Shine! (Part I of II)

My quilt has been the center of many stories shared during long ago seminars. I’ll share one now and one next week (I could share a story a week for a year, but I won’t put you through that).

What you see here is section of a large antique quilt of many stars, and then a close-up of part of part of a star.

Let’s say the entire quilt represents the memories of someone’s hard-earned, once-a-year vacation (and maybe their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Colorado).

The quilt is then a collage, with each small piece of fabric, representing a memory from the vacation. The creator easily recalls each memory as their fingers move across the pieces.

So, each individual piece is an incredible Colorado mountain scene, a stop to marvel at nature, a hysterical laugh, a loving moment, a scrumptious meal, a tough uphill hike, a campfire, the oozing s’mores, a fun photo opp, … memories they will remember and cherish forever!

Or it could also be a blown tire, a meal prepared incorrectly, a spilled glass of wine (what a waste!), a broken bone from a fall, a grumpy clerk or waiter or campground host, or loud noises in the middle of the night, or a closed road due to an accident or mud slide.

Now, let’s imagine that the person is actually a guest at your park, so you’re a part of the quilt!

When that guest returns to the real world and marvels over the quilt of memories of their hard-earned vacation, what kind of piece do you want representing the memories of your park?

Picture the entire quilt, and then be the finger as it moves across the pieces.

A torn and ragged piece of dull fabric?

Or one that stands out as a shining star?

You can’t control the entire vacation, and you can’t even always control everything at your own park, but you can always aim to exceed their expectations.

This summer is nearing its end. It’s highly likely that weariness set in a few weeks ago. It’s possible the park isn’t as pristine as it was on opening day.

This year, fuses seem to be shorter. The pandemic and the political situations weigh heavily, even upon those who think otherwise. It’s been a rougher year!

BUT ….

YOU  can do it! You got this! Keep being the shining piece in the memories your guests are making!

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You can read Shine! (Part II of II) by clicking here.

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(~ Images and words by Mary Arlington)