As an artist, I am always wide open to see and hear stories of creative inspiration. Today I heard a story on our Colorado Public Radio that got me kind of choked up – in a good way.

It was the story of how Ryan Speedo Green went from being a high school football player, to a Bass-Baritone advancing to the semi-finals Young Artist competition at the Metropolitan Opera in New York this March.

http://www.instantencore.com/buzz/item.aspx?FeedEntryId=124471

His high school football coach told him to take an easy elective to bring up his GPA. Art was full already (full of other football players!) so 2nd choice for an easy elective was Choir. One the first day of choir class the kids were messing around singing in their pretend "opera voices" and the new choir teacher walked in, and pulled Ryan aside.

http://www.operacolorado.org/education/artists/

To make a long story short, the kid had an amazing voice, a series of voice teachers and mentors appeared to guide him on his path, and the first time he heard an opera live in person it just hit him – that this amazing art form was what he wanted to do. One of his teachers told him at age 15 that one day he would sing at the Met. In March he will sing in the semi-finals in New York.

http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/auditions/national/

So what does a 24 year old African-American football player-turned-opera-singer have to do with quilting, you are wondering? (besides the fact I am betting he has a relative who quilts?!) It is just a reminder that all of us have hidden, undiscovered talents. All it takes is a serendipitous event, a magical moment, a twist of fate ….AND our ability to grasp the opportunity…to embrace the kismet that a newly discovered creative passion can bring to our lives.

That's how I discovered quilting. I had left the fashion design industry in New York, and moved back to Colorado. I was burnt out on the garment industry but still had a deep love for fabric, color and design. One day I saw a quilt magazine on the rack at the local grocery store, and when I opened up the magazine my hair stood on end. I just knew in that moment that this was IT.

http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/about_family.html

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with quilting, sewing or crafting? Do you remember the moment when you realized – This is IT! – and the joy that filled your heart?

Every time I work with color, fabric, design and sewing in my studio…. I feel that same joy.

http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=166

I hope that eQuilter inspires and supports you in feeling that same kind of passion and joy!