Marva Blackmore

My Story-save quilt square came after much thought and discussion with my daughter, who also cross-stitches, since there was a two-fold problem - not only did I have to have an idea that jived with what I wanted to say about storytelling, but I also had to find a cross-stitch pattern that mirrored that idea. I had many ideas - but few patterns that met the need.

Until I came up with the butterfly "model" ~ then came the finding of the butterfly pattern that would fit on the square appropriately. I found this one with the Chinese theme and it just seemed perfect.

As a "newer" teller, the butterfly symbolized the teller emerging from her cocoon in the final realization that what she had been doing all her life in her many occupations and volunteer activities was storytelling - but it had not had a focus and a life and beauty of its own.

The Chinese character are especially appropriate this year since I will be telling Sky Burial at the Fourth Stage of the National Arts Center in February 2007 with Jan Andrews. The story is an epic tale of Tibet but the main character is Chinese.

The four Chinese characters are, starting at the top and going clockwise: Happiness, Healthy, Blessing, and Peace.

I must also confess that my wonderful daughter had to finish the piece for me since I simply was running out of time, and she took the project over and completed it for me. I was, therefore, reluctant to put just my name on the square since she did complete a large part of it. Her name is Beth Blackmore and she lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta.