Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Cheer


Sorry, I haven't done any painting, but have finished this applique wall hanging (it is a pattern by The Chook Shed - well I think it is by memory). It is a teacher gift (school finishes next week here in Australia and the children start their new school year at the end of January with new teachers). Over the years I have made countless Away in the Manager wall hangings for friends and teachers - yes, that's right, so many I have lost count. Do I have one myself? Nooooo. I have never had the time to make one for me. Do you find that? Do you give away everything you make and have nothing left but memories? I love to see the joy my creations give to others, but gee I wish I had some of my stuff for display in my own home, LOL. Three of my angel paintings have gone to their new homes. My work colleague was thrilled with hers, so were the rest of the staff, they all want one of their own. One work friend was talking about how she hadn't had enough money to buy much for her Secret Santa person and asked how long it would take for me to paint an angel. I explained that it was quite time consuming and I wouldn't be able to do it for a week. Meanwhile her Secret Sister recipient asked if I could paint her an angel with brown hair and blue eyes and that she would pay me for it. When I got home I wrapped up the brown haired, blue eyed angel and gave it to my work friend to give to her Secret Santa recipient. She was overcome, and just about shed tears - she was so grateful. I said, if I had another one she could have that for herself and have promised to paint her one of her own as soon as I can. It was such a good feeling to make someone's simple wish come true. It was quite weird actually, because the painting was destined for someone in the UK, but for a couple of days I had been having second thoughts about sending it, so I guess that must have been the reason. Christmas really is about the joy of giving.

10 comments:

Chavah Kinloch said...

Oh wow Aunty Brenda. I LOVE this story! Thank you for taking part. I'm so excited and thankful for the people getting involved. You are so talented. I could see everything you wrote playing out in my head.

Heather Robinson said...

I agreed with so much in this post. I too give almost everything I make away to others. Sometimes they are difficult to send away but I know that others appreciate them. That's one of the reasons I create art...to share and cheer and to learn. Sounds like you feel the same. What a kind heart you have. This wall hanging is so lovely.

Teri Leigh said...

You have such a generous soul. I hope you will be blessd for your generosity beyond the joy you have given by your paintings and wall hangings. I used to make a lot of gifts especialy when I was quilting and I loved seeing the faces of those I gave to. I haven't done that much lately because I don't have a lot of time. You reminded me how important that is. Thanks for sharing your story.

Trish said...

thank you Brenda! you always make me feel better:) I bet it wouldn't take you long to get back into it whenever you do start drawing again!

Sleepandhersisters said...

I am the same as you, I never do any work for myself, my walls are bare.

Lovely post.

Trish said...

thank you :) Is that how many there is? I never look past the first ones so it doesn't overwhelm me!
Hope your having a good week-I think I am going to go back to sleep for a bit:) thought I was ready to get up but it was a false alarm!

Linda said...

Your wall hanging is so cute. I love it. It was sweet of you to give your angel to someone who would appreciated it.

Trish said...

thanks Brenda:)
I'm on my way out the door (well, I SHOULD be anyways!) so I'll keep it short today! Have a great day
Trish

Linda said...

Hi Brenda, You asked how my christmas card is being printed. I'm using my color laser printer to print them out. They don't look professional by any means but that's OK, they are "handmade" after all. :)

Fannie said...

Ahhh, gifts from the heart--gifts of love, the joy of giving. I believe generosity breeds success. You're a heart sprinkler, spreading kindness in your travels. I imagine you're a blessed woman and artist. Good for you!