01/21/2015
Hi, EMQ Facebook Fans!
This is Michael, Jeannette's son. Although you've probably never seen me, I bet you've seen my work, even if you didn't know it. Throughout the more than 13 years of Endless Mountains Quiltworks, I've been the 'behind the scenes' IT guy; helping to configure computer registers, building the EMQ website, helping with graphics on newsletters, organizing Facebook content, setting up televisions, and taking all the phone calls for anytime the systems crash. And when in town, I was also the part-time quilt hanger and light bulb installer :--)
My Mom just sent out word to the email list that Wednesday, January 21 is the last day open for Endless Mountains Quiltworks! You heard it right. Because of this, it's an opportunity for the IT guy to finally peak out from behind the curtain. I was thinking about the history of EMQ the other day and I thought that the idea of 'behind the scenes' support is actually a pretty good analogy for my Mom.
You may look at the quilt on your wall or at the foot of your bed and see the collection of blocks, threads, and stitching, and all the hard work it took to put it together. But is there something more, something even more behind the scenes? Maybe that thing is my Mom, Jeannette. Was she the one that worked with you to plan out your approach? Was she the one that organized the annual Airing of the Quilts events that inspired you? Was she the one that designed the pattern you used? Was she the one that taught the classes where you learned your techniques? Was she the one that helped you pick those colors that worked just right? Was it her and her staff that championed your efforts and cheered when you completed each block and brought them into the shop to show your accomplishments? Was she the one that shared in your passion and love of quilting and sewing throughout these years?
I'm thinking that in many ways, it was her; and this will be her legacy. That her influence could be woven into the same tapestries that make up the masterpieces of others.
If you can make it, why don't you come into the shop one last time. You may come in to pick up a few things, but stay awhile, talk with Jeannette, maybe you'll leave with something more. Most of the fabric is now gone and the racks are nearly bare, but maybe the real treasures of Endless Mountains Quiltworks can't be found on any shelf, or fit into any bag. Maybe... just maybe... they were always there, across the counter... smiling back at you...
