A joy I can't wait to share with my friends.

[Dennis S]

About a year ago Barb was being assisted in her classroom by a Navajo woman who is working on a degree that will qualify her as a licensed teacher. Life is not at all easy for a Navajo woman, especially when you add in the extra effort and expense of being a student.

This woman "M" was a great help to Barb, and an inspiration to both of us as she was attempting to complete and submit her coursework by staying late after school to cherish a few moments on a vacant computer. Barb and I had a Mac laptop that we wouldn't miss that much, and we agreed we would greatly enjoy giving it to M. That was about a year ago, and when we got together to give it to her it was a great evening.

Today, M brought us a gift. We unwrapped it to find a beautiful, beautiful Navajo rug, the product of the efforts of her, her mother and her sister. For us, it is a gift beyond value. The dyes in the yarn that give it it's colors are created by using the elements found naturally in the Navajo environment. I never expected any kind of payment, and now I have something whose value cannot be represented by dollars. It is a wonderful afternoon.

 

[bigsidster]

Good always comes from giving.

 

[nngbwh]

Doing a good deed for others will always pay back.

 

[Marguerite53]

Wow. That one almost brought tears to my eyes. You have certainly been given (back) a beautiful gift. I'm sure, in "M's" eyes, your gift of time, support and a practical machine were also of incalculable value.

The fact that you came here so quickly to share your tender moment is truly a lovely gesture! Thank you!!

I don't suppose we'd get a glimpse of your treasure? Perhaps it is not appropriate to photograph a gift of that kind. We have 3 Navajo rugs hanging in our home so I totally understand the awesomeness of this gift. :smile2: Did the women put in a "spirit line"? Is there a very narrow white (?) line in the weave that goes from the inner pattern out to the edge somehow? One of ours has this; my memory is that it allows the spirit of the maker to not be somehow captured in the piece.

Congratulations. Oh, and perhaps you already know this, but hanging them is quite simple. Get a thin smooth 3/4 to 1" board (frame shops will know) the width of the piece (so as to hang it horizontally) and then buy some velcro stripping at a fabric shop with stick-um on the back. Nail the board onto your wall. Then place the velcro on the board but only stick the "catchy" half of the velcro onto the board. This is the heftier, fuzzier half, grips the wool gently but effectively. Before you stick the velcro to the board, try each side of the velcro to be sure you have chosen the grippy side and to be sure the weight of the piece is not too heavy. The rug should stick nicely to it and not have to be changed in anyway from its original form. It's good to flip them every season, too.

Marguerite

 

[normofthenorth]

Marguerite, are you sure you meant the LOOPY half of the Velcro? I'd have thought that the stiffer, more aggressive "HOOKY" side of the Velcro would be the one that would hold the rug.

Great story, thanks for telling, Dennis!

 

[Greg a]

Proof that it is better to give than to recieve

 

[Bina]

Dennis, I know you will treasure that rug for many years.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Dennis,

What a lovely, thoughtful thing to do! Yes, I know you will treasure it (and the gesture) for a very long time.

 

[Marguerite53]

Marguerite, are you sure you meant the LOOPY half of the Velcro? I'd have thought that the stiffer, more aggressive "HOOKY" side of the Velcro would be the one that would hold the rug.

Why thank you, Norm! Yes. Of course I meant the Hooky side! I am obviously a Loopy Blonde! I have edited my post so as to not be giving incorrect advice. Thank you for catching that!!!

Marguerite

 

[Dennis S]

Thank you Marguerite for both posts. In a moment we will hang the rug, using your "corrected" advice. There is, indeed, a spirit line, and I hadn't looked for it until after reading your comments. I will work on getting a picture, perhaps before it is hung.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Looking forward to the photo Dennis.

 

[Duffey]

I'd love to see it, Dennis. It seems good karma came back to its source.

 

[ShezaGirlie]

What a marvelous story Dennis and you have a treasure, for sure!

For my "Loopy Blonde" girlfriend:thumbup: - I've got a question. I am so pleased to read about the "spirit line" in the Navajo tradition. Question is: Are you aware of the old Muslim traditional saying that 'only God can make a perfect thing'? I have a kilim which has a wayward green thread which I've always made sure to be under a table or couch.

Can't wait for a picture of your rug Dennis..!!

 

[Lynlw]

Thank you so much for sharing. What a wonderful gift (you both gave each other) I keep thinking of all the good thoughts that went into making a rug just for you and how much time they spent. It reminded me of how much more time "M" has to spend with her family because of your and Barb's kindness of giving her the laptop so she can do her schoolwork at home and not use the schools computer after hours. I'm sure her Mom and sister appreciate the extra time with M as much as they appreciate the fact your laptop makes it easier to accomplish her goals. I'm glad you will be sharing a picture.
I look forward to hearing about M becoming a licensed teacher. I know she will be a great one.

 

[Marguerite53]

For my "Loopy Blonde" girlfriend:thumbup: - I've got a question. I am so pleased to read about the "spirit line" in the Navajo tradition. Question is: Are you aware of the old Muslim traditional saying that 'only God can make a perfect thing'? I have a kilim which has a wayward green thread which I've always made sure to be under a table or couch.

Very interesting, Janie! I would think that you could call any local rug dealer and ask them about the nature of that thread. If it turns out to be a similar kind of Spirit Line then I would certainly spin the rug around so as to show it off and not hide it under the table! :wink2: (helps with fading, too, to move it around every once in awhile). We have several rugs which had been put away for the 7 years we lived in our last house. Now that we are in a new house and back to more hardwood flooring, we've pulled some of our "old friends" out. Our very favorite one is an Afghani; said to be a tent wall since there is only fringe on one end (which I thought was pretty cool to know, too!). I guess God must have made it because we adore this rug and think it is absolutely perfect!! My dog thinks I've dropped some food somewhere since I'm scrutinizing our rugs for any wayward lines! :tongue2: No wayward lines (nor any wayward food!!)

Can't wait to see the photo, Dennis.

:smile2: Marguerite

 

[Jan]

A lovely story Dennis, thank you for sharing, hope too see your wonderful rug

Jan

 

[Dennis S]

Life has been interesting the last several days. Some of you are waiting on other things as well, and thanks for your patience. I hope to put up a picture of the rug sometime on Wednesday.

 

[Marguerite53]

.............. still waiting, Dennis ....................

:wink2: Marguerite

 

[hensylee]

cast your bread..... what a wonderful tribute to you and Barb. That is a gift that will continue to give long after you are not here anymore. And will show to all who see it that it is a gift of love and appreciation. Bless you...

 

[Dennis S]

This is a link to a picture of the rug. Not a really great picture, but Barb had it hung before I got the picture. In the upper right corner you can see the spirit line that Marguerite referred to.

http://jemez-photography.smugmug.co...ollies/Navajo-Rug-2/1163035743_Foy6V-X2-2.jpg