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Join us for our second discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick. These questions came from the author's website.
When Evelyn ventures into the old brick storefront that will become Cobbled Court Quilts, she doesn't really see the grime or the broken windows or the water stains on the windows. Instead, she envisions how the tiny window panes would gleam if washed and how inviting the front door would be with fresh red paint. Can you remember when you saw potential in something (or someone) that no one else did?
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Evelyn decides to open a quilting shop. Is there something you've always wanted to do or try? Would the people in your life cheer you on? Is it ever too late to pursue your dream?
Please tell us your thoughts in the comments section below. Inquiring minds want to know!
Check out the schedule at the top of my blog. I've listed the Quilters' Book Club book selections through July so you have plenty of time to find the books.
You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post The First Discussion of A Single Thread
I think life is about seeing the potential in all things and bringing it out. That goes for scrap fabric, rabbit hutch houses, and people ... especially little kids. I remember a kid who asked ... actually begged..to join an activity I was leading that involved fire. I told him my first reaction was to say no, but I was willing to give him one more chance. It was the start of a whole new kid and I have always been glad there was one teacher willing to work with him. Another boy with severe home-sickness over a number of years, I worked with him and his parents over two summers. He was finally able to overcome the monster in the closet, went on to become an Eagle Scout and many years later, after graduating from college and grad school overseas, came back to tell me that those wonderful events in his life were because of me. I don't believe that for a second but I do believe there is a lot of good in everyone just waiting to get out.
ReplyDeleteThe people in my life are mostly my kids and I know they would go to the ends of the earth to help me or each other make any dream come true.
All the children in your life are so fortunate to have you, Julie!
DeleteI truly enjoyed reading the book A Single Thread. I feel there is good in everyone, and try to see the positive in every situation. As a teenager, I set goals for myself that by the age of 40, I had achieved. Now, at 45, I am setting new goals. Three of my goals that I am working on right now, are my bucket list, traveling, and opening my own business. My family and friends have been very supportive.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the book, Terry. And how wonderful that you've already achieved the goals you set for yourself as a teenager. I'd be interested in hearing more about your new goals.
Deleteso many questions. I think when you are at your bottom looking up is easier than making changes when you have all you thought you needed. Hurt and anger can drive people to do things they would not normally do, as in Evelyn just driving away from all she thought she had. But she turned north toward what she used to know then took a turn to where she had always wanted to be. It turned out she was reconnected to the beauty she had inside but had forgotten about until she saw it in full view. I also am one of those people who like to view the hidden, turning left when i should have turned right has proven to be the correct turn after all. I see around me things i know i should do or at least investigate but then i don't and why i don't is a mystery to me. I know I have great ideas, I just don't have the resources to go that further step. Evelyn was lucky or was she? Maybe I should learn from her just do it and maybe I too could have luck help me out.
ReplyDeleteI think I have the same idea of taking something run down or unusable and turning it into something useful. That is where I am going this year after the garden is planted. I am going on an adventure of fabric dyeing and painting using recyclable items. I have been talking about this adventure for 5 years and this year I am going to make it happen. Stepping out of my comfort zone. I am lucking in the respect that most of the people/relatives would have support me but I have been all talk and no action since my 20s. Not because I don't have the talent or drive but because I don't know where to go from there. Every time I want to move forward I read or attend classes on where to begin and I find myself not qualified (according to them) and I stop, defeated before I begin. So I am going to start my adventure this year, see where it will lead me and go from there. Doing what I love the most. If nothing else, I will have a bunch of quiltable fabric to enjoy. So I guess I believe it is never too late to following that dream.
Often the hardest part of any adventure is taking that very first step. It took me three years to start my Farmer's Daughter Quilt because I couldn't figure out what fabrics to use. I finally just decided to use fabrics from my stash and BEGIN! Let us know where your adventures leads you.
DeleteI collect vintage sewing machines. Many times, they are filthy, missing parts, and barely move. I see the potential to get them working and pretty again.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that I've wanted to do or try, is to narrate audio books, especially children's books. My family would support me in this, because, they all know my talents with reading books aloud to others. I was the main reader for all 7 of the Harry Potter books, when they came out. We read them as a family, first. Now, if I just knew how to get started on that dream....
As a reading teacher, I know that the elementary school near you would most likely love to have children's books narrated for them. Small children would enjoy listening while they look at the pictures. Struggling readers could listen and follow along in the book. It might give you a start!
DeleteMy dream has always been to own/run a Bed & Breakfast. My great grandfather's lovely big home has been sitting vacant for a long time and is just going to waste. If I had the money, nothing would stop me from turning it into my dream. And, no, I think it's never to late to try. Even if you don't succeed, you owe it to yourself to try. My husband, perhaps, would probably help me, but I doubt he would be cheering!
ReplyDeleteLet us know if you decide to do something with your great grandfather's lovely home.
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