It all started with play: building quilt blocks with black and white, then realizing that I have some solids that can add pops of color that echo the splatters in the black corners.
Knowing this little quilty thing I was making would eventually have an audience through photos on social media, I wanted it to do just a little bit more good in the world than simply “look at this pretty thing I made.” I wanted it to say something that someone might need to hear. I wrote in my notebook, “I will use my art and my words to put positive messages out to the world.”
No one knew about these quilt blocks and my intentions for them except for me and the Universe.
And then, on Facebook, a former student reached out with the kind of message that reminds a teacher (or anyone, really) that we have no idea of the long-term impact of our words and actions. She wrote (in part), “will you please make me one… so that i always have something to help inspire me and that anytime my faith starts to fall i can always have something that u made in front of me to make me realize… i can do it… (and believe me when i say i need that motivation more than ever right now)”
I was already making the quilt that she needs. With the words on it that she needs to hear and remember.
Goosebumps much? I had some.
Now excuse me while I get back to the sewing machine.
Linda Mitchell has today’s Poetry Friday Roundup at A Word Edgewise.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
A truly inspiring post, Mary Lee. And your art with words fits so well with Linda’s post today. Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom that came at just the right time.
LikeLike
Goosebumps here as well! There are so many things that move me in your post that I find myself not knowing where to start. From the first line (“It all started with play”) to your notebook noting (“I will use my art and my words to put positive messages out to the world.”), and then to the synchronicity of of your student reaching out (and what that says about you as a teacher and compassionate, caring human). And then there’s your poem. Mary Lee, “You are doing a really good job!”
LikeLike
Goosebumps upon goosebumps, Mary Lee. Wow. 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you do a little joy dance 💃 from this post as it sends so many good vibes into the world, and what a marvelous and timely aha moment with your student reaching out to you, 💜 your cherita and all here, thanks Mary Lee!
LikeLike
Yes! You are the kind of teacher that keeps her heart open to the Universe and the needs of students. What a beautiful gift!
LikeLike
Oh, my goodness…what a satisfying miracle to read about…and you get to participate in. I want to give this poem to students I know. You give me ideas…always…but this one is especially inspirational. Goosebumps? Uh, YEAh!
LikeLike
Mary Lee, what an amazing gift … and what an amazing teacher that students still reach out to you for your uplifting support!
LikeLike
Serendipity, synchronicity, solace. I’m moist-eyed, dear Mary Lee for this triple gift [ to you, to your student, to us.]
LikeLike
Thank you, Mary Lee, for spreading affirmation and for being the kind of teacher who students can call on when they need shoring up. and Linda’s word “enough” is on your quilt square. Serendipity!
LikeLike
Oh wow! That note from your student! And your inspiring poem and gorgeous quilt. Mary Lee, this is just perfect.
LikeLike
Just – wow, Mary Lee. What a gift to touch someone in such an impactful way.
LikeLike
Inspiration via stitches from the heart-a fabulous gift from you to a student who needs the love right away. This quilt of yours is not only beautiful but helpful to someone else.
LikeLike
Words, Art, need, positivity… so many things coming together in a beautiful way…
LikeLike
The powerful combo of art, words and design. Well done Mary Lee. Your words have been given an enduring quality.
LikeLike
Everything you do puts inspiration into the world, Mary Lee.
LikeLike