Sometimes You Just Show Up and Trust the Journey

Strike a Pose - Original Fiber Art by Deb Deaton

The Call

Tomorrow, I’ll be driving to Phoenix for the AQG State Quilt Show… and I just got a call that one of my pieces received an award.

The funny thing is—I have no idea what it is.

So now, instead of heading up on Saturday like I had planned, I’ll be hitting the road tomorrow for a four-hour drive with a whole lot of anticipation riding along with me.

Letting Go

And honestly? It got me thinking.

As artists, we spend so much time in the making. The hours, the problem-solving, the starting over, the pushing through when something just isn’t working. We pour ourselves into these pieces—sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months… sometimes longer.

And then at some point, we let them go.

We send them off to a show. We hang them in a gallery. We release them into the world—and whatever happens next is out of our hands.

That’s the part people don’t always see.

Whispers from the Canyon - Original Fiber Art by Deb Deaton

One of my pieces—either Strike a Pose or Whispers from the Canyon —represents time, energy, frustration, breakthroughs, and a whole lot of heart. And while I’m incredibly excited to find out what the award is, I’m also realizing that something shifted the moment I got that call.

Because before I even know the outcome… I already feel grateful.

Grateful to be part of the show.

Grateful to be creating.

Grateful to still feel that spark that keeps me coming back into the studio, day after day.

What Matters Most

And as excited as I am about this moment, there’s something that would mean even more to me.

Seeing one of my students standing up there—hearing their name called for first place—would absolutely light me up. Because teaching has become such a meaningful part of my journey. Watching others grow, take risks, and discover their own creative voice… that’s where the real magic happens.

If one of my students ever takes first place over me, I’ll be the one cheering the loudest.

Tomorrow, I’ll make the drive. I’ll walk into that space, see my work among so many other incredible artists, and finally find out what this is all about.

But today… I’m just sitting in that in-between moment.

And there’s something really beautiful about that too.

Stay tuned… 💛