In art, a commission is the hiring and payment for the creation of a piece, often on behalf of another. Artwork may be commissioned by private individuals, the government, or businesses (Wikipedia).
I had planned to ride the Bosque with Hannah yesterday morning. Unfortunately, about half an hour before I was due to leave, I picked up Mercy and she attempted to launch herself from my arms, resulting in a pulled muscle in my back. The injury didn't leave me entirely down and out, but it was painful enough to render me unequal to a two hour bike ride. My original plan for the day also included a trip to some sewing shops in search of the final pieces of fabric I needed for the baby quilt. Since my morning plans were derailed, Matthew offered to accompany me on my quest. After dropping Abraham off at preschool, Matthew, Mercy, and I headed across town to Quilt Works. I brought a few sections I had finished piecing in order to ensure a good match. One lady took special notice of my applique and called her co-workers over to admire my work. She was very impressed that it was my first attempt at the technique, but more particularly that I had designed the owls myself. After chatting a bit more about some of the other things I've done, she asked if I might be interested in a job. I explained that I still have kids at home, so a day job really isn't an option right now, but mentioned that if they ever had people come in looking for someone to make quilts they could pass my name along. She took down my information and told me not to forget the offer once my kids are all in school. We had spent a few more minutes looking around when the store manager approached me. She asked if I might be interested in being a modeler, or someone who makes the quilts they sell kits for to put on display as a sort of advertisement. I wouldn't exactly get paid, but they'd provide the kit and I would get to keep the piece I make after it's been on display for a season. I said I would be interested, and the manager went and got the owner. She seemed very pleased with me and sent me on my way with a $105 Christmas kit to be sewn and brought back in four weeks. I'm pleased with the arrangement, as it is something I can do on my own time at home, it will give me lots of good practice, and it will begin to spread my name and sewing reputation. Besides all that, it was a great boost to my morale and crafting self esteem.
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Commission can also mean an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts (Merriam-Webster).
Yesterday evening I had the privilege of sitting with the sister missionaries and two great kids William (10) and Isabelle (almost 12) as they took their turns being interviewed for baptism. Their mom has recently started coming back to church, and the siblings have been attending primary. They desired to be baptized, so the Sisters taught them the discussions and a date was set. Driving home last night, I felt so grateful to be some small part of that process. This morning we all drove down to the Stake Center to support them in their important decision. They were radiant and I felt so happy for them and their family. I forget sometimes that many of the very happiest seasons of my life have been when I've been anxiously engaged in sharing the Gospel. When I get overwhelmed or underwhelmed or find myself in a general state of dissatisfaction, I need only remember that as a covenant keeping member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have be commissioned to share the good news of the Gospel with everyone around me. That, more than almost anything else, never fails to give me a purpose and perspective that always results in greater personal joy and happiness.
I had planned to ride the Bosque with Hannah yesterday morning. Unfortunately, about half an hour before I was due to leave, I picked up Mercy and she attempted to launch herself from my arms, resulting in a pulled muscle in my back. The injury didn't leave me entirely down and out, but it was painful enough to render me unequal to a two hour bike ride. My original plan for the day also included a trip to some sewing shops in search of the final pieces of fabric I needed for the baby quilt. Since my morning plans were derailed, Matthew offered to accompany me on my quest. After dropping Abraham off at preschool, Matthew, Mercy, and I headed across town to Quilt Works. I brought a few sections I had finished piecing in order to ensure a good match. One lady took special notice of my applique and called her co-workers over to admire my work. She was very impressed that it was my first attempt at the technique, but more particularly that I had designed the owls myself. After chatting a bit more about some of the other things I've done, she asked if I might be interested in a job. I explained that I still have kids at home, so a day job really isn't an option right now, but mentioned that if they ever had people come in looking for someone to make quilts they could pass my name along. She took down my information and told me not to forget the offer once my kids are all in school. We had spent a few more minutes looking around when the store manager approached me. She asked if I might be interested in being a modeler, or someone who makes the quilts they sell kits for to put on display as a sort of advertisement. I wouldn't exactly get paid, but they'd provide the kit and I would get to keep the piece I make after it's been on display for a season. I said I would be interested, and the manager went and got the owner. She seemed very pleased with me and sent me on my way with a $105 Christmas kit to be sewn and brought back in four weeks. I'm pleased with the arrangement, as it is something I can do on my own time at home, it will give me lots of good practice, and it will begin to spread my name and sewing reputation. Besides all that, it was a great boost to my morale and crafting self esteem.
***
Commission can also mean an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts (Merriam-Webster).
Yesterday evening I had the privilege of sitting with the sister missionaries and two great kids William (10) and Isabelle (almost 12) as they took their turns being interviewed for baptism. Their mom has recently started coming back to church, and the siblings have been attending primary. They desired to be baptized, so the Sisters taught them the discussions and a date was set. Driving home last night, I felt so grateful to be some small part of that process. This morning we all drove down to the Stake Center to support them in their important decision. They were radiant and I felt so happy for them and their family. I forget sometimes that many of the very happiest seasons of my life have been when I've been anxiously engaged in sharing the Gospel. When I get overwhelmed or underwhelmed or find myself in a general state of dissatisfaction, I need only remember that as a covenant keeping member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have be commissioned to share the good news of the Gospel with everyone around me. That, more than almost anything else, never fails to give me a purpose and perspective that always results in greater personal joy and happiness.
2 comments:
That's exciting. I hope this can blossom for you since you enjoy quilting so much.
You are a rock star! Great job with the owl quilt and hooray for the new gig with the store! That's so fun. It's nice to be recognized, huh? :-)
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