Make New Friends....

Today was a very inspiring day for me. I feel like I've made new quilting friends without even trying. See...today I got to go to a quilt show with my husband and I didn't even ask him to take me! We were going because he had a commitment to be there. Remember me talking about his new book? Just a Quilt? Today he was a guest of the quilt shop The Village Quilter at the Love Apples Quilt Guild Show in NJ, for a book signing. We met some wonderful people, felt very welcomed and had a wonderful time. Of course, I got to shop, view lots of beautiful quilts and came home so inspired I want to go to my sewing room to create something wonderful and never come out. I love fabric! I love seeing how others put fabrics together....color choices, patterns chosen, using a simple block in a new way to make it all seem new again, seeing new gadgets demonstrated, etc. At the entrance to the show, was the most beautiful tribute to a member of their guild who had passed away. I only read a few of the notes, but I would love to have known this woman. She truly had the heart of a quilter.....shared her knowledge freely; wore many hats in life, such as mother, nurse, quilter among many others; seemed so in tune with those in need and ALWAYS willing to give of her time, talents, skills, words of encouragement. She definitely left a legacy and imprint on those she came in contact with. Many thanks to this guild for honoring this woman's memory in such a beautiful way. That display touched me in a very deep, moving way. It inspires me to always be to others what I would like them to be to me. We never know how much we have helped someone just by speaking a word of encouragement to them. As I've always tried to teach my children, be a friend to the new student in class. EVERYONE could use a friend! Ask them to be your partner in gym class or any other class where you need a partner. They don't want the rejection of asking you and wondering if you will turn them down. Ask them and let them have the opportunity to accept your offer or decline. They will appreciate that more than you know. So next time you have the opportunity to make new friends, take the chance.