Hi there

Thanks for popping in. Back in the Clarity saddle today, after spending a few days down in Cornwall, to pay our respects at dear Pat Hosking’s funeral. To be honest, it really was much more a beautiful celebration of her life than a sad occasion of her death. She had left strict instructions with the family that this was how she wanted it. And that was how it went. The Helston Town band was in the tiny chapel, and they really did wake us up with the Floral Dance! It was very very special, and we felt privileged to be there.

Pat’s children talked about us, her fellow SHACKERS, and how important we were to her. How they never dared ring or interrupt when she was in the SHAC! She loved it so much! After the wake, we were invited back to Pat’s lovely house, and we got to see all her amazing art and craft. My oh my. You know we all thought she was a formidable crafter? Well, you would not have believed just how amazing! Her parchment art, her embroidery, her dressmaking, her painting, her drawing – whatever she turned her hand to, she truly excelled at. And what I noticed was this: her work was as immaculate the day she stopped in December as anything she had ever made before. The family are going to entrust me with her SHAC folder, so that I can share it with you. I thought we might have a little SHAC soirée, a little get together one evening, just to go through all her lovely SHAC artwork, and see what she did. It would be a great trip down Memory Lane for all of us SHACKERS, and we could maybe have a little sort out of our own files! Pat certainly was a very well organised woman too. And a business woman. So enterprising!

So whilst, at a selfish level, I shall miss her love and energy greatly, I can only reassure you that Pat had a very rich and good life. Not particularly wealthy in monetary terms, but full of zest for life. She wove a very rich tapestry of Life. Hardworking, industrious and very generous of spirit, she did so much for others – both in her community and everywhere she went actually.

Her children are great characters too, and so the legend continues. Her daughter Sarah concluded her part of the Eulogy with these perfect, beautiful words, that she and her Mum had written together. She gave me permission to share them with you:

Paint memories
Weave stories
Travel freehand
Sketch dreams
Emboss friendships
Knit communities
Stitch family
Craft love.

Pat & Sarah Hosking

And that, my friends, says it all.

Have a good day.

Love always

Barb x x x