Tuesday, April 24, 2012

MEETING MYSELF


I was at a new member's home for the last book group meeting.
Greetings around the dining room table, snacking and sipping wine, taking in the pieces around the room....I WAS STUNNED to look up and see this painting.

I HAD GIVEN IT AWAY IN 1999 to the owner of the Heritage Co. (architectural salvage)  a friend and historic preservationist....with a few other items from the farm where I grew up. My father had died the year before, and my brother and I finally sold the property and house. 


 It was the only original painting in our house. It was painted for my BIRTH, December 11, 1945, for my mother by a local friend in the tiny 'town' of Riverside, about 3 miles from us. I never knew what his story was, just that his name was Danny, and that he'd been a clown. . .and enjoyed painting.



 Over the years I've asked myself "WHY DID I GIVE THAT AWAY?" I'd brought it home and it  stayed in our utility room for over a year. Mixed feelings about it, the past, mostly. Well, I was THRILLED to find it again, and in the home of our new member, Martine', who'd moved here from France years ago. She assured me that if I wanted it back, she'd certainly give it to me. But, it seems to be in the PERFECT place, cherished and surrounded by lovely pieces. SO I MOVED MYSELF TO  THE NEXT ROOM AND JOINED THE DISCUSSION WITH THE OTHER WOMEN.      

I CAN ALWAYS VISIT! 


12 comments:

  1. it DOES look perfect there... but I could not have parted with it, you are way more zenful... and how lovely that it came back to you in this way...
    good karma... grin

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  2. Wow, to meet your self again....at this time.
    To see your painting cherished. Lovely.

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  3. What a shock to see the painting from the past! It really does look wonderful there Neva but I can imagine the tugging of your heart strings. I gave away so many precious things when my mum passed away because it hurt to look at the memories. Later i was so sorry I did.

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  4. what an amazing story! I think your painting was missing you - and now you CAN visit :)

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  5. the heart finds its inner treasures. always.
    perhaps there is a new birth about you
    happening.

    beautiful.

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  7. What a beautiful painting and the story behind it is just wonderful. More amazing is you finding the painting where you did- just coincidentally- but I know- it was "a meant to be" discovery. Thanks so much for treating us to this story. Made me smile! xo

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  8. What an extraordinary and synchronistic moment that must have been. Something to savor forever.

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  9. That IS amazing! I love that you are at peace with the painting now.

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  10. It's wonderful to realize that one painting has shared the lives of many to again return to your inner circle, "what goes around comes around". Lovely and heartwarming! Hugs!

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  11. Lovely story about an exquisite painting and what a tribute to your mother that included you.

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