of a dither than normal, trying to figure out what to do next, and also trying to get into Holiday-mode. (the last part is NOT working...lol!!!)

XXOO~~
Anne

yoborobo said...

Anne, this is one of those pieces of art that literally takes your breath away.
I love the stars at the top. I wish I could see it in person, on your minister, with candlelight. I can imagine it will glow. :) You are amazing. We'll talk soon and discuss the sides dishes needed to go with chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs! xoxox!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam,

Thanks! I wish I could have hauled it around to all my blog friends after it was done (or brought you all here for a BIG PARTY!).
As to the appropriate aide dishes for the nuggets, I'm thinking one of those boxed casseroles in the freezer section and a bag of salad.
That's enough veggies...right???

XXOO~~
Anne

Laura said...

Beauty beyond compare...Anne I'm so happy for you that you were able to come back and finish this..it's big accomplishment both inner and outer if you know what I mean...Strength to not give up.. And courage to face it and walk through it all.

As for a party looks as though you have one going on or shall I say a reception of your accomplishments.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Laura~~you totally get it. I could have left it put away and pursued something else, something new or easy, but I guess I *knew* that when it was done, I had accomplished a major step in my own healing as well.
And I'm all for ANY type of party! Whooo--Hoooo!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Stitchwhiz said...

It's lovely. Kind of reminds me of Japanese style Sashiko stitching.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

You know, I had not thought about the pattern on the fabric~~it does indeed remind me of Sashiko now that you mentioned it.
I just wish the fabric would have been easier to photograph; I've noticed some of the detail simply does not show. Too much contrast, I supposed....

XXOO~~
Anne

tallboy said...

Ok, I'm finally finding time to get on the blog!
I am so humbled to share this work of art and love. Anne is so right, the photos do not do it justice. My daughter will be so jealous when she sees the shade of purple! And we are celebrating two services this Christmas Eve, so it will have even more celebration than usual. Michele and Rebecca are so impressed. Each detail is filled with such love and radiance that it will convey that great ineffable love of God for all. Words cannot convey how deeply I appreciate this holy gift. I am convinced the blessings conveyed by your art will bless the souls of many. in grace and peace...blessings, always

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Steve!

Glad you could make it to the party! ;-D
I am SO RELIEVED to know that you REALLY REALLY like this! (you know I tend to fret a lot...)
Glad it got the seal of approval from the family also~~that means a lot.
Wear it well; it should be a lovely addition to our new Christmas Eve service and *I* am humbled that my work will be part of that! I can't wait to see how it looks under the sanctuary lights.
Here's praying that I can get back in gear even more and be available for other church work.
Channeling an altar cloth.... ;-) ....maybe.....God willing.

Pax~~
Anne

Cathy Bueti said...

Oh Anne, this is so lovely!! I am happy that you are back to your creative work. I had chills reading this blog post. You truly emanate what the holidays are all about. Certainly not the "commercial" aspect of them which I am very tired of!! You have captured what is most important!!

Hugs!! xoxo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Cathy!

I know you, too, know the real meaning of *thankful*~~once you learn it everything else seems unnecessary.
Thankful isn't making people work on Thanksgiving, or getting in line to buy some overpriced piece of *stuff*.
It's BEING HERE.
It's being able to be in the studio again.
It's being able to COOK this year! :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Laura said...

Oh beautiful friend... this is magnificent... and that you had the strength to complete it, even more so!!! sending love from across the field, lakes, mountains and more fields.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Laura,

This is indeed one of those *little miracles* that happen in life!
Sending lots of love and gratitude back~~thru the fog, across the hills, straight to YOU! ♥

XXOO~~
Anne

Terra said...

Oh Anne, I got goosebumps from seeing this incredible beauty that you created. I can not imagine how it is done, just that it takes skill and love. What a journey for you and for your minister, from dark into light. When he receives this gift, he will likely weep tears of joy; I would.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Terra,

They need to invent a way people can *feel* something thru the internet! The fabric, tho difficult, was lush and the stole carried a lot of weight by the time it was finished.
Steve is delighted with it; I can't wait to see it in church! (and when is the first Sunday in Advent???)
It has definitely been a journey, and I have learned a lot along the way. :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Carol said...

Exquisite, Anne, and the loves shines through. Congratulations on another stunning achievement. Love and hugs from Down Under! xxooxxoo

Doris said...

Awesome! So happy that you've passed through this year and come out ahead!

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