It has been over a month since I posted an envelope. Unfortunately, I've been down with the flu and really didn't have much of a desire to do anything. Thankfully, that is subsiding, and the desire to pick up the paintbrush returned last night. While I was sick, I had a lot of time to ponder about the envelope project that I have undertaken. I've decided, from this point on, that the letters and envelopes that I send out will be anonymous, and, for the most part, I'll send them to folks that have no clue that this blog exists. There is something, in my opinion, a little more noble, a little less artist-centered, (something I need) by sending a gift with no expectation of thanks or reward. I'm hoping that the motivation to do such a thing will be more receiver focused, hoping that the small letter and gift will be to warm their heart and not my ego. Anyway, that's the plan, at least. We'll see how it goes.
Last night I returned to the turtle. When I was living in Georgia, I took my son to a science camp on Jekyll Island and stayed for a few days. We studied sea turtles at length and I was amazed at their challenges, and their amazing qualities. I fell in love with the loggerhead and the beautiful patterns of the shells and skin. One interesting fact about sea turtles is that no matter how far away they swim (some going over 1000 miles) they always come back to the exact same beach and location of where they were hatched. I love that fact. There is something innate in some beings, including humans, for a desire to come home, to return to where things began.
This letter is going out to a person who has a true sense of home, who has dedicated their time and effort to ennoble the family and it's importance in their life, despite not seeming to have accomplished much in the eyes of the "world." In her late 80's, and after losing a husband within the past few years to death, she has been courageous and continues to make exemplary choices to preserve her family and the relationships therein. I'm humbled by her good example. This one is going out to her.
