So, I thought I’d put in a fun little post. Kind of like a commercial that’s cute and fluffy. You know, the one with the puppy or the Royale Kittens? Ya, like that. Ok, we interrupt your regularly scheduled watercolor painting program for this commercial break…
This morning I went to Costco to look at their iPads. I get to do that because it seems I have a spectacular tribe of people. Last week I put out a plea for help. You can read all about it here. See, I have cancer and will be getting treatment soon, YAY! (Read all about my journey here). My beautiful tribe of friends have helped me purchase an iPad that I can take away with me when I’m out of town for five weeks getting radiation. Yep, they’re gonna microwave me for five weeks, lol. No, I won’t come back with a tan. Boo! I’m so fish-belly white, a tan would have been a nice perk but no, no tan.
Anyways, back to our not so short story…
My mom, (she’s my roommate, BTW), and I headed to Costco and pulled in just as a woman in a close row signaled to pull out. We circled around to come back and a Fed Ex truck blocked our way. I glanced at the driver through the window with frustrated look on my face and he waived. I hesitantly waived back… “What does he want?”
Then he jumped out of his truck and trotted over to our car. He knocked on my window. I looked at him confusedly and he smiled. I opened my window and he handed me a package. I looked at the label with confusion then wonder. It had my name on it! WHAT?? HOW?? I mean… WHAT?
He looked at me with a giggle on his quite handsome face as I sputtered, “How, uhhh, what? I mean, uhhh, this is for me??”
He outright laughed as he trotted away, looking back he said. “MAGIC!”
I then realized he’s our Fed Ex delivery guy. I was so confused, sitting in the Costco parking lot, that I didn’t recognize him. He must have followed us the whole block from our apartment when he saw he’d JUST missed us as we left. He didn’t want us to miss our parcel so he went out of his way to truly go above and beyond. It was kind of awesome.
Awesome has been happening to me a lot lately. Like this new iPad that sits beside me. And the friend who also donated money to help me buy pajamas, a robe and a new top because she knows I don’t have any of that. She surmised I would be in a similar position as her, only paint spattered clothing (she didn’t know about the no pajamas thing but she guessed I could use help.) My tribe so totally rocks.
There are NO words. THANK YOU just doesn’t cover it. How does one express the depth of gratitude I have for you, my friends? I wish I was a poet, I’d write a sonnet to my TRIBE. I have a tribe. I have a tribe I didn’t even know about. I knew I had friends, acquaintances and friendly followers. I had no idea YOU saw me like I saw YOU. I’ve always appreciated every single comment, like, laugh, smile and poke. It meant I was helping you. I didn’t, however, until this last week, truly get that you felt the same way about me. Thank you. It’s as precious as gold and I have a tangible thing in the iPad that reminds me everyday that I matter to some special, exceptionally wonderful people.
I promise to take pictures of me actually holding my iPad soon. I’m not allowed to touch it right now. Usually my mom treats me like an equal and adult. Today, however, I’m her kid and she told me in the most loving way, that if I touched that iPad before I finished my projects for Da Vinci, Schmincke and Hahnemühle, she’d beat me with a wet noodle. She’s trying to help. I have so much to finish before the end of June 30 and if I open that box, I’ll NEVER finish all the paintings and blog posts I need to get finished for deadlines. It’s ok though. Anticipation can be SOOOOO sweet. Anyway, I love you all. Thank you.
One last thing… I can’t leave you without a watercolor tip and a piece of art.
Here’s your new art (made with the Schmincke palette)…
I did this piece so I could cut it up and make bookmarks. Yes, I heard your horrible gasp, hahahaha. They made great bookmarks though. I covered the back in old, vintage stamps. That’s probably redundant, old, vintage. But go with me here. They look great and they’ll go to some fun people. If you were one of the people who so generously donated and would like to suggest that YOU would like a bookmark, I take suggestions on things you guys would like me to giveaway when I get back from treatment. :o)
THE TIP…
How To Use More Opaque Watercolors:
I got this tip from my good friend Sandra of Life Imitates Doodles. She’s the woman who paints amazing animals for her hubby’s lunchbox everyday. That’s dedication and love, right there. Ok, here’s the tip. She says, if you have some opaque watercolors that you LOVE the color of but not the opacity, use them FIRST! They should be your very first layer of paint. Then if you’re using transparent or translucent watercolors over top, you still get the luminosity without messing it up by putting an opaque color overtop of your beautiful, depth defying masterpiece of transparent layers.
So, the opaque ones first! Then glaze with your transparent watercolors. TADA! What a cool trick. I wish I’d thought of it. Hahaha, thanks Sandra.
Tracy Delphia
What a fabulous story about your FedEx guy! And I think I love your mom even though I haven’t met her. People can be amazing – I’m so happy for you being all set to go to the lodge. I got a new ipad last year and discovered the fun of noodling around with Garage Band – random animal observation: it appears that cats FREAK OUT for the sci fi keyboard sounds (I mean, all three of mine absolutely run for cover it’s apparently such a bizarre and terrifying sound hahahahahahaha).
And OMG, the colors in that painting! I hate that you will cut it up, but it makes me so damn excited to get my Schmincke palette!
Sandra Strait
You do have an amazing tribe. I was going to come and donate once my family reunion was over and turns out I’m too late! I wish I could say that I thought of using the opaque colors first but I know I read it in one of my many, many watercolor books so many long years ago. There’s so much cool information like that – things we should think of, but never do.
Jenny
Ohhhh Jenn! i loved reading this post! the Fed Ex guy story is amazing. mom knows best on this one-once you have all your ‘to-do’s’ finished, then you can have Ipad play time – and maybe ice cream with sprinkles!!! lol you do have a tribe, and they are just as amazing as their leader—-YOU! hearing everything that has transpired makes my heart smile…. and that painting is delicious!!! you really are a creative writer, you had me laughing out loud (fish belly white!-hey, maybe that should be a Da Vinci color!!!) and then i was reaching for a tissue to hear about your friend sending such thoughtful gifts. absorb all of this love, support, and kindness….. it’s medicine for the soul. we love and appreciate YOU! thanks for sharing xoxo
Kate
I’ve come totally late to this party!!! You raised $$$ for an iPad? Amazeballs! I totally would have given!!! Delightful you deserves this! Will we be able to get in touch during treatment? Hugg your Mom from me. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Alice
you are an amazing friend yourself, that’s why you have a tribe! we got your back through this whole procedure. praying you through – every single day!
Antonea Payan
Love the tip! My opaque colors (mostly from set purchases) probably feel very neglected. Perhaps I should give them some love. We all need love.
Your mom is wise! I’m so glad you’ve been feeling the love. The world can feel cold and disconnected at times. We have to cherish those warm, loving moments whenever possible.
Take care Jenn 🙂
Bev
You will be in my thoughts, dear Jenn! 💕
Suz
Your FedEx guy is awesome! So glad you have your new ipad! Sending Best Wishes…….