Know Me Please?

A few weeks ago I was running some errands and in my usual fashion, one of my first stops was at the nearest coffee shop.  (my girls seem to think I have a bit of a problem but that's a discussion for another time :)  
I ended up at a familiar place that I hadn't stepped foot into for over a month, waiting in line and contemplating my order.  Suddenly, a friendly face pops up from behind the counter and asks me if I would like my "usual."  Needless to say I was surprised and honestly, a little embarrassed to be recognized in such a way but as I walked away with my "usual" in hand, I couldn't stop smiling.

Not only had I been recognized but I was known.  A complete stranger had payed enough attention to me - to ME! - to be able to predict what I was looking for.
I can't deny, that one simple fact made my afternoon.

I sat down at a table, enjoyed my coffee a little more than usual, and eventually made my way into the store I had come to the mall for.  As I wandered the aisles I was met by a woman.  I side-stepped to allow her to pass when she reached out and grabbed my elbow to stop me.
"Do you know me?" she asked.  "You look very familiar, but do you know me?"
I searched her face and my memory for cues but all came up empty.
"I'm sorry," I had to say, "I don't think so."
She apologized for bothering me and went on her way.  As I went my way, I found myself wishing I could have said something more positive.  Something less dismissive...  Something that could have had her walking away smiling like I did after I paid for my coffee.

What is it about recognition?  Why is it that simply being remembered can shine light into my day?  What is it about being known that leaves me satisfied?  Fulfilled?

Today was the last day of school for two of my children...

Both received a special note in with their report cards from their teachers.  Both were brought to tears as they read the words written just for them.  

Someone had seen them.  Someone had known them, took the time to reflect that knowledge back and they had felt every word...

I'm left asking:
Who do I see?  Is there someone who needs to know they're known?  Is there something that I to reflect back to someone I deem special?  Do those closest to me know they're seen?
A friend?  A neighbour?  A stranger?  My children?  My husband?

Encouragement.  Affirmation.
A simple smile and a wink that says, "I see you."
All priceless gifts we can give to each other and yet too often seldom seen or heard.
May we learn to be generous.

Painting Flowers

My latest watercolour.  One of two that completed the very first commission I had ever been asked to do.  I could have been really lost in the stress of having it turn out right but at the same time I kept telling myself,  "It is only flowers."

I love painting flowers, I've discovered.  They are not perfect and yet their beauty is undeniable.  They are the natural colour in an otherwise green landscape.  Each one an original.  Each one destined to fade and wilt and fall.

It's so easy to get lost in the details.  Slight bends at the tips of the petals.  Deep dark shadows at their core.  The reflections and unexpected pieces that are so easily overlooked as I walk past.  In passing, the big picture dims the intricacy of each bud but sitting in stillness, it's easy to get lost...  To forget that they exist together.  

I like this picture.  As I moved through it, I liked the impression of the passing of time.  Some faded, some brilliant, some buds whose beauty was yet to be seen.  

Life.  Summarized nicely in this one shot.

I'm happy to have had the time to see it. 

Summer Blush (J.Lee, 2013)