For the past decade and a half or so I have made calendars – featuring the art I did the prior year. It is always fun to sift through all the different pieces I made that year.

This year, I am short art pieces, due to moving and not having a sewing space set up. I only created for about 4 months. Now, I am feeling the absence of choices.

I was asked to be the keynote speaker for Copper Shores fund raiser next Spring and that got me to thinking about My Storyline quilts – and then doing a calendar featuring them – or doing a Then and Now calendar – there are possibilities.

And it would be interesting to go back and read and view my Art from so many years ago.

The last time I was a keynote for Dial Help and my Storyline Quilts were on display was in 2014.

The theme of the Gala 2027 will be roots to rising.

What is interesting about the storyline quilts is that they are literally from the root of myself, the root of my life and then how I rose.

Now, I am excited to go through the quilts and even take recent photographs of them. And see how they relate to the nowadays art.

I believe I started quilting in the late 1990’s and my art really started shortly there after. And when my world upended in 2004 – they were my art therapy.

In some ways it is hard to believe that so many years have passed and that I still find the simple joy in fabric, colors, and designs.

Inside of me has changed. Who I am is completely changed – and my connection to my art is like a talisman in my world. The 8 months of being away from fabric and the sewing machine was interesting. I felt restless and my life felt bland.

I did pick up yarn and spent many hours with a crochet hook in my hand. I was able to see and play with colors; but it didn’t really engage my soul.

My storyline continues and my art thankfully is back in my world. I feel rusty and the deeper pieces take time to brew inside of me.

And the angst of the early years of estrangement had me digging deep inside and now that has settled – I crave pieces that have deep meaning and connection to my soul.

Revisiting my roll of Storyline Quilts may help ignite some creative expressions.

Yet, I also love those that make me smile and feel joy. My art is a place for my emotions. I am excited to see what a calendar will be using some of My Storyline quilts. Oddly, I was thinking of dedicating this calendar to all the cheerleaders in my life – the many women who have supported me on my journey and sharing their wisdom and love.

We have traveled far…My Storyline and I.