Happy Accidents

Happy Accident?

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Look for ‘Happy Accidents’ and appreciate them!

Seek to discover what has creatively occurred in spite of your influence –

you might find it to be most unpredictably stunning,

and will go far beyond your initial imaginings.” 

-VICKI FISH

Years ago, I attended my first quilt show. Perhaps I should have been more inclined to remember a certain intricate pattern or exquisite design, as there were many on display. Instead, I took away an unusual gift of understanding, and it has served me well throughout many years, most particularly at times when I find I have made a mistake (big or small)...

Quilters of long ago would intentionally create a “mistake” tucked within their quilt pattern. To the quilters, the mistake gave homage to Divine presence - God lived right there within the faltered stitch that diverted away from expectedness. When I happen to come across an aged handcrafted quilt, I look intently to discover if the quilter included, unreservedly, their mistake within the beauty of their creation – if I find it, I simply smile knowingly.

In my own life, I have learned to become far more open to the inspirational influence secluded within my mistakes. I am humbled, yet if I go beyond my initial humiliation, I seem to attract the prospect of something else that was best described as a "Happy Accident" by my former art instructor,Vicki Fish.

Sometimes, when I do see, or even remember, my mistakes… I realize it is okay to simply smile softly and recognize that appreciation just might be my very best response...