My thought was to make some mug rugs, maybe a few snack mats or such. Little did I know what I would find when I did.
I don't believe in coincidences. I use to, but age has given me a different view. I believe things happen for a reason. People enter your life when you need them, and each act sends ripples though the universe that return to you in some way. This fabric entered my life at this time because I needed to read all the wonderful words written on it. Now, I need to share them and pass them on.
Be Yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.
Take Chances. Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.
Be Spontaneous. All growth is a leap in the dark, an unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.
Let Go. We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
Be Unstoppable. Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice in the corner saying I'll try again tomorrow.
Be Legendary. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a dream--realize it. Life is love, enjoy it.
These are my favorites, and I have claimed one for my 2017 focus. I want a larger banner than last year.
Now it is two days later......I began writing this post and life reared its head to stall me.....in the form of my brother who needed some TLC attention after some out patient surgery. (Why do they call it that...surgery is surgery. You cut anything in my body, you invade my space and send my life into a tail spin.) He is better now and I am thankful for that. I am doing better too and looking forward to stitch removal on Monday. But I digress and on to my point.
Remember I said those ripples come back to you in some way.
Insight: I believe things happen for a reason. People enter your life when you need them, and each act sends ripples though the universe that return to you in some way.
One of my ripples returned yesterday morning in an email. I am getting a wonderful get well/birthday gift next week, and just in time to use the technique on my focus banner. I do hope you are intrigued, and will return to see what focus I chose and what I want to do with it.
I want to use several but one must do......hummmmm, that leaves a lot of bits of fabric to share. I know a couple of people I intend to palm off a sentiment to, but that leaves enough to offer up a gift to a few followers. So seven followers---lucky 7---- will get picked from the comments and I will send a bit of fabric with sentiment to you. Comment on this post between now and Monday the 12th. I will pick 7 on Tuesday. Tell me your focus sentiment for 2017, if you have one. Be sure your email is included in comment if you are a "no reply blogger". Now....go sew. Happy stitching.
I haven't chosen a word or other in a few years. I did choose 'progress' one year, and, I did make lots of progress on many things. Glad your brother is better.
ReplyDeleteI still have a couple of weeks during which I can change my mind, but right now I'm thinking I need to focus on accepting what is and letting the rest go.
ReplyDeleteI like those sentiments! It is great "positive affirmation" fabric!
ReplyDeleteI don't choose a "word" as a focus, but lately I have been reminding myself to let my faith be greater than my fears. Also, I remind myself not to reach into the future to find things to worry about. I just need to face today, and with the Lord's help, I can do that--one day at a time!
What neat fabric!!! I haven't chosen a word for years because I can never settle on one. I love the sentiments you have shared and I also believe that things happen for a reason... I'm happy to hear that your brother is doing better and that your stitches are ready to come out. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful inspirational bit of fabric to focus on any of those words. Even the last photo is intriqueing as a tool to work thru the new year.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a word but if I had to chose one it would be appreciate, it's been a rough couple of years with multiple deaths of significant people in my life well as health issues. I've been working on appreciating where I am now, and everything I do have. I've been following you for some time and have marvelled at your strength and grace dealing with all you've had to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI would like to focus on finding joy in every day, whatever the circumstances in which I might find myself. Finding the joy in our lives is a form of gratitude, and I want to become more aware of the privilege of having each new day to explore.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that both you and your brother are recovering well.
What a unique piece of fabric. I do not choose one word or thought to focus on. I am blessed in so many ways with relatively good health and wonderful family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to 'focus' though, to finish things that have been started.
I think I would choose the word Gratitude--for all that I have and for the belief that I am improving in my struggle with chronic and limiting illness. I am grateful for needlework because it is something positive I can do and give to others. I'm grateful for your shared positive attitude in this blog too!
ReplyDeleteLinda
What great fabric! I really love the Let Go. How inspirational. I've not yet chosen my word for next year, but I have been thinking about it. However, I do see my whole focus next year changing. Thanks for the inspiring post.
ReplyDeleteWords are powerful. Well chosen words are precious gold. Negative words destroy the spirit and crush the soul. I think Gratitude would be a timely choice. To actively practice gratitude and consciously make the choice to not slide into a critical spirit. How wonderful of you to gift fabric!
ReplyDeleteMy focus for 2017 is Grace. Appreciating God's grace to me, extending grace to myself, and consciously extending grace to others.
ReplyDeleteWow, I don't have a focus word for the year. The daily meditation I read always has a "Gateway to Silence" (something to think on) each week.
ReplyDeleteBut that said, every one of the ones you posted would work for me. I think I will try to "Be Legendary"
I had never heard of using a focus word until I started blogging and saw others doing it. I suppose for 2017, I'll need "patience" since Mike retires in April and we're planning a decades-of-dreaming trip in the fall. But patience works in other ways too...patience with myself and others.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if my sentiment for 2017 should be "letting go" or "take chances"... both are similiar and I feel like I am stuck in my ways and it isn't really working anymore for me. Next year I will turn 70 and I think it will be time to re-evaluate what is important in my life and make different priorities. This was a great blog this morning... seemed to be very timely because I have been questioning my path and my daily routines. Time for a change! Thank you for getting my thought process working.
ReplyDeleteSir Old Man sure has a good eye. As I read through the list of words, I paused at Be Unstoppable because the sentiment totally wraps up what you've been through this year. I've never picked a word of the year. Thanks for sharing your good words. Can't wait to see what your get well/birthday gift is.
ReplyDelete2017 is going to be Take Chances Year for me. I spend too much time being comfortable in my space, my quilting, my life. I'm going to go for it!
ReplyDeleteWow, I do believe you were meant to have that fabric, it's even better that Sir Old Man found it. One word? I can't really think of just one, maybe a bunch of words that I can pick from each day according to how I'm feeling, or what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful fabric! I'll have to do some thinking about focus words.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely food for thought in your post here Debbie - I am so tired at the moment I need to rest a few days before giving more thought to this.
ReplyDeleteChoosing a focus word is a new concept that I learned here on your inspiring blog. One must give a lot of thought to pick just one. Gratitude would be a final contender for me as well, but Mindful keeps knocking at my door this year.
ReplyDeleteWhat great fabric! I love the 'Be Legendary' block. I have a focus phrase rather than just one word. It is 'Wish it, Dream it, Do it'. It's to remind me that action is required on my part to make dreams happen.
ReplyDeleteIts the little things in life indeed❣️ I've been doing a word for the year for about seven years now and it's been a wonderfully enriching experience! This year my word was "change". I don't choose my word - the Lord just "gives it to me and I just know it's right for me." For 2017 my word is likely to be "know" I'm still waiting for the confirmation process to complete for me. I'll be 70 in January. My hubs turned 70 this past May. I also journal so I have a pretty good idea of my journey with my word for the year. It's been a great journey!!! ����❣️
ReplyDeleteTrying to catch up on my posting as life sort of got in the way last week. I like the phrase "Be Unstoppable". I never roar but because I don't I sometimes feel like I'm not heard or my voice is not take seriously. This still does not keep me from being courageous in the way I was made to be.
ReplyDeleteThank you sooo much for your words of wisdom & encouragement to all your followers.