Something extraordinary happened. I’ve been searching all day for just the right words. My talented friend, Pauline, an artist and blogger living in New Zealand put her heart and soul into this piece . The mixed-media painting is currently traveling from New Zealand to California, a gift from dear Pauline. Did I mention that is was extraordinary? I’m counting the days till I can see it up close. I already know the love and care she poured into this piece.
In Pauline’s words: “I thought and then I stopped thinking and finally – finally, I made this with my hands and my heart, for Alys.”
Here is Pauline’s original post about the painting and the process. With thanks, from the bottom of my heart.
October was a make it or break it month for me creatively. I was way behind with so many projects – even my garden remained semi planted as I spent time doing things other than what I really wanted to do.
I started a painting way back in April. At the time it was to be the first in a series of ‘Soul Portraits’, gifts for friends featuring my take on the preciousness of them, their lives, their gifts, their creativity. Of course, I bit off more than I could chew and my first feeble attempts were unsatisfactory and I happily left the work sitting for days – then weeks – while I prevari wondered about what to do next…….
What happened next pretty much brought life as I knew it to a complete standstill – if you read my blog regularly you know what it was. Next I adopted a…
View original post 1,113 more words
Gardening Nirvana 
That’s just the sweetest Alys!!
LikeLike
Isn’t it though? I’m just in awe.
LikeLike
Ohmygoodness, what an extraordinary and special gift! And it is gorgeous! How meaningful it surely is to you, containing precious elements dear to your heart. I know it will inhabit a place of honor in your home.
LikeLike
Thank you for commenting! It’s nice to see you hear.
It’s extraordinary, isn’t it? I’ve been walking around the house, thinking about the perfect spot, but will have to wait till it arrives. I’m so excited to see it up close. Incorporating my dad’s stamps the way she did is brilliant. I wish he could see it.
LikeLike
That is such a sweet gift Alys. Very precious. 🙂
LikeLike
It certainly is!
LikeLike
I loved reading Pauline’s post (so proud of her for meeting the goal) and hearing your praises sung!
LikeLike
I was so wrapped up in the painting that I failed to also acknowledge that she met her goal. Three cheers for that too, Pauline!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holy cow, Alys, what a stunning piece of art, and what a fantastic friend you have in Pauline. The two of you have twin souls and hearts that are planetary in size.
What a beautiful friendship.
LikeLike
It’s extraordinary forming friendships across so many miles. Pauline is a gift. As my mom would say, I count my lucky stars every day. Thank you!
LikeLike
I can’t wait to see the painting in person and to see where you decide to hang it. What a thoughtful friend you have ;0)
LikeLike
Pingback: Happy Mail Times Two | Gardening Nirvana
What a wonderful tribute to a woman I’m proud to know. She captured your heart and soul beautifully, Alys.
LikeLike
Bunny, what a kind and loving thing to say. Thank you.
She’s captured so much of my heart in this piece. I will treasure it always.
LikeLike
I read this on Pauline’s blog and wondered about her procrastination. Then I realized that when you are making something for someone that you really care about, you want it perfect. That perfection can really slow a person down. You can see from the piece that she put so much into it. It couldn’t be replicated for anyone else. The energy literally pops of the piece.
LikeLike
Agreed, Marlene. That’s where the perfectionism comes into play. I’ve been there myself. I think all of us creative folks have. In some ways it’s what drives us to be better and better, but it can also hinder progress. It’s a balancing act.
LikeLike