Tags
always challenging, always learning, arts and crafts, macrame, older and wiser, still learning and relearning
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” -―
I had complained to my mom that my sister had a towel with little girls on it and I didn’t. Mom set out to correct that. The result is the cute towel above.
I am very proud of my mom. She has always been a hard-worker, honest and generous to a fault. She is the type of person that, given the opportunity, could have been anything she wanted.
Instead, she had to start working very early, at the age of 7. Yes, 7!! She only went to third grade in school, but is smarter than most graduates that I know. It was a sad childhood. A poor family, 14 kids, she was the baby. Her father died when she was 4 years old. She says that when he died she lost her protector. She adored him.
Eventually I will write more about her life. This post is about her beautiful macramé towels.
Mom will be 87 years old in a couple of months. She has been always very active, working and doing her crafts. She hasn’t done much lately because of her issues with her hip. She has been in a lot pain, so she spends a lot time resting now.
She has always done knitting and crocheting. At the age of 70 she took a few classes and started oil painting. My walls are covered with her paintings. I am not sure if I have posted them here before, but I will make sure to post them.
Then, she taught herself how to do macramé by reading some craft magazines. Macramé is a craft that is done by knotting yarn, and other similar material. It was a dying art that has become popular again. It requires patience, precision and persistence.
It has taken her weeks to remind herself how to do the macramé knots for little girls, but she did it! I admire her constant wanting to learn, relearning and challenging herself. Be it a new recipe, a new macramé knot, or a new painting.
Below are some of the towels that she has made in the past for my sister and I. She has made dozens more as gifts to friends. She also has taught a few people how to do it. Not everyone that she tried to teach was able to learn, but a couple are doing it well.
My mom’s life now is very different from her childhood. My parents are spoiled by my siblings and I. We try to make them happy, inasmuch as we can do that.
“Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age.” ―
“The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ” ―
“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.” ―
“According to this law [the law of Dharma], you have a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it. There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world–and for every unique talent and unique expression of that talent, there are also unique needs. When these needs are matched with the creative expression of your talent, that is the spark that creates affluence. Expressing your talents to fulfill needs creates unlimited wealth and abundance.” ―
Harshi said:
What a lovely post!
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charliecountryboy said:
Your mum is very talented they are lovely. Strange how so often the people with the hardest start in life make the best people. You sound very proud of her 😊
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Charlie!
I am so very blessed, both of my parents are real generous and taught the kids to be generous and do good!
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥
Any races?
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charliecountryboy said:
You’re welcome. They sound so lovely 😊
I hope you have a great weekend too.
Nope, next one is the 30th Jan… Ferriby 10 mile, hope it warms up a bit 😂
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A Star on the Forehead said:
That gives you some more time to getting in more training and hopefully the weather will warm up by then. Fingers crossed!!!
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charliecountryboy said:
Yes, hope so, don’t mind the cold or even the heat. Just don’t like wind 😊
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brilliantviewpoint said:
Your Mom is absolutely AMAZING. Now, I know where you get your artistic talents. I love the little girls and the others too. ❤
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you Monica!
She is really great with her crafts! I do hope some rubbed of on me!
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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Thattamma C.G Menon said:
So amazing craft art your mom’s and so talented 🌷🙏♥️🌷
Very touching story also By God’s grace she is pink of health
and God Bless her 🌷🙏♥️👍🏻🌷
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Thattamma,
Thank you so much for you kind words!
Indeed, my family has been so immensely blessed. I am always grateful for God’s grace in my life!
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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Thattamma C.G Menon said:
Thank you so much for your lovely reply message, so sweet 🌷🙏♥️
Sure God’s Grace wishes with you dear 👍🏻👏💕Happy weekend 🌷
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Jas krish said:
Stay blessed always 🙏🙏🙏
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you Jas Krish! And you as well! ♥♥
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Jas krish said:
🙏🌹🙏
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Alison said:
She is very talented and makes such beautiful things ..you are very lucky 🙂
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Alison!
I do feel lucky. 🙂
A blessed weekend to you! ♥♥
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utesmile said:
What absolutely amazing towels. I know Makramee, I did some simple thngs and knots and loved it then. Putting it on towels is new to me. They are just out of this world. Your mum is amazing and so talented. Clearly she is a quick learner and also enjoys it very much. You are lucky to have such a wonderful mum. ♥ Big hugs for your mum this time ♥
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Ute,
I am not surprised you would know macramé, you are so talented yourself 🙂 I am not sure the correct spelling so I just went with the Portuguese word.
Thank you so much. My mom will love the hugs!
Blessings! ♥
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billiahbonareri said:
The towels are so beautiful.. would love to own one like that..she is so talented
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much! You are very kind! Blessings to you!
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ruthsoaper said:
Beautiful! I would love to learn that.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you Ruth!
I have been considering learning it also 🙂
Blessings to you!
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Marie said:
I can’t believe those towels – they are stunning! Far to beautiful for use!! Your mum sounds like a very special person.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you Marie!
She will be happy to hear that.
Blessings to you!
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chattykerry said:
Your mom is truly talented! No wonder you wanted your own macrame towels…😊 How wonderful that your mom has lived so long despite her hard childhood. Keep spoiling her – she deserves it. My mom had no teddies as a child so my husband and I would bring her teddies from all over the world. 🧸🧸🧸
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The V Pub said:
An artist! Her work is beautiful, Ana. I, on the other hand, have recently MASTERED the art of folding bath towels.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you Rob!
Have you really mastered it? Are you folding it in thirds?
What about fitted sheets?
I guess I am going to need some proof.
I hope you have a blessed weekend
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The V Pub said:
I’m folding in 1/32nds. This way, a beach towel can fit in your pocket. You simply toss it on the sand and it expands to 8′ x 6′.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
I hope you hold the patent to that. Let’s go to Shark Tank. 🙂
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The V Pub said:
Sounds dangerous
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Cassa Bassa said:
I honour your Mum, she is such a wonderful woman with many talents. Absolutely beautiful craft that you share. I can’t wait to read more about her. 💚
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Cassa, for your wonderfully kind words!
Wishing you a blessed weekend!
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Cassa Bassa said:
The same to your weekend!
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Dave said:
A skill can be taught; a talent not so much. Your mother has a wonderful talent! I’d think her custom embroidery would sell well. Love the “girls” detail in your towel and in the other photos. Also, I’d never heard the lead quote from Stephen King, but it sure sounds like him. Per his biography, he wrote dozens of stories before getting the very first one published.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Dave! Mom will be over the moon with all the compliments.
I read that about Stephen King, I think it brings hope to all the writers out there trying to sell their work.
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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VJ Knutson said:
Beautiful handiwork!
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much VJ! Blessings!
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VJ Knutson said:
Welcome
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cattalespress said:
Gosh! Your mom sounds like such a beautiful woman with many beautiful talents! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!🤍
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Stacy for your kindness!
Wishing you a blessed weekend!
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Cindy Georgakas said:
What a sweet story about your mom Ana Star! I’m glad you have your towel and she can continue to do what she loves. Wow so many siblings and so cool she remembers her dad from 4 years old. Happy almost birthday to her. I’ll look forward to hearing about her more! ❤️
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for the kind words! I do hope to spend time with mom talking about her childhood and eventually write more about her experiences.
Blessings to you!
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Cindy Georgakas said:
You’re sooo welcome Ana! That will be a special experience I’m sure. We wanted to video all of the parents but the first one was my MIL and the poor thing sobbed so much.. (lot’s of trauma), we ended and never continued but should.. thanks for the reminder.
xo 💖
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A Star on the Forehead said:
That is my fear… to bring up sad memories that perhaps are best left in the past. I am sending it to the Universe to prepare it, if it is meant to be.
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Cindy Georgakas said:
Oh she sounds very open and yet for
Most it’s cathartic. The universe she’s lead the way! is a good place to start! ❤️
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Priti said:
Beautifully written , your mom is excellent! Loved to read it! Well shared 😊💕🎉
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Priti,
Thank you so much for the awesome compliments!
Many blessings to you!
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Priti said:
You are welcome 💓🤗God bless you.💓🤗
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wilsonkatumba said:
Wow! A great legacy!
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Very true! Thank you Wilson!
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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magarisa said:
We can all learn from your mom’s patience, precision and persistence! How wonderful that she learned oil painting at the age of 70.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Magarisa,
She is not very patient with certain things, but when it comes to her crafts, she can do and undo the same little knot for hours.
Thank you and blessings to you! ♥♥
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magarisa said:
Yes, many of us tend to be patient with certain things but impatient with others. My pleasure.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
I guess we tend to be patient with the things and people we love
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djdfr said:
Lovely work!
I have done macramé but never thought to do it as an edging.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much!
Do you still do macramé? Once my mom started doing the towels, I discovered so many other things.
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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djdfr said:
It’s been quite a while, like you say, other things.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
I get it, not enough hours in the day 🙂
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lillyevechristie said:
Beautiful, I love them, your Mom is so clever, how lucky you are to still have her with you, I sadly lost my Mum 7 years ago, she was only 77, I still feel robbed! xx
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Lilly! I am sorry about your loss. I imagine it is hard to lose a mother, no matter what age they are or we are. I dread that day.
Blessings to you and prayers to your mom’s soul that is watching over you! ♥♥
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hermitsdoor said:
Blessed you are. When I saw the opening photos, I thought that they were a form of crocheting. But, looking more closely at the later photo details, I can see the macrame patterns of knots. I did some macrame (very crude version) back during the 1970’s Let’s-All-Pretend-To-Be-Hippy era. – Oscar
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi Oscar,
You are definitely multi-talented. You crochet, knit, macramé, and I can now imagine so much more.
I believe you do have some projects going at the farm, right?
Wishing you a great week!
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hermitsdoor said:
Musical talent regarding performance, is limited. But, I have a great appreciation for a variety of musical genre.
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dfolstad58 said:
I love your mother’s creations and especially so because they reminded me of what my Baba made. She was also so creative and did macrame, she was always making things. I have many gifts from her, I especially enjoy her macrame bookmarks because I use them all the time and think of her. I think I was her favorite grandchild as she saw me the most and I have so many letters that I have kept. I can hear her voice when I read them. Thank you for reminding me of my Baba, I have written about her before on my post. She asked for little in life and just wanted to give love to her family and did show it with her food, her jokes, and her heart.
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Hi David,
I am glad I reminded you of your Baba. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I am sure you were her favorite – you are one of my favorites, and I have good taste 😉
I have never seen macramé bookmarks – how great that you have those gifts and wonderful memories from her.
Blessings and continued good luck and prayers for your treatment!!
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MyLittleBird123 said:
Your mother does beautiful work. It is easy to see where your talent has its roots. Good health and creative fun to both of you
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A Star on the Forehead said:
Thank you so much Birdie! I am happy to see you here.
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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holliemayx said:
❤️❤️❤️
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