In 2009, I met a young woman at CIIS’s Sound Voice Music Healing Program. We became dear friends and have enjoyed many moments together maneuvering through the adventures of this life’s journey. In 2015 she graduated from a master’s program in psychology and my gift to her was going to be a harp which she had an affinity for. Try as I might, the harp just wasn’t happening, and I felt baffled as to another appropriate gift. I told her a gift was forthcoming but delayed. That was an understatement!
In I think 2017 she came over to my place for dinner and remarked that she really liked one of my Oops paintings. Voila! Another gift idea, except that there were a few issues. My vision for a future Oops show included that piece, one of the few on canvas, one of my favorites, and my attachment issues just didn’t allow for parting of ways. I’ve been very careful to hold onto my pieces until I felt clarity of direction. I know that my Oops paintings are now ready for a show, to be priced and sold, while others are integral to books in progress and my narrative, thus, must keep.
Fast forwarding to 2020, just prior to helping her move into her own apartment on a Sunday a couple of weeks ago, I asked if she needed me to bring anything. Her response was a pan and a painting I could loan her. The pan was easy as I had just purchased one, felt indecisive about keeping it and knew she’d love it. With the painting, I paused knowing that loaning doesn’t work in the long run; that anything given should be given without expectation. But, I felt excited at the notion of a painting and gravitated towards this 11 x 14 linen canvas. Although it’s part of a denim trilogy and special, I though it would be perfect for her and in my highest good to give.
When I gave this to her along with a heartfelt card, in addition to feeling utterly thrilled, she commented that she had a vision of a ribbon cutting ceremony symbolizing embarking on a new beginning. A launching of sorts out into the world. For both of us actually! I felt so happy to finally complete my promise thereby regaining my gift integrity. We also both realized that the right timing was now, not way back in 2015. Certainly more can be written about that, and I probably will!
