my word of the year

I had a hard time choosing a word of the year for 2016. I had a list of potential words that I actually began months ago, but none of them felt exactly right. I seriously considered the word "enchantment" inspired by the book Big Magic, but then I thought "holy cow, that's a long word! How am I going to get that on a quilt?" LOL. 

Once I found my word, though, I never looked back. I knew it was exactly right for me at this time in this place....

There are so many directions I can go with the word Explore! I plan to explore my relationship with God, where He wants me and what He wants me to be doing to serve Him. I plan to explore new hobbies, because, honestly, who doesn't need another hobby or two??? I want to explore new books, new authors and new ideas. And who knows what else will come along for me to explore? If there's one thing I've learned in the six years that I've been choosing a word of the year, it's that my word rarely leads me where I expect it to! So, I'm trying hard to be open minded.

The first thing I always do once I've settled on a word is to find myself a new necklace to keep my word ever-present throughout the year. I found this beautiful necklace in Sherry's Etsy shop. 

Even with the business of the holidays, Sherry shipped this off to me right away and I had it in my hands (and around my neck!) within a week! The workmanship is exquisite and Sherry was a joy to work with. You really should go check out her awesome shop (and no, no one paid me to say that!)

Next up, a new vision board and then.... who knows where this will lead me? I'll keep you posted. Have you chosen a word for the new year?