A few of you know that I used to work as an activity therapist in the pediatric hematology clinic and also on the bone marrow transplant floor at the Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. I got to know some of the families there very well. I remember one mother who told me that people often asked her what they could do to help as her four year old daughter went through treatment that included two bone marrow transplants. Her response when people asked what they could do was to tell them to spend time with their own children. I took her advice to heart when M was born. That was when I quit working at the hospital. It was a very stressful job for me after I had two children of my own. Over the last sixteen years the events and people at the hospital have become a distant memory.Recently, my flickr friend Gina, shared a little about a commissioned project she was working on. I thought about the people involved and I knew she was the right one for this piece of art. Gina is an artist who pours her heart into her work. I knew she would do it right. Seeing the finished work brought back a flood of memories and emotions that I had hidden from myself for many years.Art is healing.Art is emotional.Art Saves Lives.I grew up surrounded by art and artists but never quite recognized how strong art can be until I saw Gina's painting. It was healing. That painting tore down a wall I didn't know was there. Crying is healing.It is clear that Gina has a passion for life. She believes that "One Random Act of Kindness can truly change our world!!" I think that she is right.I got this beautiful painted carving from her in the mail today. I am honored to own one of Gina's carved paintings.It is such a happy colorful piece of art. And, it suits me, don't you think?
Thank you, Gina. I am trying to find just the right place for it in my sewing studio. I feel like that chicken is speaking to me - Encouraging me to do good things - live from my heart, spread happiness, practice my own random acts of kindness.
I love the textured feathers on the chicken.
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