Finito -- in a Manner of Speaking

I seem to have gotten into the habit of choosing a Word for the Year (WFTY) instead of assaulting myself with a list of resolutions I've no intention of keeping.  The thing about a Word is, you can choose it and forget about it, but it doesn't forget about you --  rather like The Word ("...and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." John 1:14), in my faith practice.  Hmmm....

Recently a colleague asked me if I'd help her find a word for 2014.  I replied that I'd think and pray about it and sent her off to do some inspirational reading.  I've come to the conclusion though, that that's about all I can do for her in this area.  A WFTY can't be chosen for you by someone else; it's one of those things you have to do for yourself.  And sometimes, like this past year, a word chooses you.

The word that chose me in 2013 is 'gift', as in giving, receiving and being a gift.  How well have I done across the board? Well... I had a bit of a bump in income during the year, so I was able to give more.  I also gave away more material items -- things I knew I'd never need but which I also knew someone else could use.  And I tried to be gracious when receiving gifts, and not resentful when gifts were hoped for (nay, expected!) and not received.

Part of my "gift" this past year involved my work:

"This means that my work must be:

• Given in love;
• Suited to potential recipients;
• Constructed with care;
• Fairly and honestly priced;
• Economically produced."

In that area, I believe I have succeeded -- especially after I began to produce the pieces I call "miniatures".  The opportunity to make one for the SAQA fund-raising auction at the Santa Fe Conference was a gift, indeed -- a gift that seems to keep on giving, as I come up with new ideas for the little scenes, and as they put smiles on peoples faces, and are purchased as gifts for others.

Another gift I was given in 2013 was the gift of an art quilt group, Fifteen by Fifteen, which I was invited to join in April -- one-third through their first year of making 15"-square pieces every two months, based on a series of themes.  I found myself in the midst of a group of talented artists of varying age and experience, most of whom live outside North America.  The size, shape and thematic requirements all challenged me.  I had great fun with this, and to my delight, have two pieces going over to France for a group show in April!  I'm now beginning work on our Dec/Jan piece with the theme, Rhythm, and am thankful for the gift of continuing another year with this group.

I received a third gift late in the year -- the gift of a vote of confidence, when I was asked to become the Alberta Co-Rep for SAQA Western Canada Region.  The acceptance of this 'gift' required some thought; I approached it with no small amount of 'fear and trembling', given the size of our region geographically, the big shoes of the departing Co-Rep, Patti Morris, the fact that the B.C. Co-Rep was also retiring so there would be two newbies, and one courageous person, Dawn Piasta, who'd been at her post (Saskatchewan/Manitoba) it seemed, only a short time.  I am truly thankful for the encouragement I received from Patti, from Ali George, whose Oceania region makes our region's size pale in comparison, and from Desiree Vaughn, the SAQA Rep Co-ordinator.

All of these have been gifts of the heart, which I will carry forward with me into 2014.

And now -- what about a Word for the (New) Year?

Once again I responded to Christine Valters Paintner's invitation to "Give Me a Word", over at Abbey of the Arts.  The week before Christmas, I found I was able to post this in the comments on the invitation post:

My word for 2014 arose in me just yesterday: FINISH. 

I'd got up and straight-away (before breakfast or anything) felt compelled to sort out a portion of my yarn stash, including a box containing two unfinished projects. Later in the day, I finished making one of my annual Christmas traditions: boxer shorts for my son (now 28). 

As the day went on, I realized that 2014 needs to be about FINISHING — what I start, what is currently unfinished. Beyond the obvious and practical, I also believe I'm being drawn to FINISH with the past — not to forget it but to leave it behind me in order to approach the possibilities and plans God has for me in the future with new eyes, new ears, a renewed mind and an open heart. 

I know I will never be "FINISHED" this side of Heaven, but loose ends can be tied up; peace can be made; forgiveness can be given (and received); and doors can be closed. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:9)

How about you, Gentle Reader?  Is there a word or phrase tugging at your heart or at the edges of your mind that you can use as a mantra for 2014?

This post is now -- ahem -- finished...See you again soon!