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Comfort from beauty

It’s all Yo-Yo Ma, the great cellist’s fault. Recently at the end of a PBS newscast he talked about his soul-searching response to the pandemic. He wanted so much to reach out, to comfort others. Since music is a part of his essence, he then played a Dvorak piece on the cello.

Also wanting to help others, I searched my soul. Stretching his idea of comfort from music, I thought of other arts: poetry, other writing, painting, and so on. Then it struck me: weaving! It is something I do on a simple lap loom that is therapeutic, centering, peaceful, and yes, like a prayer. I love picking the colors and the beauty of the end product.

There is a vulnerability in my sharing this hobby, but vulnerability is good, isn’t it? You may want to try it.         

Share your ways of making beauty in the comments.

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Sister Mary Lou Ruck

Sister Mary Lou Ruck

Sister Mary Lou Ruck, SP, is "retired" and lives at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She is a former teacher of sixth graders through adults, specializing in English and theology. She then moved to pastoral work as Pastoral Administrator or Pastoral Associate. She has served in Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. She loves the midwest, the Woods, and serving others. Now you will find her giving energy treatments (Reiki, Healing Touch, etc.) or companioning folks with dementia when she isn't practicing centering prayer, reading, or playing cards.

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11 Comments

  1. Avatar Marsha Speth on April 14, 2020 at 7:21 am

    Lovely! Thank you for sharing, Mary Lou!

  2. Avatar Jackie Morgan on April 14, 2020 at 7:33 am

    Good morning, Sister. This is the first daily blog I’m receiving since signing up yesterday. What a perfect blog. I’m an alum of SMWC and both the college and Sisters of Providence are very dear to my heart. I too am a weaver; however, I find I need to pass on my equipment and supplies. Given your interest in the hobby, would you be able to accept fiber to continue your hobby? The fiber is mostly tencel. Once the COVID-19 crisis has passed, I would be happy to bring it to you.

    Please keep weaving and sending inspiration!

    • Avatar Paula Modaff, SP on April 14, 2020 at 1:36 pm

      What a beautiful reflection, Mary Lou. Thank you for being vulnerable.

    • Avatar Mary Lou Ruck on April 16, 2020 at 8:45 am

      Thanks so much for writing, Jackie. Your offer of yarn is appreciated. Tense is fine. We do have an over supply of basic acrylic colors, but I would be very interested in multicolored yarns and any with a special nap and/or a metallic thread added. If you aren’t sure, perhaps you could send me an inch sample? If you do make the trip, it would be great to meet you and please bring some of your work to share. Blessings. My e-mail is mlruck@spsmw.org. Peace, ml

  3. Avatar Jeanne on April 14, 2020 at 8:55 am

    Dear May Lou,
    Your weavings are so beautiful and uplifting. Thanks for sharing them you wonder full weaver!
    With Easter Joy,
    Jeanne

  4. Avatar Marilyn Kofler, SP on April 14, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    How beautiful are the works of God….and your work, too, Mary Lou! Thanks for sharing not only your weaving but your evident love of color, texture and design!

  5. Avatar Susan Paweski, SP on April 15, 2020 at 10:20 am

    Thank you, Mary Lou. I love the colors that speak of Easter and Spring!

  6. Avatar Cathy Campbell, SP on April 18, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    Mary Lou, Thanks for sharing your creativity with us! I look forward to seeing more of your work. Peace, Sr. Cathy Campbell,SP

  7. Avatar Bettie Anne Long on May 2, 2020 at 4:52 am

    Dear Friend in Christ! These are all beautiful. Do you sell them? Blessings. .

    • Avatar Mary Lou Ruck. sp on May 18, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Dear Bettie Anne, Yes, I sell them for a donation. Just let me know the colors you want and where to send it. My info is above. Thank you for the compliment. Be well. Mary Lou

  8. Avatar Hannah Endress on May 22, 2020 at 9:16 am

    Thank you for sharing, Sister Mary Lou Ruck! I love you and your weavings. I would like to order one off of you, please.
    – Hannah

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