Friday, April 1, 2016

Balance


Sometimes I like to write.
I don't have any preconceived notions of what quilters are supposed to do.  I make things work for me and my style.  I'm not bound by what others have done or what anyone says I must do. For the most part I'm brave. I put fear aside and just do it. I ask myself what would happen if and then I'm strong enough to try, to fail and to try again until I create what pleases me.  I believe in myself.  It's what keeps me coming back for more.  I think I can, so I do.  I believe ducks have it right.  The water rolls off their backs and they don't even feel it.  I aspire to be a duck because in life rain does fall. I appreciate those who like my work, but I don't work to please anyone but myself.  I am not my number of followers. I listen to those I respect and understand that I have much to learn from others. I make mistakes and move forward. Balance is everything.  I'm working to achieve it.

Balance


26 comments:

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I understand. I feel the same way too. Love the design that goes with the thought!
glen

em's scrapbag said...

Nicely written. Love your new flimsy. It reminds me of a % sign.

Live a Colorful Life said...

Oh how I love your writing today. This expresses exactly how I feel. Thanks, Jacquie!

Leslie said...

Beautifully said. I need to adopt your philosophy, though actually I find myself leaning that way as I grow older and wiser.

Chris Lavezzo Smits said...

Beautiful quilt and beautiful words. I printed them up and put them on my design wall.

Anonymous said...

You have achieved balance! Thank you for your wise words.

MariQuilts said...

I can relate........I always say I'm pretty conservative in my real life but in my "quilt life" I can sky dive or ride the highest wave. Yup I'm all for quilt bravery!!!

Christine S said...

Such a perfect philosophy!

Tine said...

I want to be a duck in life too....still practicing!

mascanlon said...

Well said! And it's so freeing when you finally realize it.

Anonymous said...

Nailed it. I've been thinking about a balance quilt for some time now. Thank you so much for saying it all in your post. Take care.

liz said...

Love this message! Thanks so much, Jacquie!

Unknown said...

Jacquie; Just happened to see your message and thought the timing was perfect. I am a newbie and have been formulating an idea for a wholecloth using a little bit of this and that gleaned online. First attempt was a fail..my focus elements just did not pop so on to attempt 2. Try double batting....another fail..too much pop! I have been thinking scrap it...it is way over my head...but after reading your message I think I will have another go at it if for no other reason than maybe I can express myself just for Me!!! Thanks!

SusieDW said...

Quack, Quack! Lovin' this new piece. the engineering is perfection. Maybe it's the beginning of a series :) Oh, and, so wonderful to see you writing and sharing your new piece! ~Susie

Debbie said...

This resonated with me. Quilting and life philosophy.

Sue said...

YESSSSSS!!! I spend far too much time comparing myself to others and wondering what other people will think. Great quilt as well!

Denise said...

Very beautiful

Joy said...

Ah, well said, dear Jacquie: you are such a precious soul!

KaHolly said...

Well said! And beautiful work!

wintunancy said...

Welcome back to blog land, was just thinking the other day that you don't have time to post very often. Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement to enjoy being our true selves.

Donna said...

Thanks for this post. It's an inspirational reminder "to be who we really are without pretention." I love the quilt!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

Thanks for putting into words what I have been contemplating for awhile . . . being my authentic self regardless of how someone else labels my work.

ConGhin said...

As I read this, the phrase, "I am a duck, I am a mallard," went through my head to the Simon and Garfunkel tune. Now it's stuck along with your thoughtful comment. Love it.

Hope said...

I need to adopt your philosophy. Thanks for all you do for us.

Claudia/Ompompali said...

Well spoken and I quite agree! (and in brackets I add: it's not always as easy as it may seem) so all the more important to keep your wise words in mind! Thanks for the reminder!

Anne said...

Yep!!!!