I Choose, copyright Janet Hovde
A year ago, I had two amazing experiences within 2 days. I had an astrology reading by Pat Kaluza, which was so affirming and enlightening, and filled with food for thought. The following day I met with my art mentor, a monthly event that packs in learning on so many levels: art technique, art history, feminism, voice and visibility, spirituality, intuition, etc. I actually became sick from the excitement of processing these two experiences. One of the things that came to me as I sorted through the information was the idea and sketch of a “pocket quilt.”
I thought about my desire to lose weight, and how this fit with the information from the astrology reading. Approaching dietary changes from the perspective of deprivation is not all that effective for me. I have used food, beyond my body’s need for fuel, for lots of reasons. So, if I want to be proactive about my self-care and circumvent the stress-eat cycle . . . it might be useful to give myself what I need FIRST. What did I need? When I tuned in to my intuition, these are the words that popped up: curiosity, peace, love, play, intuition, enlightenment, kindness, security, sweetness, presence, permission, tranquility, attentiveness to self, laughter, and imagination.
So I wondered, what would happen if I put a pocket of kindness into my morning, or a pocket of sweetness into my afternoon . . . or what might a pocket of permission look like in my life? This is when my “pocket quilt” was born—finished yesterday!–which is entitled I Choose. If you click on the detail shot below, you will see that each of the pockets of this quilt is named with a quality.
I Choose, details
If you could choose to experience any quality or qualities today, what would you choose?
Oh I love this idea so much. What a wonderful creative way to give yourself what you need. I know some kids who I work with who would love this idea- definitely sharing this!
Petrea, I am so happy to be pulling together art and healing and self-care. Have fun with the kids–they’ll probably find a new, better way to use it for themselves.
This is one of the most inspiring quilts I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know you could have so many possibilities with this kind of art. The color combination is beautiful! Very warm. 🙂
Lindsay, Oh, the possibilities with fabric and art are endless! I am glad you enjoy this piece.
Lindsay, Thank you! Yes, making art & borrowing from the quilting tradition . . . endless possibilities. Glad you enjoyed it.
What a wonderful idea – and such a lovely capturing it into form! Pockets of possiblities to choose from – it feels so expansive and delicious.
Janet I am in awe once again of your incredibly creative talented and gifted energy that you allow to flow through you into each unique piece that you create. It’s absolutely beautiful. And all the different pockets of possibilities what a great idea. Thank you for sharing with us.
What a great idea. I choose to experience peace, compassion and inspiration.
Perfect, Michele! Today, I choose Love, Enlightenment, and Kindness.
I love the vibrant colors and healing phrases you created. To art!
I loved this and can so relate your post about stress eating. What a wonderful idea! I may make a mini-quilt to keep at my desk for when I feel the stress rising and the Snicker’s candy bar calling! Tonight, I would choose security, peace, motivation and contentment. Good luck on your self-care journey. I will take your pocket of sweetness with me. 🙂
Karen, Wonderful choices. Sweetness is one of my favorites, too.
That is a gorgeous quilt, Janet! Wow. I love the theme too! How fun!
Pat Kaluza. I actually had my first astrology reading from her. My sister, Kim, had a reading from her and was inspired to study astrology and now she has taken several levels of training in astrology and it is very much a part of who she is. I haven’t thought of Pat Kaluza for years. That is so cool!
Janet, this is a beautiful piece on so many levels, from conception to finished product. As a fellow stress eater I can totally relate to the need to reach for something soothing. Much better than a post-it note on the refrigerator 🙂