In an article I have just written for a magazine to premier in late November, I referred to the embroidery and design work I do as "my life's work". The questions stemmed from this has made me want to clarify what "life's work" means..... Do I earn a steady income to support myself with this "life's work"?.......noWhile I do get paid well for the work I do....one piece can take from 6 weeks to months to a year to complete. The payment not being received until that piece is finished. One reason I do not have a website....I cannot handle more than 3 customers at a time.
Am I well known.....famous...for the work I do? No, and I am not worried about "fame" to be involved with my work. I am known for my work by only a handful of folks, who know me or who I have done work for. I do the work I do, because it's who I am, it's what makes me.....
me.
So how can I say this is my "life's work"? Well there is a difference is "life's work" and the term making a living. I have worn many hats in the work field....hanging them all up when I received the crown of motherhood, where I have spent over half of my life, devoted to the care of my family. This is what takes first place in my life. In the spare time.........
I have spent 40 years learning and working with embroidery and design .......my passion....what I would rather do if there were only one thing in the world left for me to do........"my life's work". It is how I express myself,..... my therapy....my happiness, in a world so full of rush and demand.
How about you? What are you passionate about when all work has been done? When all demands have been met? What inspires you and makes your hands want to create?
What is your "life's work"? I would love to hear.
Unfortunately I don't seem to have a 'life's work' or passion I'd like to call it. Somethign that I could do that would bring me joy and be relaxing to do. I want to get back into doing something other than work and being on the internet. Just don't know where to start. I enjoy lots of htings, just dont' do them. You do such beautiful work and it shows that you enjoy doing it.
ReplyDeleteThis post was so encouraging. For years I have collected hand work from garage sales and thrift stores because of the tangible love worked in. You reminded us to not diminish our gifts, those things that we enjoy and seem to do effortlessly with ease. Thanks. Your work is delicious.
ReplyDeleteOh my, what a precious post. I am so proud of you and hope the article turns out well. It is a pity you can't handle a web site. You'd have to have 4 lives, and 8 arms, then you'd look funny, so drop that thought. hee hee
ReplyDeleteGrammyof13
What a neat post. It is so nice that you have found and so enjoy your passion. And that you share it with others. I too enjoy working with needle and thread but I'd have to say that if I have a "life work" it is appreciating nature - from sunsets to spider webs.
ReplyDeleteMy life's work...it's a question mark right now. I've been way too busy with my career & now with my son to really pause to figure what it might be. All the best with your life's work! I totally enjoy seeing through this blog all the things that you create.
ReplyDeleteKathleen....I loved reading this...finding your life's work....especially something that brings you joy is something so many look for. I have many things that bring me joy....I'm not sure if I can name just one thing....hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations upon your article upcoming in a magazine. Your "life work" of embroidery is beautiful and truly a gift from God. I know your work brings a lot of joy to many, many people. Thank you for sharing your many talents with us.
Wonderful words, Kathleen. You are such a gifted artist. Your passion for your work shows!! I love the vegetable motif as well as the lovely butterfly. Your article sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI think God gifts each of us with at least one passion. For me it's my writing. But if I could do handwork like you I would give it up with a smile and never look back! Thank you for sharing your gift with the rest of us.