"My Inspiration"

Della Norton

L.A. - 5 

December 16, 2010

My Inspiration

The fondest memories I have are with my Grandma. She always inspires me with her impeccable craftsmanship and creativity. I will never understand how she can crank out a quilt in nearly a week, or how she creates everything with such detail. Every holiday she sends me a homemade card that brightens up my day. I save all of them. 

I think that part of the reason I am such a creative person is because of her. I would have never been so interested in fashion and sewing if it weren’t for her. It started at a young age. Every time I went to her house when I was little, I would race to the top of the steps and haul down the massive suitcase full of Barbies and clothes. Most of the clothes in the Barbie suitcase she made herself!  I could play for hours with them, constantly changing their outfits. Another time, more recently, when I was at her house, I commented on a pair of colorful geometric pillow sitting on the bed. I said that they were very pretty. It turns out that she made them herself!  

We spend the most time together at the beach. She and my Grandpa built a rustic, electricity-free, cozy cabin right on the water. In late July, we scan the beach for agates while the warm summer breeze blows through our hair. She always finds the amber colored agates that are the prettiest. Spending time with her makes me thankful for my life and my family. 

In the winter we go skiing together at the Summit. To start off each ski day we do the same runs called “Sisters” and “Moms.” It’s a fun tradition that has meaning. She even taught me how to ski! This must have taken a lot of patience, given that she had to watch little Della on the magic carpet for multiple hours! 

One of her favorite things to do besides quilting and reading is traveling! She has been all around the world. Every destination she and my Grandpa reach means a postcard in the mail to Della. Even if I have no idea where some of the places they go are, I still enjoy reading of their adventures. Someday I hope to follow in her footsteps and travel around the world! Another tradition we have that goes along with traveling, is the slideshow of wonderful pictures! I get to experience lots of different cultures without ever being there! 

Lastly, I am thankful for my Grandma, because she inspires me to always try my best and be myself. The way she is always optimistic and looking on the bright side of things. Whether it’s taking a two week trip to Europe, or making a new quilt, she is always up to something new. She is everything I could want in a Grandma, and so much more. I am so proud and blessed to be a part of my family.