Tortoise and Hare

Recently, a very courageous friend of mine, made a choice that showed a deep amount of bravery, despite how he may have been perceived by those around him that didn't know all the circumstances.  This friend had been working towards accomplishing something, a mission that would take two years of his time wherein he would be serving others.  However, as he entered into that task, he realized that in order for him to accomplish what he needed to accomplish, he would need more preparation.  On his own, he went to those that had helped him get there and expressed his need to return home.

It would have been easy for him to just give up on the dream, give up on the expectation that he had placed upon himself, but has continued to work towards getting back to where he could serve in a capacity that he has looked forward to serving.

I've thought a lot about him this week, and how his diligence, despite barricades and obstacles, has inspired me to stick to the task at hand regardless of the challenges.  My mind kept going back to the story of the tortoise and the hare, and how, despite challenges that seemed to doom the tortoises success, were overcome because of diligence, tenacity, and long-suffering.  I don't remember all of the details about the story...whether or not the onlookers of the race laughed at the tortoise for thinking he could win, or whether the hare, in belching self-confidence also made fun of the seeming unfit contender, but I remember that the tortoise won.

I'm grateful for my friend's example of continuity towards goals despite potential feelings of inadequacy.  Onto victory for him.

Here is the envelope that I painted for him this week, which carried a note of thanks for his inspiring race.

Done in gouache and pen and ink.

Anchor of Friendship

There is an elderly gentleman and his good wife that allow my son and I to visit them on a regular basis.  He is turning 89 tomorrow, but is as young at heart and as chipper as they come.  While completely blind, he still is out on the sidewalk every morning getting his exercise as he moves around his apartment complex greeting the neighbors.  He and his wife are like surrogate grandparents to me and my family.  Every time we come they have new stories, and we just laugh, enjoy each other's company, and I marvel at his good nature and happiness despite having been through so much.  He proudly served in the Navy during the Korean war and has great stories about his time on the sea, but I doodled this anchor and life buoy envelope, not so much for his service there, but because of the anchoring friendship and uplifting influence he has on me and my son as we go and visit them regularly.  Happy Birthday to him!  And I hope he'll be around a while longer so that I can keep hearing his amazing stories.

This was done in pen and ink, and gouache.

Wheat, not tares.

A few weeks ago I listened to a gentleman in my neighborhood, that I respect deeply, share with a group of listeners of how he had overcome a debilitating addiction.  I was so impressed with his sincerity and the yearning invitation that he made to those that he was addressing to be courageous enough to seek out the help that can come to those that are humble, honest and submissive to a higher power.  I continued to reflect upon his kindness, but also his remarks, and decided to do an envelope for him thanking him for the boldness, and transparency with which he shared his story.  I reflected upon the many times in the scriptures wherein the wheat and the tares are spoken of.  Both look similar as they are growing, but one bears fruit that is desirable.  I let him know that I appreciated the "fruit" he was bearing and his invitation for others to seek to do similarly.  This is the doodle I sent to him.  This is done in gouache, pen and ink, with acrylic background.

Another Digital Doodle

I haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been busy.  A couple of years ago, I made a goal to paint or decorate an envelope for someone every week, and send them a letter to accompany it.  Despite my inattentiveness to posting, I'm still keeping the goal on track.  This was another digital doodle that I did using the Procreate app.  I did this for my dear mother and sent it to her for mothers day.  She is the best mom in the world, patient, long-suffering, faithful, and she puts up with me...did I mention patient and long-suffering?