THE GIFTS WITHIN

Belonging to a quilt group or guild connects you to a special group of people all nice and crafty in their ways, it is funny being artsy just ooze out of some and others just do not have it. For me I have no musical talent I say I have the gift of appreciation when it comes to music. I guess that is the way it is for all of us, we all have gifts, they are not the same, the secret is to find out what your gifts are and to not be afraid to experiment and let your heart create.   My father used to say he was a jack of all trades and a master of none. I know I have gifts but they are like a shot gun blast my mind scatters every which way and perfection just is not in my bag of tricks, I love to create to make something with my own hand. It is almost impossible for me to follow a pattern without doing something different, modifying it to my imagination is just natural for me. I admire the ones that can make something exact you, their points are always perfect, everyone of them consistent, they can do piece after piece that are just perfect; I can not do three yo yo's alike believe me I have tried...
What a wonder how different we all are, I just love watching everyone doing their own special thing and finding pleasure in it.
What makes me sad is to see someone afraid to experiment, they are so intimidated by the talents of others that their creative juices freeze and they are unable to find real pleasure in their own work whether perfect or not. I was like that for so many years, insecure and feeling inadequate in everything I did, there were outside influences that intimidated me but it was my own inner fears that restricted my growth.
I did not accept myself for being who I was. being ill and having my life come to screeching halt taught me the value of self. I learned so much from that experience, it was a real life lesson that made me strong. I learned who I was and finally I accepted my imperfections plus I learned the magic of giving to others.
Why does it take so long for some to accept who we are. I have finally became comfortable in my own skin.
I approached my art for myself, I am no longer afraid to be judged because what I do I do for my satisfaction, and that freed my spirit, I have been so creative ever since. I can now accept rejection, I do not like it but I do understand, it is part of my growing experience, I know now what ever comes my way I will learn from it and I will grow stronger within.  I also understand I will never be able to make perfect points it just is not in me , and butterflies strategical placed are a great tool.