Friday, October 30, 2020

Our (Property) Values

The year was 2005. I was working as a junior planner in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County was conducting a public hearing on a proposed light rail line connecting the western part of the county to downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The beginning


Before Touch-up

After Touch-up (Head, Flower & Shoe completed)

Growing Trees

Roofs under Construction


Colorful Tiles!!!



Housing Project


I remember arriving at the venue about 4:00PM, setting up easels showing the area maps, flip boards and markers, and sign in sheets with several pens. The event began at 6:00PM with a formal presentation from the Florida Department of Transportation official. This was followed by questions from the audience. I remember a particularly angry guy who almost spat out - What happens to my property value?


Ballerina


Puppy Toss


One Home (+Tree) at a Time


As planners, we regularly study about the economic impact of streetcars and rail lines on adjacent communities. So I knew the answer, but junior planners do not speak (they take notes). A senior planner responded - "Unless your property is smack dab next to the rail line, the value of your property is likely to increase." The angry guy was unconvinced. He had already made up his mind - he hated the light rail and it was not welcome in his neighborhood. 


Building Community



Basting

Holy Cow!!!


It got me thinking about the value of property.  You see it is a very American concept.

Beauty and the Breeze



Finished Quilt Size - 67" by 75"



Of course all properties in all countries have value but this obsession with "what happens to my property value" was an unfamiliar concept. I need a place to live, a place for my possessions, a place to recover, a place to hide from the world's prying eyes, a place to be myself, a place of complete peace and zero judgement. I place infinite value on this place - my home.



Lazy Dog Pose?



All Size Cats


Santa & Reindeer 




Homes for Everyone


Red Backing, Green Binding


Of course, it has a dollar value too. So what? If the dollar value changes from $200K to $400K, do I sell it and find someplace cheaper?   If the value falls to $100K, do I buy a second house because at half price it is just not enough? I do not sing and dance when the value increases and I do not go into despair when it plummets. 


Labelled



Young Fish and Old Dinosaur


Yes, we pay attention when we build a house or buy a property. Similarly the price tag is of utmost importance when a property is put on the market. But not in between. In between, it is just my home.


Star Fish and Movie Star (Olaf)


Regardless of the prevailing price tag of my house, my day-to-day interactions with my living quarters are unchanged. Shoes in this corner, handbag in that. An aroma of curry wafts from the kitchen, greasy pots in the sink, a dirty cup on the counter and a few turmeric stains on the stove. Cracked floor tiles covered with an area rug; there may be cobwebs in the fireplace but the mantelpiece in the living room has fresh flowers. 


Freshly Made


One pillow on the floor but the other has a round depression where my head fits perfectly. The bed is unmade and the sheets are crumpled but there is a Preeti-shaped dip in the mattress that is oh-so-welcoming. There is hair in the drain, streak marks on the mirror, an almost empty bottle of lotion on the shelf, and a dusty weighing scale in the bathroom. I love you my home. You take me as I am. I take you as you are. 


Love you my Home (and my quilt)


If you follow the news (and who can blame you if you don't), you may have heard that the Senate left for recess with no Covid relief in sight. Small business owners, workers and families are desperate for support (think rent and mortgage payments) while the current administration abandoned them.  

"The Republican Senate can move incredibly fast when they think something is important. They just don't think Covid relief was important." - Leah Greenberg, Indivisible. 

I agree with Ms. Greenberg. 


Trees in Bloom



Hullo Charlie Brown



Playfully Yours



Octopus Rules

On one hand, I feel blessed that I do not have to worry about losing my home and on the other hand I feel ashamed and helpless for all those who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads in these trying times. 

It is not like one can move in with friends and family till the relief check arrives.

So Vote. 

Your Vote is your voice. Make it heard.


Did you see my Puppy?



I can be crabby in my house



Picnic Ready



Bright & Happy


Your Vote can be a celebration of our democracy. Your Vote can be a referendum on the current state of affairs. Your Vote could be a bouquet to the incoming administration or a brickbat to the outgoing one. Your Vote is your resistance, your dissent, a map of things to come and yet it is useless unless you exercise it. Please do.  Your Vote has value but only if you cast your ballot.


Sunny Morning


Meet me by the Fountain


If you have a mail-in ballot, it may be too late to mail it.  Use an authorized drop-box.

Vote early if you can.  We did.


We are in this together


Get your flu shot and please wear a mask. And if you have thoughts about property values, value of your Vote or the values (light and dark colors) in my quilt, do let me know. 

Your comments are your votes on my work and I do value them so very much.  I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, see full list on the sidebar.





69 comments:

  1. Love your bright houses and trees and especially those special accents like the girl on the scouter and the children at the playground.

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  2. From the border of Germany to the Netherlands respect and admiration, not only for a beautiful quilt but also for your attitude! Take care Petra

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  3. Your Community quilt is TOO cute, Preeti!! Choosing the striped roof fabrics added unity to the quilt, while embracing diversity through the use of SEW many novelty prints for the houses. What a fun construction project this much have been!

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  4. First of all, I love your quilt, especially that it’s finished. I’ve been working on a house quilt since forever ago, when the pandemic began. Granted, it’s been a leader/ender project, but now that the weather is cooling off, it’s time to accelerate its completion, and you’ve provided just the inspiration I’ve needed. Secondly, as always, I like the way you think. We voted early, too, and are holding our breath until votes are counted. Interesting quote by Leah Greenberg, and right on the money. I’m cringing every morning now as I read the news and learn of each new damaging change the WH is making ecologically to accompany the already overwhelming daily disparity facing our nation. Stay safe! Thanks for your posts!

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  5. I love your quilt! It has inspired me to attempt a house quilt for myself. Since I have been following your blog, I have really grown to love the narrative you always include even more than your vivid photos. You certainly have a way with words. Thank you.

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  6. you state every thing so well - I so agree with all you say and I love your house quilt. I had never thought to make a house quilt but seeing yours makes me think yes start another quilt - and yes people in the US please vote make your voice heard

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  7. I love this quilt, and of course, your community perspective as well. I'm looking forward to the time I can see you in my comunity again!

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  8. This is such a charming quilt and I love all the different fabrics in it makes it so interesting.

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  9. I voted early! It gets harder and harder to watch the news, but I don't believe in burying my head in the sand. It's important to know what's going on. The good, bad and ugly. Wearing a mask is the very least each and every person can do. For them, for you, for everyone. Love this quilt BTW!

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  10. Beautiful quilt. And I am intrigued with the idea of a "brickbat." Does it knock sense into the heads of fools? If your answer is yes, I would like two, please! I am so glad I quilt, as it helps me combat all the negativity heaped into my head every day, even without the news. (I gave that up in about March!) Keep sewing, keep smiling and keep looking for silver linings!

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  11. I love this quilt, and I love the concept of community - we live in a very rural one, and while government is important -our small community out here does more to help each other - and I love it - we don't let our injured neighbors farm lose a harvest, and we don't let our flooded friend be homeless... we home them... I love that concept. As far as property values - I am with you -my house accepts me for me, and that can not have a value ;-) hugs

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  12. I love the creativity of your quilt. The pathways with kids playing are so clever. Many diverse people and places form community, just as many different fabrics make up your quilt. I am optimistic that we will come out of these troubled times soon. Thank you for sharing your positivity.

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  13. Really enjoyed your post and your quilt. Now just let's hope everyone voted and we can more on to a more enlightened time.

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  14. LOVE this gorgeous quilt and its story!

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  15. Your quilt made me smile and your words raised my spirits.

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  16. Done done and done--we voted early, we value our home for the shelter it provides (I also feel bad for those whose homes are in jeopardy--one of the reasons why I voted for CHANGE), card-carrying mask wearers are we and glove wearers, too in the market.

    Thank you for a wonderful and uplifting post--we do need our spirits buoyed these dark days...and I really just love your house quilt--so meaningful...hugs, Julierose

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  17. Your neighborhood quilt is another winner! It's a beauty, like its creator. Hmm. . .do I recognize some of those little pieces? You will be happy to know that we already voted. Now to wait for the results. I have every finger crossed, and several other body parts, too. See you soon!

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  18. I love the variety of novelty prints in the house quilt and the shady trees. Loving your home and feeling totally safe and comfortable there is definitely a good feeling. While I agree with your post, I can understand the man's fear of having the value of his property drop. For some families, the money they are counting on for their retirement is based on the equity in their home. They hope to sell their house for a good price so they can use the equity to move to a smaller home with lower costs. In some areas, homes have dropped their value over the past 10-15 years and their owners will only be able to recoup some of the money they need to move in the future if their home can maintain its value. I love to think of my home as a refuge, but many people are forced to think of their home as the most critical investment of their lives. I love to read your posts. Some times they make me smile or laugh out loud, but they always make me think.

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  19. I vote your House quilt to be Scrappy Quilt of the Year! I voted early in this election. It's a shame the hostile lawmakers filled that second stimulus bill with so much pork; the money wasn't really going to help those in need. It's no wonder the bill did not pass! I really hope for sane heads to find a way to help those who really need it. Sandy at sewhigh.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for the compliment, Sandy.
      I disagree with you. The hostile lawmakers were too obsessed with pushing the confirmation of the Supreme Court Justice to focus on the stimulus bill. That is what Ms. Leah Greenberg meant about what GOP considers important. Only if they had attacked the pandemic with such fervor, we'd be in a much better place.
      Hope you are enjoying the Diamond Star Quilts Book. It is fabulous.

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  20. Your houses are charming and cheerful. Got my glue shot and voted already. And I wear my mask. Trying hard to do my part and to not lose faith in people. Good post.

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  21. Your houses and trees and quilty community are wonderful, Preeti! And so are your words. We voted (early!), and pray for change to come with this election. Love and hugs to you!

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  22. I keep thinking about a house quilt, and made one several years ago, but I'm really determined to make another to represent a year of sheltering at home. Yours is so well done.We voted early and are hoping everyone will.

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  23. Love, love,love your quilt, always enjoy reading your moving words. It is great to see from skimming the comments that lots of people have voted. Voting is compulsory here, no vote then you get fined. Very happy to see Charlie Brown and Snoopy in their house.

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  24. Thank you for your spot-on words as ever. Dual citizen - raised in Kenosha, WI - living in Canada for 40 years now. This was the first time I voted in a US election EVER. Hoping for some sanity moving forward and no violence in the days following.

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  25. Hi Pretti! What a wonderful quilt with a wonderful back message. I am so happy to know you and to consider you a friend. You have a way with words that is so touching and eloquent. I have always been passionate about voting and the privilege of having that right. The history behind the electoral college and all the what-ifs that have been addressed is amazing and scary. While we don't know how this election will turn out, or whether there will be challenges and doubt cast on the results there is a plan for all contingencies. So I take comfort that a two-year-old-type tantrum will not amount to anything beyond the bluster and alternate facts that we have put up with for the last four years. I want to live in your neighborhood, please. We can foster kindness and tolerance and acceptance, and our neighborhood can grow and grow until it covers the world. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne

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  26. I loved seeing all the people and animals that lived in the cute houses - one of the best house quilts I've ever seen and inspires me to have a go at making one - especially when no doors or windows are needed - open house and all are welcome :)

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  27. I'm with you Pretti, voting for justice for all. And also feeling how lucky I am to have a safe home where I live in peace. I love your quilt ~ houses and trees, enough for everyone.

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  28. Your quilt is a zoo/an aquarium. That's a community, isn't it?

    As for your opinions, I whole heartedly agree with you. Elections can be won with one vote. Let it be yours!

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  29. Adding the trees to your house blocks was genius. I've been making house blocks off and on, but they are probably too small to accommodate adjacent trees. I so agree with everything you wrote. I'm voting on Election Day because I can't trust NY to count the absentee ballots in a timely manner and there was only one early voting site in our county with very long wait times. I'm hoping our local polling site will be less crowded since so many have already voted. I admire your fervor and passion. Never give up the fight.
    Pat

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  30. I love this quilt! Such a simple design, but so well assembled.
    I don't live in the US so can't vote, but if I could ... I'd be with you all the way. The world needs CHANGE!

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  31. I love your house and the community it is made of!

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  32. What a wonderful post to read with my morning coffee. Wonderful quilt. Wonderful message. I grinned at spying a few of the scraps I gave you when we met in Buffalo... Olaf was one!:-)

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  33. I love the fussy cutting, and how there's more and more to look at in your quilt and in your post. It's a good reminder of when things matter and when they don't really. Also, it's a good reminder to value our vote and what it means.

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  34. I agree with it all, I voted, and I love your quilt. Thank you for sharing your creativity and thoughts.

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  35. What a happy quilt! We need a little lift for our spirits in these last days before November 3--and possibly the days after as well. Hoping for a landslide vote for change. I was worried about not being able to vote because I recently moved and I cannot get new state ID because of Covid. Thank goodness, I was able to register and vote about three weeks ago. Thank you for using your platform to urge all of your readers to vote.

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  36. I love this quilt and your profound thoughts about house values. I have only seen property values go up in these situations. In fact, our property values in the Northeast are beyond so many young or minimum wage workers that I wonder about their futures. I think we need to think less about our needs, and more about the common good. Community...common unity....common good.

    Now, about your great fabrics and so much fun in these houses...the stories they could tell would be so much fun to hear.

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  37. Preeti I LOVE your quilt, and I love the way you take stories and weave them in and out with your thoughts and your quilts. Those fun fabrics and colors are perfect.
    I am a lone Conservative in a sea of liberal quilters, so my vote, my expectations for election outcome, and my view of the reason for no COVID relief package are quite different than yours and those of other readers. However I did vote early, so we do agree on something. :D

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  38. I love your quilt and your eloquent words. I'm not in America but I do get cross with people who don't vote but then are critical of those are voted in no matter where they are. People are still literally dying to get a vote.

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  39. I love your quilt, bright, cheerful and beautiful. So many details to see, and cute little figures!
    I cross my fingers for your country
    Thank you for sharing your lovely quilt, and your thoughts

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  40. I absolutely love your quilt and the story that goes with it :-) I voted---early---tracked my vote---(in WA we can do that)---now just holding my breath for the final outcome.

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  41. I love the touch ups with fabric marker. What a smart idea!

    I voted "by mail," but really dropped off my absentee ballot at town hall. I was able to check online and saw that it was accepted.

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  42. Lovely quilt, lovely words! I wish you all the best president you can get!

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  43. I LOVE your community quilt! Great...as always!!!

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  44. I love your happy little neighborhood of loving houses.

    I not only voted this year but I also spent time tracking it through the system until I saw that it was accepted and ready to be counted. Fingers crossed a change is coming!

    Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!

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  45. Vote YES for a house-block quilt! I'm working on one for my 9-year-old. She is named for Tenleytown in Washington DC, and she has already titled her house quilt as Tenley's Town. *all the heart eyes*

    I must make a confession. I did not vote for Joe Biden.
    .
    .
    .
    I voted for Kamala Harris. Conveniently for the country, Joe Biden's name was next to hers. HAHAHAHAHA! #bluewaveforever

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  46. This is a great quilt. You always find such fun novelty prints. They are all so adorable.

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  47. Hi Preeti, your community quilt is lovely and so much fun. It's going to bring you as much joy as your home. BTW I think that property value and investments are the same - it doesn't matter if they go up or down, it just matters the day that you have to move or liquidate. There's no sense worrying about it until then. Good luck with the elections. Take care.

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  48. I love your community quilt, and am even starting one of my own (long planned) in 2021. We always vote by mail here in Utah and have for almost a decade. We dropped our ballots off at a City Hall collection box. Fingers crossed for a crushing blue wave. I’m tired of the divisiveness and histrionics of the last four years. We need an adult in the White House.

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  49. The quilt is lovely, Preeti. And thank you for writing about "property values" and the way they are perceived through a cultural lens that's different from mine.

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  50. So many adorable fabrics in those houses! I love it.

    We voted by absentee ballot a couple of weeks ago here in SD. I just want this country to be a kinder, more inclusive place again with less hatred.

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  51. Preeti, your timing is exquisite! I needed to see this quilt and read these words today. Thank you.

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  52. I generally am not a house quilt fan ... but oh yours just speaks to me. I love the inhabitants of the houses -- cats, dogs, ballerinas, dinosaurs, fish and turtles and octopus. Wonderful. And I love your story (as usual) about what a house should really mean. We got our flu shots and voted right after on 9/30! Unfortunately I am still paying way too much attention to the news. I'm appalled at how some American's are treating other Americans, how some Americans are calling on other Americans to intimidate and bother others although calling it give a welcome to ... Maybe by next week we will have a new future.

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  53. I live in a place where property values are through the sky. Great for someone who is near the end game...horrible for someone just starting out. Thanks for reminding us that a house is a home and that without that we are nowhere. Thanks for the inspirations as always. Peace and Good Luck to all.

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  54. First, I agree with you completely on property value, Preeti. My house is a home for me and my family--I bought it as a single woman and added a dog (who passed this summer) a husband and a son. It's not a dollar value, it's where I sew and hug and cook and snuggle. I don't see houses as investments, either, which is something my BIL doesn't understand.

    Second, LOVE this neighborhood of yours!!!!!!!! What a brilliant I spy quilt! I am totally using this idea. LOVE IT! I want to live in that neighborhood with octopi and Santa Claus and you as my neighbors!

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  55. I voted early and am hoping everyone votes... this year and every year ahead. I hate politics but if we don't get involved before the election, we don't have a say in the candidates or the platform. I hope many people realize this.
    LOVE your quilt and the story you've written. I need to make a house quilt soon.

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  56. Hey Preeti, thanks for another wonderful post. I love your house quilt! My guild is working on house blocks for our (ahem) virtual block of the month so I will send a link to your blog post. I know that many of the gals will enjoy it. Peace ☺.

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  57. Preeti, very well said. I totally agree with your assessment of our current administration. I voted early. And your house quilt is amazing. Pinning!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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  58. Reading this on the day after the US Elections. Still no answer, still such division! Oh my I needed to read your narrative while smiling at your houses and neighborhood. A house is just sticks and stones until it is a safe place, a sanctuary. It’s where you love and are loved, thanks for the reminder!

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  59. I love house and tree quilts! And my favorite photo is the last with you and the quilt and the lake in all it's green beauty in the background :) xo

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  60. Preeti, I’ve been mulling this post over since I read it. I have lots of thoughts on COVID and on voting (and waiting for the results of voting, and the future regardless of the results), but the thing that keeps coming back to me is the concept of property value being very American. Long ago when we bought a house, we were encouraged to install off-white carpet throughout because that was “good for resale value.” I remember wondering why we would talk about that when we had just bought the house. We are not white carpet people (and did not follow the advice). I still think about that as I look around my house more than 25 years later. We have replaced appliances when needed and replaced our carpet with almost the same original color but have not updated colors/decor to current trends, we are surrounded by things we love that are meaningful to us, and in these days when we rarely leave, we are comfortable and happy. I know that if we ever sell, new owners will tear all the decor out and do what they want, maybe even for “resale value,” but that does not matter at all to me. Thanks for helping me understand my resistance to thinking of my home only in terms of monetary worth. Having said all that, I love your houses nestled among the trees. Such delightful prints! You continue to inspire with your fabulous fabric selections. And with your philosophy and outlook on life.

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  61. Love your house and home quilt. Such a fun neighborhood of diversity and inclusiveness. I'm playing catch up today, so in hind sight people a lot of people voted. The scary thing to see now is just how divided we are as a country with the it being Saturday and we still don't yet have a clear outcome. Happy stitching this weekend.

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  62. Oh, Preeti. You are the best storyteller. I was feeling so happy and relieved with the election results, but now a few days after, I feel gloom and doom with one side not accepting the result. Then I came to your post about your house and your quilt and you brought me to tears. (Happy tears, I tell my grandson) Now I have energy for a really busy day; depression lifted because of your storytelling. Never stop, Preeti, and thank you!

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  63. Another fabulously cheerful and whimsical quilt, Preeti! You must have the most delightful fabric stash on Earth. Imagine living in a neighborhood with Charlie Brown, a cute little monkey, and an octopus -- just thinking about that makes me happy, before I even start imagining the delicious curry smells of your kitchen. The light rail debate sounds familiar; affluent neighborhoods in Charlotte express similar fears, except they go so far as to express a concern that criminals would hop onto the light rail to access their fancy neighborhoods and then rob them. Which makes me envision the Grinch who stole Christmas trying to make his getaway on the light rail, carrying that enormous sack full of everyone's televisions and jewelry or whatever...

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  64. Listen to the thunderous applause for your courage to speak out. And putting your words into a quilt. (I did find the dog BTW) Quilting Bees of the 1800's were a place for women to get together and exchange ideas. We are united in our differences. Thank you so much for sharing. Love the "eye spy" quality as well. Keep up the great work.

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  65. What a beautiful neighbourhood... I want to live in your quilted town...so much beauty! You're such a good writer! I'm taking a writing class this winter and am really enjoying it!

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