Numbers

In a recent Quiltfolk newsletter, Stories & Numbers (A Letter from Mike), Mike McCormick, Quiltfolk Founder, spotlighted the number 46,000. He wrote that “ten years ago he met Jodene Cook, the director of the Portland/Vancouver chapter of Project Linus. This incredible group was about to donate its 46,000th quilt to a child in need.

“Playing with Numbers” Quilt Pattern by Robinson Pattern Company

Mike shared “It’s hard to believe that, in a way, the Quiltfolk community started with that one number 46,000. Of course, it wasn’t just a number. It never is. In this case, it symbolized the love, time, and dedication invested into every stitch of those many, many quilts. . . . It serves as a reminder that, sometimes, a number can open our eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world.”

“Singular acts of compassion - repeated enough times - can add up to something truly transformative.” ~Mike McCormick

Nisar Nikzad’s blog post “Numbers and Their Meanings Among Different Cultures” is an informative read. His research tells us that “numbers are far more than mathematical symbols used for counting and measuring, they often carry deep symbolic meanings that vary from culture to culture. These interpretations are shaped by historical, religious, and social contexts, resulting in playing critical roles in shaping traditions, superstitions, and belief systems.”

Before they understand the concept behind numbers, children can recite them. You, or someone you know, may have a spiritual, symbolic or lucky number. Some of us are fascinated by numbers, others are simply not number people.

This year, I’ve continued using the number ONE as my guiding number on my creative journey, I am focusing on doing one thing a day to reach my goal of writing more quilting short stories and creating fabric patterns. The writing path and the surface pattern design path are both challenging, inspiring, and also very rewarding. Stay tuned as I share in upcoming blogs what’s involved, and how focusing on one thing a day can help create a habit in keeping us grounded on reaching our goals.

I appreciate you joining me as I unlock the why behind this new path I am on. It’s one fueled with passion, and paved with obstacles. From the slow lane, I find myself occasionally pulling into the the scenic lookout to help keep the destination in sight. The road map is different for each of us; some prefer the Interstate while others prefer secondary roads. And, guaranteed, there will be wrong turns along the way, but the good news is that they often reveal an entirely new option - all part of our creative journeys.

Is there one thing a day that you do that has become part of your creative routine?

Thank you for stopping by.

XOXOX