Thursday, November 15, 2007

Something Important...

...happened to me today.

I'd like to share it with you, if you'll take a moment to listen.

Unless you are a very new reader, you'll know that my hobby is making rosaries. I make rosaries of all sorts, but mostly of the Episcopal/Anglican variety. I have always found it to be a very personal piece of ministry... so that I could be of some assistance in the prayer life of someone else who might benefit. I have been making these things for a few years now, and for the most part, I just give them away to those in need.

As a result of having posted pictures of my work here on my blog, Many of you have been kind enough to tell me that you think that I should sell them, and recoup some of my costs... well, I have thought about that and at long last, I came to a decision a few months ago.

A few months ago, when the Virginia weather was still blazing hot, I made a trip to the Washington National Cathedral. While in the gift shop, which I and my family REALLY love, I saw some Episcopal rosaries for sale... and thought that I could do better. I got the name of the shop's buyer whom I contacted the next day. The buyer told me that the shop already had some Episcopal rosaries, and that she doubted that they could use anymore... she told me that she would meet with me in .... November.

Well, today was the day of our meeting, and even though she kept me waiting, the buyer greeted me warmly, and we got right down to it. I showed he nearly twenty samples of my work... and she bought seven of them!

You friend Gunfighter is now a paid artisan!

My work will be sold through the National Cathedral, here in Washington, DC.

I can't tell you how pleased I am.

I am over the moon.

I am giddy.

I called my grandmother, and she wept with joy.

I have never had a prouder moment.

Geeky. Yes, I know... but I am still exceptionally excited.

For my entire adult life, I have been valued for my ability to kill and destroy. Being able to be lauded for my ability to create is almost more than I can take.

Please enjoy this moment with me.

GF

30 comments:

super des said...

congrats! that is great news!

MedStudentWife said...

:D... massive wide grin !!!! As they would say here "Good'un ya"

Kateastrophe said...

That is so great!! Congrats! You totally deserve the recognition!

PunditMom said...

NOT geeky. Absolutely wonderful and inspiring. Even though I am not a rosary person, I admire the beauty of the ones you make and the commitment you have in this very personal effort.

AB said...

Sweet! Congrats! So is an Episcopal rosary the same as a Catholic rosary?

CamiKaos said...

what a truly wonderful day for you. Congrats.

Me. Here. Right now. said...

That is incredibly exciting - congratulations!

Lady M said...

That's fabulous!

Beautiful work.

cathouse teri said...

Very sweet. Rewards and appreciation for doing the thing you love.

Hey, I was in DC last weekend! I'm in Virginia for good now. And for bad. ;)

It was an interesting story, my DC trip. And not altogether pleasant. I'll tell it to you someday.

Congrats on the happiness.

Annie said...

Congratulations! I know the buzz one gets from a store owner wanting to carry your work - it happened to me ages ago and never came to fruition for a number of reasons - but it was still nice to be asked lol!

I'm going to show my shameful ignorance of other religions now and tell you that I thought it was only us Catholics that used Rosaries. I'd love to know more about Episcopal Rosaries.

Heather said...

How fabulous!

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news GF! Your rosaries are simply beautiful, so I think it was only logical ;o)

(every time I see mine I smile)

jessabean said...

Oh, that's soooo wonderful! Not geeky at all. What an honor!

Congrats, GF! I'll see you later tonight and perhaps discuss purchasing a rosary for myself. :)

Red said...

Congratulations! That's awesome!

Fourier Analyst said...

That is just so coooooll!! No wonder you are proud! You have every right to be! It is really great to be able to get recognition for your creative abilities, Congratulations and celebrations are in order!

Jen said...

That is absolutely wonderful!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Anonymous said...

That is amazing! Congratulations. :) I will have to see if I can fit a Cathedral trip in while I'm there next weekend to pick up one of your beautiful creations.

dawn224 said...

I'm Episcopalian.

And I have TEARS in my eyes for you.

Awesome.

Desert Songbird said...

Wonderful news! I'm thrilled for you! Isn't it wonderful to have someone acknowledge and appreciate our God-given gifts?

soccer mom in denial said...

THAT IS SO COOL!

No, it is WICKED COOL!

No, it is WICKED AWESOME!!!!!!!

Somehow escalating it to wicked pissah (pisser) seems inappropriate considering we're talking about rosaries.

I get the same feeling with photographs. I'm so proud of you for doing something about it.

YIPEEEEEE!!!

Anonymous said...

So great!! Congratulations GF!!

Gunfighter said...

Thank you, everyone!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, my friend. I'm so glad you're being recognized for your gift of peace. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Aww that's awesome.

Anonymous said...

You are an angel, you know that sir?

Lawyer Mama said...

That is FANTASTIC! Congratulations. You deserve it.

Jackie said...

That is wonderful news! Your rosaries are gorgeous! Congratulations!

Lotus (Sarcastic Mom) said...

Congratulations! That is just wonderful. :-)

Bubblewench said...

That is totally awesome! Congratulations.

Anonymous said...

Dear GF:

Congratulations! I just happened to come across your blog while doing a search on "Anglican" and "rosary." I have just started a blog on Anglican and other forms of rosaries to support a book I just wrote on the subject. I was wondering if I might interview you for my blog - www.kimberlywinston.wordpress.com - about how you came into this hobby and why you do it. Your story sounds really lovely. Let me know!!!