Our chosen creative life never fails to humble and inspire through the custom project we embark on, and the customers we meet. And this year, even in its unprecedented psychosis, is no exception.
As we @gallerys_choice continue in 2020 to personally sail on into the abyss of uncertainty: Covid; open heart surgery and recovery; the loss of our livelihood from our store’s closure (due to Covid restrictions and mandates); and today, caring for an aged parent at life’s inevitable conclusion. We continue through as we can, working our passion to serve customers by creating works of lasting beauty.
In the midst of all that is happening in the world, I admit, sometimes I find myself wondering: “Am I doing the right thing? Am I doing something meaningful, helpful and productive for my family and worthwhile for the community?” Certainly, our art creation and teaching services are not deemed “essential” by any recent governmental definitions. What is “essential” in my life is not necessarily necessity for anyone else – I know. I get it. But what is it that I can do to make things better?
But then, just as this crest-fallen soul begins seriously to question its direction – something happens. And right then and there, I am humbled, as I have many times been during my tenure in business, by how artfully and divinely everything is put in perspective.
The customer story surrounding our current Snowflakes commission project provided me this powerful and meaningful perspective. And one I wish to share with all of you.
Our customer’s story:
It was a fateful Thanksgiving morning, almost one year ago to the date, which started with the customary lighting of an outdoor smoker-cooker at the crack of dawn in preparation for the all-day turkey cooking ritual. With seven grandchildren and a total of 12 people in the home still sleeping, the designated cook tended to the stove and food prep as they had many times before. Meanwhile, the family continued sleeping, blissfully unaware that this day would be nothing like usual.
It only took minutes – less than the time it takes to rinse the turkey, for the accident to happen.
It was a small sound which woke one of the grandchildren, sleeping in a bedroom upstairs. Hearing what seemed to be an unusual sound, she hurried downstairs to alert that something was wrong.
By this time – literally within minutes – flames had spread up the exterior of the house, threatening the lives of those sleeping within it.
Due to the quick thinking of this one grandchild, and the quick and organized response of the first responders ALL twelve family members made it to safety that day. A lifetime of mementos and belongings were lost – including all possessions of four of the grandchildren who were in residence at the grandparent’s home during this time.
This November, almost a year to the day after the fire, the grandparents will move into their newly rebuilt home. And amid this season of Covid, regrettably, they will be moving in without the comfort of having their family with them to celebrate the occasion – but thankful that they have “being with them again” to look forward to.
And the stained glass snowflakes – a remembrance of a season and a tradition that the grandchildren so enjoyed – our humble honor to replicate, giving our work @gallerys_choice a greater purpose and as an essential part of this family’s renewal as they embark on the next chapter in their lives.
I am so thankful to be a part of this family’s new holiday memories!
As we all pass through our difficulties during this time in our lives, take time this season to take stock – not of what was lost – but instead of our many blessings: our family, our community, our special talents. The healing this positive mental perspective graces us with is powerful. It can transcend the difficulty of our current times and take us to a point in time where we can write the next chapter in our lives.
To you and all you love, A Very Happy Thanksgiving!
From all of us at Gallery’s Choice!
Blessing counted!
Beautiful patterns! I hope one day to attempt one! Happy Thanksgiving to you. Prayers & hugs for you during this trying year & hope for a brighter tomorrow.
What a joy to make for them, especially now! I will have all of my tips and tricks ready to share! Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃!!!!
I miss our daily interactions, and think fondly of all the snowflakes you helped me to create last year. We will get though this eventually, and continue on our artistic adventures next year. I miss you two so much, and am thankful that we all still have our health. {{{H|UGS}}}} to you both.
You can’t know how much I miss all the creative !!!! We will be back doing again… soon!😘
Those are so wonderful!! Great Job recreating those memories.
Thank you! They are my joy to make! Can’t wait to get them to their new home!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I miss Wednesday nights. You all have been such a blessing. Hopefully we will all get together soon painting, sharing, and laughing. ❤️
You as well! We will be back to our creative selves soon! Miss everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving Rose Bill and Katie
Thank you for this post reading it Thanksgiving morning helped to put into perspective the “divine order” in life’s events and how each of us can participate in some meaningful way to aid ourselves and others.
Replacing her snowflakes was so kind and constant remembrance of Galleries Choice commitment to art and to their students!
To Oneness
Much love and Light
Lyndi
We find throughout life that we are blessings to each other! Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The snowflakes are beautiful! Enhanced by their meaning capturing family heirlooms and love.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your shop. I was hopeful to return to create a stained glass project this year. I will keep watching. Blessings
Kris Zimmer
Thank you 🙏 and yes, please stay tuned!!! I can’t wait for all of this to be over and to be back sharing and teaching our passion!😍