a matter of Trying

I've been thinking a lot lately about taking risks, about how important it has been in my life to think I can do what it is I want to achieve and to have the gumption to try.

Try.

I had some nice long conversations recently with other moms of young kids about what we imagine for our kids' futures.  Our plans to prepare them for life are so colored by our own experiences.  I realized that what I am teaching my children about education and lifestyle are quite linked to the expectation that they will be risk-takers, problem-solvers, even entrepreneurs.  So since then I've been kind of holding that idea and turning it this way and that to see if it's really practical, and if it fits with their personalities.  Something to keep pondering, surely.

celebrating progress

I guess that's why when I think about this bit of quilting I did yesterday, I mostly marvel that I've come to a place where I can create a free motion quilting design all my own, implement it and actually enjoy the process.  How can that be when just 7 months ago my only free motion quilting option was stressed-out loops?  When I showed this work to Brandon, even he remembered how tentative and intimidated I was by that dogwood quilting on the Vintage Tangerine quilt earlier this year. 

minky soft on the back

Today I'm celebrating my progress.  There is still plenty of room for growth in my free motion quilting - plenty!  But, I kind of know now that it's just a matter of trying.  Not a matter of time... a matter of trying

How many more things could we accomplish, could we enjoy, if only we tried?  How many areas of life do we spent pent up in a box created by avoidance of risk?  And what do I want to try next?  What do you?  I love that question!

So many possibilities for me and for you.