Jack Kornfield, American author and teacher, who trained in Thailand as a Buddhist monk, did an exercise where he asked everyone to imagine they were close to death. And then he asked – in those final moments what held the most importance for them. Most people did not list all the things they’d accomplished, prizes or awards they’d won, the amount of money they had or had made. Most people mentioned loved ones, family members, friendships, and community. When I contemplate this question I always come up with the same thing: family, friends and community and gratitude for all that I have, and not what I haven’t.
This past year has been challenging. There’s no way around that. However gratitude is always there, waiting for me to turn my attention to it. So today I am thinking of my family, my wonderful friends around the world and the community of hand stitchers that I have found. This last is fairly new. However, the gratitude I feel for all these people, most of whom I’ve never met in real life is profound. For any of you who love to hand stitch and are not in my Ariane Zurcher Stitching Circle group on Facebook, join us! We are a loving, supportive, fun, creative group dedicated to bringing joy through hand stitching.) I am thinking of all of you and am grateful for each of you. This community has been the bright light during dark times.
I wish each of you a joyful day, whether you are able to be with family or not. Tomorrow I am doing a Livestream for all my fabulous patrons, and next week I will do a livestream for everyone and anyone who cares to join in. For those of you who are not versed in what livestreaming is, here’s an example:
As the holidays are upon us, stitching is the remedy for any and all feelings, whether they are joyful or filled with sadness, stitching brings me such solace. May you find what brings you solace too.
Ariane, I have really enjoyed watching your videos and participating in Livestreams. Hand stitching has kept me sane this past year! Thank you for your help and expertise! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Connie Strause
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Thank you Connie. Happy Thanksgiving to you! ❤️
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Happy Thanksgiving Ariane. How wonderful you should have your family close to you today and Celeste together. Have a lovely day.
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Thank you Sandi. ❤️
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Happy thanksgiving to,you and your family! I am so grateful for,you!
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Thank you Theresa! I feel the same. ❤️
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Thanksgiving is the time of year to give thanks for all the blessings throughout the year. And you are one of them! When I make my bed each morning I give thanks for your creativity, ingenuity and industriousness in designing and giving me this quilt under which I have sweet dreams. ❤️ 💕 💗 Mom
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I’m so glad you still are enjoying that quilt. The first one I made!! Or I should say the first proper quilt that I made and covered in hand stitching. I thought of you with each stitch! Remember the other two “quilts” we made together that we then brought up to the cabin? Oh how much I’ve learned since then! I love you Mom. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. I wish you were here with us. ❤️
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I wish too that we could be together, but my love is with you always.
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In those final moments, I will think of those I love whom I will leave behind, but also looking forward to those who I will soon meet again.
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❤️
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