be free

Friday, January 13, 2012

2012

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Blackbird Designs
"Union Forever"
designed by Maggie Bonanomi

In 2012, I have decided to concentrate on this:

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it."  So, I am going to enjoy my stitching time and not make it a "job" but a "hobby"; something that relaxes me and calms me from the daily stesses of everyday life.  I am not pushing the limits on how many projects I have to do and finish in 2012.   I just want to enjoy the feel of the fibers, threads and textures along with the beautiful flavors as I stitch with my needle.  Simple, and doable with "no strings attached".

So, with this in mind, I started something new for the new year, something that would sing to my heart when the skies are bleak and gray.  Something simple, yet subtle and delivers a punch......so I turned to our nations colors, the red, white and blue.  I am "focusing" on patriotism this month and the brave hearts that give us these freedoms, the freedoms that are not free, but come with a high price.  Sometimes that price is life.

May I introduce you to my first finish for 2012.

Smiles....

Jolene

26 comments:

Hillery said...

Nice to hear from you again. Lovely finish. Don't stay away so long, okay. Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

I am happy to see a post from you. Your start is beautiful...Let me know when you go to shep bush. I did send you an email back. Say a prayer I went for a second interview yesterday.. Thanks

Catherine said...

Wonderful post and a most wonderful finish! What fabric and fibers did you choose?

Ranae said...

It's so nice to see post from you.
I love your first 2012 BBD finish.
Don't be a stranger
Take care!

MoonBeam said...

Long time no see! I love this BBD piece. It looks wonderful. Can't wait to see what you stitch next. Have fun...

Bobbi

Cathy Lloyd said...

Such fabulous words and a fabulous stitch. Don't those Blackbird projects just sing to your heart! I totally know what you mean! Enjoy your journey this year Jolene! We missed you on Saturday!

~*Sharee*~ said...

Beautiful stitching hun..and love your view of doing your stitching..

Hugs, Shar

lynda said...

Love this post...I agree...the joy should be in the process, not how many things you can finish. This piece is lovely...can't wait to see what you choose next

Cari said...

Beautiful Jolene... This is one of my favorite designs. Hugs dear friend....

Peggy Lee said...

Stunning finish Jolene! I have a soft spot for all things patriotic. I just ordered "Land of the Free" by Willow Hill Samplings. I can't wait to start it!

Teresa S. said...

This is a wonderful design to start the new year with! Love it!

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Well said Jolene!
Linda C.

Theresa said...

What a great way to start a year!!!!!

Kathy A. said...

What a beautiful new design. I love the soft colors!

Siobhán said...

It's so good to see a post from you, Jolene! I constantly remind myself to enjoy the journey. Who cares if I have things I "should" be working on--work on what I enjoy and it will get done when it gets done. Love your finish! BBD just makes me happy. I love patriotic pieces so look forward to seeing what else you work on this year!

Gabi said...

And you are so right with what you said Jolene. I had lost my joy in stitching for a while because I found myself lost in goals and "have to's".
These days I focus on the joy of stitching and nothing else. But you said it so much better.
I LOVE your finish. It looks great. Congrats :)

Faye said...

Love this design Jolene!! Beautiful finish for you....Happy Dance~~ Take care, Faye

Carol said...

Sounds like a great plan for 2012, Jolene!! What a beautiful finish :)

L.O. said...

I love the quote you posted today. I think that is the best mindset to have this year. Life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing while you are doing it. I love your latest finish as well. It is very striking.

Loraine said...

What a fabulous finish Jolene! I love the colors, and the fabric. I don't think I've ever seen this design, and I love it. Enjoy every minute of your stitching. It really is a wonderful relaxing hobby, isn't it? I have been cleaning out the sewing room closet this week. That's always scary! I've found so many wonderful treasures, I'm just dying to work on all of them!
Hope you have a great weekend. It's been a busy one for me.
Hugs to you!

Laura said...

So relieved you finally posted something! As usual, beautiful work. Aptly phrased regarding the joys of needle work--and any creative endeavor. Wising you many more beautiful moments with your stitching in 2012.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I really like your philosophy for the New Year! And your finish is beautiful. Look forward to hearing from you again, soon.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

I so believe in that too, Jolene. I put that in my blog description because stitching should be spontaneous and whenever you feel like it not a job. It's the journey that matters the most.

I'm even trying to extend that in all areas of my life as practical as I can.

Your finish is so pretty. I've always admired this one and the lover of Americana as I am, I truly think you started 2012 JUST RIGHT!

Jennifer

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

It is gorgeous, your finish and your intention for the year perfect!

Katrina said...

I think your philosophy is perfect!!!! And what a gorgeous finish :-).

Karoline said...

Lovely finish, congratulations