If you asked God to grant your biggest dream, what would it be? My answer would be different depending on when you asked me. Some dreams come and go, while others stick with you, and others you work diligently to see to fruition.
My first dream? A happy, healthy marriage. No small feat for any couple, but my parents experienced an acrimonious divorce, my dad’s been married three times, and my mother all but swore off men. Not exactly a start that holds hope for marital bliss. When I married David, I had no experience with what a stable, Christian marriage could be. This month we will be celebrating 20 years of just that. Thanks God.
My second dream? Motherhood. I didn’t grow up imagining being married or having children. I came from a unique family, and my mom really encouraged me to get my education and be a career woman so I could be independent and support myself no matter what happened to me in life. I did all that, married a delightful man, and five years later we had a son. Another five years later I gave birth to our second son. Two of the most wonderful boys you will ever meet. Again, thanks God. I was, after all, a good mother. Maybe even a great one.
My third dream? Interestingly, I didn’t even have the imagination for this one. All I knew is that I loved books. I grew up quite the bookworm, often getting lost in the library shelves at my school, rereading my favorites and discovering new volumes with glee. Librarians loved seeing me come through the door and would guide to me the newest titles. On Career Day, we students heard from laywers, doctors, policemen, and of course, teachers. Not a single author in the bunch. It never occurred to me I could become one.
So it is with great pride, humility, and joy that I share my latest news: Color Mastery is a finalist for the Benjamin Franklin 2009 award for Best Craft Book of the year. I am being recognized for excellence in publishing. I’m a publisher. Not just the author and quilt designer (which would be quite enough, thank you!), but I’m also the editorial director, sales and marketing team, and finance department. It’s a job whose work never ends, but on most days it doesn’t seem like work. Instead, it feels like. . . . .bliss.
So again, thanks God. And thanks to all of the quilters who have been so loyal to me in supporting Color Mastery. Quilters are really the big winners here, as you are getting some incredibly creative, beautiful, and outstanding books from independent presses. In fact, all three finalists in the Craft category for the awards are quilting books. Wow.
Come celebrate with me this enormous accomplishment. It’s going to be a month-long party here and at my Color Mastery blog. I’ll be holding contests, giving away stuff, and will be offering many surprises along the way. Let the party begin!
Congratulations Maria!!! Ever since I purchased your book, Color Mastery, I have been telling people (quilters) about it, how really fabulous it is. There isn’t another book for quilters that can compare to it, in my opinion. You have worked so hard to gain this recognition and you certainly deserve the award. I hope it will be yours! Meanwhile, just the honor of being nominated is “the best”. I’m sure all of your faithful followers feel as I do and wish you the very best and continuing success in your endeavors as an artist and quilter. You have my vote!
Maria – Wonderful!!! I, too, am going to celebrate a 20th wedding anniversary this year – didn’t believe it was possible to be happily married. (After two really miserable marriages, I thought “happily married” was the biggest oxymoron ever!!!!) Your book, as well as your life – a celebration!
Congratulations Michelle. Can you believe you’ve been together 20 years? It doesn’t seem possible to me.
Congratulations on all you have accomplished! Sorry, I’m a bit off the calendar. We had a daughter, her children and grandchildren visit for the Easter Holiday. And then we turned around and went out of state to visit more family. Wonderful!
Your book is truly wonderful.