Friday, February 27, 2009

something beautiful

It has been fascinating and entertaining and heart-warming for me to 'meet', and converse with bloggers from around the world. I often take comfort from a wise post or comment, I frequently laugh, and I sometimes find myself covered in goosebumps, or close to tears ..... all on account of what others have written. It is a wondrous world out there, and I am now connected to many other people on this earth via the internet.

I met Heather via her blog almost 4 years ago now. What first drew me in was that the things she wrote about parenting just resonated with me so strongly. She sounded like a firm but fun mother. She knew when to enforce the rules, and when to throw them away (like taking her two boys out late to the first night of a long-awaited Harry Potter movie). She knew when to cuddle and pacify, and when to get tough. She sounded like the type of mother I aspired to be. We exchanged comments many times, we began e-mailing, and eventually we became friends. Real friends.

Heather has a best friend named Sharon - an artist who is becoming more and more sought-after. She has had several gallery showings, and in fact has one this weekend. And when Sharon saw a photo of my daughter (from a beach holiday late last year), she had the urge to paint the scene. I told her to go ahead, and was excited just to think she was painting a picture from a photo I'd taken.

And then she SENT me the original watercolour. It is beautiful.




But what is even more beautiful is the generosity of this gift. A woman whom I have never met, who lives on another continent, who knows me only a little, has sent this precious piece of art to me. There was no reason, there was no ulterior motive, she did not ask for any money (and I know for a fact she would have been insulted had I tried to pay). Sharon painted this and she gave it to me, simply because she wanted to make someone else happy.


Sometimes things get me down, sometimes I feel weary with life's trials and tribulations. But every day, if only I take time to notice, there are all sorts of kindnesses shown - thoughtful acts, warm words, or even simply the gentle overlooking of my mistakes by the people around me. I am surrounded by beauty.


I am so grateful not just for the painting, but also for the spirit in which it was given. Sharon, thank you.

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Thank you also to everyone who offered words of empathy and encouragement in response to my last post. I was a little in the doldrums, and it meant a lot to me that so many of you took the time to verbally give me a boost out of the pit of self-pity I'd fallen into! Many thanks :-)

25 comments:

Mary said...

Such a very special parallel universe we live in ! And then when we meet in real life I have found it to be just as special..

thisisme said...

What a truly beautiful gift. And a truly beautiful painting.

fifi said...

you know, you probably don't realise how happy you make people. It is good to know you here in the virtual universe...and in real life even nicer!! which is a bonus!!


hurrah!

Elaine said...

That a truly beautiful painting. If you ever feel down, you have, not only your children, but that painting to recapture a special moment.

rel said...

Jellyhead,
It seems to me that giving hearts attract gifts.
rel

John Cowart said...

Thanks for to you and Sharon for sharing the beautiful painting; I did a save-as and used this picture as my desktop background for today.

Susan Tidwell said...

Wow, echoes of 'random acts of kindness' here, awesome!

Heather said...

Sharon knows you're wonderful because I tell her all the time. :-)

She has the warmest heart and most beautiful spirit. I am lucky enough to benefit from her beauty and warmth every day.

The painting is beautiful and I am so glad you love it. I know Sharon was thrilled to give it to you.

I am so lucky to have two such wonderful friends!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much, Jelly! I just enjoyed painting the picture so much and when it was done, I knew it belonged to you already. :)

I may have an art opening tonight but this is my favorite kind of artwork -- the kind that is simply given, like apples from a tree. I think all art should be like that really....

I am so happy that you and your family are enjoying it!!

Pam said...

Oh, how lovely. I do really think that most people are basically kind. And it's so cheering to have such evidence of this.

Mimi said...

Yeah for the human race!

Unknown said...

Despite what people say about how terrible the world is, when you look around and get involved, you understand that it is a wonderful world, filled with incredible people and there is an amazing generosity of spirit pervading oue universe. :)

The painting is beautiful...

TUFFENUF said...

What a beautiful gesture from a fellow blogger. We are lucky to have found our blogger friends. I have really enjoyed it too, meeting people from all over the world!

Stomper Girl said...

Wow, what a gorgeous, gorgeous picture. Sharon is very talented as you say. And let's not forget the talented chick who took the inspirational photo. Or the glamorous model.

Michelle said...

Beautiful painting - and what a lovely story to it too.
Not only are you so thrilled but for Laura too.

Puss-in-Boots said...

What a lovely gift and a beautiful tribute to friends, Jelly. As for self pity, sometimes we need it, because we're the only ones who can give it to ourselves at that moment. It's not a bad thing, it just is.

Enjoy your gift, not only for its beauty, but for the friendship behind it.

Cindy said...

A lovely gift--the painting captures so much, doesn't it? And it has a Mary Cassatt feel, too. I love her work as well. Little children are so lovely to paint--their innocence shining through - just like this painting of your daughter who looks so lost in thought.

Alipurr said...

wow. What a beautiful painting! blogging is an amazing thing

meggie said...

I often wish I could meet, in real life, some of the wonderful people I have met online. It is true, we seem to build a relationship, & a MIRL (Meeting in real life) would just be like meeting old friends.
The painting is a wonderful gift, & I feel it captures Laura, from what I have got to know of her, through your blogging.
Wonderful, feeling, beautiful gift!!

Mackey said...

What a beautiful bloggy friend. Gorgeous painting!

Princess Banter said...

I absolutely adore that painting!!!!! Gorgeous...

John Cowart said...

Hi Jellyhead,

Today is March 27th.

Still "a little in the doldrums...the pit of self-pity"?

I've checked for a new post from you daily, and the longer it goes, the more concerned I get about you. Hard to know when to push and when to back off and give you space... Whatever it is you're going through, you still have friends out here who care.

Endure.

freefalling said...

And today is 3rd April.
You okay?

Jellyhead said...

Thank you so much freefalling and John - I'm fine. Just busy and a bit stressed at times, like the rest of the world I spose! Posting now.....

Kerri said...

Hello sweet Jelly! It was lovely to hear from you this morning :) I've been sadly neglectful, but I have honestly thought of you often. As you say, our blog friendships are real (and treasured!)...even though we've never met.
Sharon's gesture is as beautiful as her painting.
she has so skillfully captured the essense of your sweet Laura, and the innocence of children in this work of art.
It's a precious gift to be treasured always, and a heartwarming story. Thanks for sharing that wonderful gift with us.