Some personal background from Joyce Drexler on the creative birthing of the "Inspirational Concepts in Sulky" embroidery card she designed:

I was born in 1950 and grew up during the 60's and 70's in a middle-class family in a very small town. Like many of you I thought all family dynamics must be like mine. I never knew I could make choices in life. It wasn't until I was married, had a child of my own, divorced after five years of marriage, got remarried to a very compassionate man and made a friend (who became my mentor, closest friend and executive assistant and who must be an angel on earth) who through many long talks, suggested reading and example taught me the most profound lesson in my life - that I can make choices.

As simple as that sounds to me today, 25 years ago I did not know it. I lived a very depressed, closed life. I did not know love as I do today. I lived in fear of failure constantly - not knowing that with God's help I could control my every thought and action. No longer did I feel that my family, society, friends, ex-husband, work, government, religion or my past determined who I was and how I had to live. I could make my own choices! "Let go and let God" became my mantra. I can choose to be happy, positive and loving to myself and others instead of letting my past and "automatic pilot" take me over into a sea of doubt, worry and pain.

I used to tell grown-ups who asked me as a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" that I wanted to be a good mother and an artist. I've worked hard to be both through positive choices. In art, through my embroidery, I've tried to express this and share my freedom of choice with you. It is my hope that through "Inspirational Concepts" you will find a message of love and peace that might make your life one filled with positive choices. Choose love - pass it on!