Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

Used with permission ~ Suzann Thompson: What to Do in a Democracy; quilting, fabric, crocheted doilies
Every citizen is a voter! NOW is the time to register to vote, if you haven't already, for the 2020 election! You can find everything you need to know about registering and voting requirements in any state, absentee ballots, early voting dates, election dates and deadlines, ballot return options and more at the Us Vote Foundation.
2019:Suzann and friends registering voters at a festival "in the wild" in Texas
Suzann Thompson is a prolific crochet and  quilt artist who combines the two in her mixed-media quilts. Until the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she was exhibiting "Celebrate Doilies" throughout her home state of Texas. 
Since the 2008 election season, I have become a more involved voter. Now, more than ever, I have been very concerned that every citizen who wants to vote have a chance to do so and exercise their right as a US citizen. Recently I was honored with the …

They say that "having expectations only brings disappointment." I lean toward being a "glass half full" type of person, but in this instance, my expectation about taking my girls to Normandy France in 2021 has been put on hold. I won't say that I am devastated because I have hope that we will be able to go some time in the future. I'd say I am more embarrassed with our country's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading us to the worst numbers in the world; and currently we are banned from traveling to Europe!

I've worked hard during this Covid-19 pandemic to keeping a positive attitude as well as being ever vigilant about staying safe and about being kind to others by wearing my mask. So far it is working; and I am proud to say I have remained healthy, while being of a certain age that puts me in the high risk category.Today is another good day! Several months ago I learned that the United States Postal Service (USPS) was planning the release of a new forever stamp to recognize Ruth Asawa posthumously.  I was so, so excited, as I always am, when crochet gets the recognition it deserves! The slight glitch was yet to be announced the date of release! I've checked regularly with the USPS since then. This week, with the postal service controversy on my mind, I decided to do my part and order stamps online. Boy, was I surprised and thrilled: Ruth's stamp was just released on August 13! So, today is the day! I ordered 3 sheets of the stamps that honor Ruth's legacy. It feels good …

My husband, Alan, died 4 years ago on July 1, 2016 from a rare brain disease called  Corticobasal Degeneration. He was in a research study at Mayo Clinic in Cooperation with his doctor at Rush, Chicago. Consequently, he decided to donate his brain to the research upon his death. I think of him as a courageous hero!

The Chief of Pathology at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, worked closely with the local pathologist to preserve his brain within twenty-four hours of his death. Participating with Mayo made Alan's courageous donation helped me see it less as a sacrifice and more like hope that the many fine doctors working for a cure to this dreadful disease will have success sooner because of many patients' contributions.


After his death, I heard about the Indiana Donor Network (IDN) through my CGOA Guild chapter. Bonnie, who lost her son, volunteers there and told me about the program. IDN provides shawls to comfort grieving families who have lost, and in-turn, given so someo…

I've been relatively content since my self-imposed isolation started on March 11, 2020. That's not to say that I haven't had some moments of anxiety, worry, frustration, or fear of boredom (but only
fear.)  I am trying my best to stay well-informed by listening to only reputable sources: my Indiana State Department of Health and the CDC. I highly respect Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx; and usually watch the re-caps of their reports rather than the whole Daily Virus Briefing.

However, I have heard some stories of others having struggles with this catastrophic event in our lives which is highly unusual and highly incomprehensible! If you are the parent in a household, the caretaker for a family member, or a single person living alone, it is essential that you take some time to care for yourself to restore your strength and energy!  I want to share some ideas for Self-Care that I have used, as well as others I have heard are helpful.

Today sunshine gave me a boost of positivity; and I want to share it with you! Please tell me how you are doing during this difficult Corona virus-time for our nation and our psyche. Of course, those of us who crochet or craft have that to keep us sane. What are some other good ideas you've heard about or done yourself? I'd love to hear from you.

Except for 3 regularly scheduled activities, ladies' lunches and time with my grandchildren, online friends, life hasn't changed much for me. Hmm, uh; well maybe it has changed quite a bit. I am pretty much a homebody and usually content to stay home and crochet, create and read! I am rarely bored because I have a lifelong list of T0-Do crochet projects that will last me an eternity!

During this seemingly very odd crisis, I have decided that crochet and television can wait until evening; and I am determined to do some projects that I have been putting off, some for years. When Chloe was two, I found this book, Grandmother Reme…