Behind the Bloom: With Brave Wings She Flies. Art. Healing. Gifts of the Spirit and Friendship
On Thanksgiving this year my dear friend arrived with a cheeseboard full of goodness. We all shared in it and it was delish. When the evening was over and all of our guests went home, the cheeseboard remained. It’s kinda how she rolls. She brings things over and they remain as gifts. No words are shared like, “here’s a gift from me to you.” Just a subtle gesture. It never goes unnoticed by me….EVER ❤️
So this year, when the cheeseboard remained, I cleaned it up and admired how beautiful the wood was: gorgeous in every way, strong, substantial and honest (like my dear friend). And I thought to myself as I admired it for days….
“I’m going to paint this and return it to her on Christmas Eve.”
I debated what it would look like and even solicited ideas from family. Nothing suited. And then I landed on this bloom mashed up with this sentiment because it reminded me of her in every way. How she “shows up” in subtle, quiet ways with her gifts of kindness. How she’s brave in love and sadness and she quietly moves through seeking the positive side of things. How she hurts sometimes, feels vulnerable and run down, but always gets up and then jumps in again. She is not loud and proud, but quiet and flying. I am blessed and so grateful to have this dear friend in my life who has taught me so much and asks for so little.
So, I painted this because I felt her presence and light in every stroke. And when I gave it to her on Christmas Eve, she cried and I knew it was good ❤️ and that’s how it works. And my wish for her is that this painting will remind her she is flying!
Art Heals the Soul
Here’s a few images of the creative process, bringing this painting to life:
May this story give you space to reflect today. We are all doing our own soul work, everyday, yes?
I hope that this work will serve as a beacon of light for you or someone you know/love who is in need of a little hope and healing.
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2 Responses
So beautiful. I am fortunate to have a friend like that.
Isn’t it wonderful to have people in your life that bring you great joy! Thanks so much for stopping by.