Juggling Life

Sometimes life gets in the way of our creative process. Priorities must be established to keep the things functioning at some semblance of sanity. Every day we are all faced with choices, just sometimes the process of choosing seems heavier than others.

Some times our choices can resemble procrastination. We rationalize that what we’re doing is more worthy than the other things on our to-do list. Sometimes life adds extra challenges which force us to set some things aside. We’ve all been there.

“The laundry will have to wait while I finish knitting one more row?”

Of course, this statement is trivial. There are many more important choices we have to make. I think of a Juggler tossing 8 tiny balls in the air. One of these balls is special, signifying a chance (not a choice). What is the chance that the Juggler will drop that special ball?

So goes the chance that we’ll develop Alzheimer’s after age 65 (1 in 8). Our priorities change when we receive this diagnosis in ourselves or loved ones? Life becomes focused on caring for the disease process. Hopes and dreams can be annihilated. The burdens of everyday life become taxing. Everyone involved is affected by the slow loss of self that occurs with this disease. Its the process of juggling life.

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“The Juggler“ by Nanette S. Zeller (9″ x 12″, 2010) has been accepted as part of the touring exhibit curated by Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) entitled “Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope” . AAQI is a national, grassroots charity whose mission is to raise awareness and fund research. The AAQI auctions and sells donated quilts, and sponsors a nationally touring exhibit of quilts about Alzheimer’s.

Support AAQI by making Priority quilts, bidding on and purchasing quilts, donating money, and spreading the word. Read more on how you can help.

Read more about the full-size  “Juggling the Chances” quilt.