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22.7.20

MY MOTHER'S PAINTBOX - a story in 100 words

MY MOTHER’S PAINTBOX

Mum was never without a project – running up dresses on the Singer, knitting jumpers or darning socks in the evenings.

After we left home, she turned her talents to less mundane pursuits. I still have some exquisite lace she made for a petticoat, two of her wood carvings stand on my windowsill, and she loved painting watercolours.

She said she wouldn’t need her paints in the nursing home, and gave them away, but recently the activities have included painting and she yearned for ‘some decent paints’ – a hint of artistic snobbery resurfacing.

So I bought her another paint-box.

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Not fiction this week - the image reminded me of something so recent that I couldn't think of anythng else in the few minutes I had before rushing off the get my first haircut in six months! Thanks to Rochelle for the photo and for hosting Friday Fictioneers. And now I must dash!   https://rochellewisoff.com/

42 comments:

  1. And if you still can't find it. Here's the link https://fresh.inlinkz.com/party/a72a813be2fd4a3b803c0d8fc215338b

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  2. Dear Liz,

    Quality supplies are essential.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    Replies
    1. I presumed that was your empties?

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    2. The picture is of my palettes in use. Watercolors don't go bad.

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    3. Mum had progressed to water colours in tubes, but now she can't squeeze them, so I got her a box with little square tablets of solid paint. A good one, not a child's version.

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  3. How delightful that this is a true (and recent) story. I hope your mother enjoys a resumption in her painting.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Susan - I also bought her some nice brushes, though not the badger hair ones she had before!

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  4. Happy haircut! Lovely memory Liz

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    1. Thaks Iain - and the haircut is a success!

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  5. Oh this is a lovely and touching story. She wants to paint again which says she is happy with life. A sense of purpose can mean everything.

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    1. It didn't take her long to settle into her new life - at 95 she's still got some living to do.

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  6. How lucky are you and how lucky is your mum to have taken up painting again.
    -Justjoyfulness

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  7. Once an artist always an artist! Delightful Liz.

    Here's mine!

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    Replies
    1. That's true, Keith - it's the same with writers.

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  8. Oh, the ubiquitous trimming off months of hair.
    Mum! The artist within has a yearning to be the artist come out. Good story. Enjoyed it.

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  9. how wonderful. it was a gift she'd definitely appreciate. :)

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    1. She did at the time. Whether she'll remember to use it is another matter!

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  10. Hope all works out well for her.

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  11. Lovely. I would do the same. And I hope one of my four kids would do the same for me.

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    Replies
    1. If we've brought them up right, they should!

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  12. Lovely. Hope you are enjoying your haircut! I love that you are making this work for your mother. You only have one, no matter how topsy-turvy they are.

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    1. Topsy turvy! Love that description of the old age confusion.

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  13. That's a lovely concept. Returning to an old hobby, no matter what your age.

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  14. I could so feel this was a true story, Liz. A wonderfully true story. And how wonderful that she still wishes to express herself! I hope you got her a good set ;-)

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    Replies
    1. It was quite a good set - roughly £40.

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  15. One is never too old for a new box of paints! :)

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  16. It's great she can still enjoy herself and she's earned a decent set of paints. All power to her

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    Replies
    1. She's always been gregarious, so having people around to talk to whenever she likes is just great.

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  17. I am glad she can paint and wishes to do so with quality paints. I hope she enjoys your gift.

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  18. That's a lovely true story. It's great that she loves to paint.

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    Replies
    1. I think so too - and it's great therapy.

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  19. This is a sweet story, never give up your paints, never give up.

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