Day Twenty Seven - Pond

Mary has gathered us all in the sitting room this Friday evening. She at first said that she would like to spend the evening playing board games with us, and then she entered the room carrying her large canvas with her from yesterday with Billy’s help. They make sure that we can only see the backside of the canvas.

“Everyone, I would like to show you my latest piece of art. I think it is my best yet and even if you think it’s awful, I want you to clap for me.” Mary says and makes eye contact with everyone in the room. I whisper her sentiments over to Teddy.

I see Mary take a deep breath and then she signals for Billy to turn around and present the painting to us.

Before anyone can even register the painting in front of us, we all start clapping because it’s been requested.

As everyone claps and cheers, I take in what’s in front of us.

It’s the painting that Lavender flew herself at yesterday in an attempt to get the ladybug she was chasing.

And without Mary standing in front of it, I can clearly see the painting in all its glory and it looks beautiful.

A clear pond with waterlilies floating in it is nestled in a forest. I believe we have something similar, if not the exact same pond at the end of one of hiking trails nearby.

The brush stokes add dimension to the piece and it’s almost as if I could dive straight into the pond myself if I wanted to.

“So, what do you think?” Mary asks us all.

“It makes me want to study art!” Calvin says.

“You’re pretty good!” Teddy says after I tell him that Mary asked.

“I have to admit it’s better than the art my grandkids make.” Mrs Thompson says.

Lavender grumbles a bit, as if to say that she thought her addition to the piece made it better.

“You’ve come a long way.” Billy says with a grin on his face.

Finally, the room turns to face me, awaiting what I have to say.

I stand up and place myself right in front of the painting and Mary, if it were possible, I’d hug Mary. But I hope my words will do instead.

“This is a stunning piece of art, I am so proud of you for working so hard to get to this point!”

Mary beams at me with a  huge smile.

“Could I hang it up in here?” I ask and then point to a blank space on one of the walls. “It would look perfect over there.”

“You want to hang it up? Really?” she askes.

“Really.” I say to her with big smile in return.

Mary jumps up and down, “No one has ever wanted to display something I’ve made before!”

“I’d be happy to, proud to.” I say.

“Let’s hang it up right now!” Teddy says and stands up clapping his knees.

Him and Billy, with Calvin’s help, make quick word of hanging up the painting. We all stand around to admire it afterwards.

The room feels complete with it hanging there.