The Prickled Velvet Quilt

***The Prickled Velvet Quilt*** Have you paused lately to think of the many different colors, threads, shapes, and sizes that are ingrained within the apparel from this fabric, called humanity? Besides, have you recently considered how the tides of life really have some strange ways of twirling us away from the direction often anticipated, while being garbed in this variegated apparel? Not only that, but the twisted paths such tides tend to follow—wide, narrow, curvy, rocky, and even shallow ones as well? And at times, anything but a straight path can be sighted. Besides, pelting heat, frigid cold, contrary winds and blasting showers have a way of taking us into thoroughfares on which the most unimaginable outcome could be realized! And of course, we rarely knew of the cul-de-sacs that maybe ahead. Some are often unexpected, requiring extra miles to go beyond our intended destination too. That’s when a reverse becomes necessary. Then, in the process, discoloration, shrinkage, unnecessary wrinkles and often the discarding of its usage! Yes, those are the times when our already stretched limbs may tend to buckle and our quilt for the cold could become frazzled. Still, detours and dead ends are not necessarily designed to end our quest, even when our quilt may get wet. And guess what? Turn around does become necessary at times. As travelers on this journey of life, our velvet covering may be riddled with pricks, unnoticed by those from whom we expect comfort and solace for the mending. So are the numerous occurrences and experiences that pop up in our human realm in any given day, while many are clueless of their impact without, and within. But then, some are often the expected. And in such settings, preparation for, and even preventative measures may have already be in place to meet whatever the consequence maybe, just-in-case. And such occurrences may stem from seasonal changes and climate and atmospheric disruptions such as hurricane, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanoes and more. Still, there are others that may just be the unthinkable! Yet, whether they enter as the inevitable or not, the avoidable or the unavoidable, they all have the potential to impact lives one way or the other. Our reaction or response to their presence, however, is what makes the real connectivity with, and between, the familiar and the unfamiliar pressure points. Yet, the characters involved can never be changed from, or liken to anything other than human faces folded into their many cases. Some may appear neatly dressed, others raggedy and unapproachable, while others still, may need covering, so much that, it may require a total remake to suffice such need. It is, however, the way in which we invite patience, discretion, and wisdom into the equation of solidarity that makes the often, unforgettable differences for each setting and circumstances. It is at this juncture that we may choose to discriminate between right and wrong, the acceptable or the unacceptable, as well as the doable without discriminatory biases. The good news here is that on the cutting board of place, space, and time, one may still change, lengthen, and even replace the yardstick that could possibly offer less than the stretch of a just measurement. Be mindful, also, that some velvets are smooth, with a sheen of brilliance. Others are crushed and seemed faded in areas between the wrinkled lines. Yet, the fabric is still velvet, though the measurement may seem inadequate from a distance. In appearance, the cutting board may not necessarily be as smooth a surface as anticipated. Besides, the finished product may facilitate no more, and no less than it’s been designed to accommodate. Its earlier deficit, and there could be many, may even be overshadowed by its now new and enhanced mending as well. Certainly, we all are human velvets, pricked at some time or the other. Some of those pricks might have been a direct result of our own miscalculated decisions—conscious or subconscious. There may be those that might have been inflicted on us because of someone else’s intentional or unintentional actions. Still, while there are pricks of various bearable, and, or, unbearable pressure points, there are bricks of different shapes, sizes, weights and measurements, also, that we may consider as crosses, gains, or losses. Nevertheless, it is interesting that, it is most likely that the castles of our souls could very well be assembled by some of the pricks and or bricks, provided by others. And yes, we may utilize them if we so choose, even when their attachments may be somewhat out of alignment with time. The ultimate decision of how they may be relayed, though, either by being broken down, and, or, being built upon, rests within our personal choices. Prickled Velvets, all are we. And while some of us may not have a clue of the possible prior struggles connected to our now existence, we may still rest assure that we are not here by mere chance. Matters not what anyone may think of you or me, for that matter, we have been chosen. Moreover, be it by pricks, bricks or both, that fashioned our outfit, there’s the before-hand uniquely chosen covering, designed just for one’s specific purpose in time. . And keep in mind, also, that saints and sinners, alike, do impact, in one form or the other, those whom they might never behold in person. Yet, it is very likely that their words and actions will register on the fleshy designs of mortal billboards somewhere, leading to everywhere, at some point in time. Surely, beneath the bravery of choosing to dwell in hopeful territories, still lies a bag of fears that could well occupy a huge percentage of the much-needed space for each transition in the detouring climb humanity must needs encounter. But try to be always on the upside of preparedness as much as you possibly can. Still, keep the door ajar for the unthinkable—just in case….