As I nestle into my seat, surrounded by a symphony of artisans – the delicate clinks of tumblers, the rhythmic strokes of painters, and the vibrant sparks of welders – I feel an insatiable craving to dive headfirst into their world. My spirit is ablaze with creativity, ready to absorb every iota of knowledge you offer. Show me the way, and soon I’ll wield it with finesse. Tunes envelop my senses, propelling me into a dance that unfetters my imagination. From this whirlwind of inspiration, sometimes words cascade onto the page, while other times, a vision demands to be born into reality.
In the gentle rhythm of each breath, my soul finds solace. The confines of my earthly vessel fade away, allowing me to drift into a realm of pure serenity. Here, the touch of the Divine and the embrace of celestial beings grace my being. A river of tranquility and boundless elation courses through me, a sanctuary that envelops every fiber of my existence. In this sacred space, I know without a doubt, I have found my true home.
To understand the group you must picture a haven where love flows freely, unburdened by judgment or condemnation. Here, the community thrives, pulsating with the very essence of life itself. Imagine discovering this sanctuary nestled amidst a tapestry of skilled artisans and creators. Perhaps it’s a lingering echo of the vibrant sixties, but the resonance is undeniable. Witnessing humanity unite in a collective endeavor for the greater good, I’m reminded of Jesus, and His profound directive: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This community, though far from flawless, is a testament to our shared humanity, complete with its battles and triumphs.
Over the past 40 years, my health struggles have cast a shadow over my life, threatening to pull me into the depths of disease and depression. At the age of 22, I underwent my first nose structure replacement, though a correct diagnosis eluded me. By the time I reached 40, a tumor had taken root near my left eye, leading to the identification of Wegener’s Granulomatosis, an autoimmune condition known for its aggressive nature. Autoimmune diseases often converge on the body like a relentless football team executing a tackle. Now, at 61, I find myself with my third nose structure, crafted from yet another rib bone, along with its accompanying cartilage. It appears that my respiratory and nasal systems are favored targets for this disease. I reckon I harbor nearly eight conditions, some of which I view as more manageable states. In February of this year, Long Covid became an unwelcome addition to my health challenges, resurfacing once more at the end of August. I am presently grappling with issues of balance and weakness. Hospital stays have become an all too regular occurrence in my life. However, now, as I rediscover the spark of my creative spirit yearning to rekindle, I am fighting my way back once again. The prospect of remission looms on the horizon. Gaining control over the other diseases is within reach. My journey is now focused on uncovering hope and embracing joy.
I will be writing about my journey, into the crafting world on TikTok and show you what I have learned. My husband and I did some sublimation cups, as a start, and put them on my Etsy site originallyameliastore.com. The crafters also know me as Amelia and since there is another Joanie, I will stay with Amelia. Amelia was to be my name Amelia when I was born, but my brother wanted me named after his first-grade girlfriend Joni. Either way, I will answer. I guess I can be Joni Amelia!
God Bless You!
The Tent Maker Blog 