Friday, July 02, 2010

Beading and Thinking


Every day I sit on the couch and spend some time beading. This mini muffin tin is perfect for keeping the beads organized. Still, when the veil is finished I think there will be tiny beads tucked into the couch crevices.
I can only do this fiddly work for about an hour or two before my patience wears thin. The veil is long, so this is going to take awhile. I get about 18 inches done per day. I haven't measured the total length, but I'm pleased with the progress. You can see the original veil here.


We don't want the veil highly embellished because it might detract from the dress. Can't say too much, you know. The Bride was up last weekend and we revisited the dress in the store. Of course, the sample is too big, and clipping the back only accomplishes so much, but she needed to reassure herself about the dress. She is going to be a Beautiful Bride.

A tiny point of stress. The wedding is September 4. The dress is scheduled to arrive August 20. We HOPE the alterations will be minor. I'm praying.


She wanted to feel "bride-ish" when we got home, so she pinned the veil to the back of her head and sat on the couch while we talked, tossing her head once in awhile to feel the veil. So cute.

These are strange days. I sit and do my handwork and think. I think about the events and processes that brought us to this place we're in today. The years in Ecuador, the move to Victoria all seemed good at the time, even though there were the usual difficulties of life. This last year has been a struggle, no question about it, in more ways than I can share.

As I sit and bead my daughter's wedding veil my thoughts turn to my nephew Colin who declines more everyday. I bead for the bright and happy future I pray for my daughter and I think about the sadness of a young life diminishing. God's ways are not my ways, and I must remind myself of that. Life is truly a mixed drink, full to the brim of joyfully sweet moments, bitter disappointments, bewildering grey days, and mellow rhythms. And in all of those moments, God is present.

13 comments:

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  3. I'm glad, for you, that you have something like this beading to do at a time when you must be called to some frantic activity as well as sorrowful prayer. Life is like that, isn't it - we don't get one without the other, it seems.
    Your writing about beading the veil took me back 37 years to the summer of 1973 when my beloved Aunt Annie visited my parents and spent what seemed like the entire summer with a piece of blue velvet spread across the dining room table as she beaded my veil and head dress. She said that the blue velvet make the small holes in the veil easier to see.

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  4. Such a juxtaposition. Still praying and knowing that God is very near.

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  5. What a lovely time... for mother and daughter. We shall anticipate the joy of the unveiling. Can only imagine the exquisiteness of it all.

    Heart to heart..........

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  6. Hi Lorrie,

    Such a beautiful post... I admire you for your level of sharing. It is wonderful that you are embroidering your daughter's wedding veil, something that will be remembered and treasured long after the day has come and gone.

    I received your card the other day - thank-you. So lovely! I posted my reply today, so hopefully you will have it in a week or two.

    Love from Kaz

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  7. It was nice to stop by, meet you, and read your blog. :)

    Regarding the veil trim you plan to use on little girl dresses.... the dresses can later be used for a quilt - trim included - keeps it going on even longer. Just an idea. :)


    Will say a prayer for Colin - and your family. Take care. I'll definitely stop by again.

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  8. Preparing for a wedding is a beautiful time and adding your personal touch with beading creates a closeness between mother and daughter that you will always treasure. There are times when life doesn't seem fair and we don't always have the answers. Best wishes for the special day and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  9. You are very talented Lorrie and what a special gift to your daughter!!

    I am sitting right now in a hotel in Parksville and i have to say i love your town and Qualicum Beach. My husband and i are considering Qualicum Beach as a place to relocate one day. Just wondering if there are alot of young families here or more retired folks?

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  10. I liked the veil as it was!
    I like daisies!

    I hope all your wishes for yourself, your daughter and all those you care for, come true.

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  11. What a beautiful and meaningful project you are working on! I pray that all falls in place for your daughter's wedding...the dress and all the other little details that need looking after.

    And often I pray for Colin...and his family.

    The joys...and the sorrows...of life...so intertwined!

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  12. I love the muffin pan idea for holding the beads!!!

    I think that the veil will look fabulous!!!!

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  13. So lovely that you are redoing your veil for your daughter - that is so special. We moved to Bellingham so we could be part of our daughter's wedding - and that was 13 years ago this month - so much has happened in those years. I made our daughters dress - embroidered wild flowers in a band 18" tall all around the skirt of her wedding dress. Not a conventional wedding - but astonishingly beautiful and wonderful. Enjoy every little moment - it zips by and then you have more wonderful memories.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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