Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fall Window Painting

I finally got the Fall pictures painted on the windows at the nursing home.  I didn't want to paint something that screamed Halloween or Thanksgiving because these will be up until it's time to paint Winter pictures.  I did paint a tiny jack-o-lantern on the porch of the house in the last photo.  I also painted a few turkeys at the barn.                                     
On the three windows that are in the living room area I painted scarecrows, mums, etc.  The football player scarecrow is in honor of the University of Tennessee.  What says Fall more loudly than football, mums, pumpkins, hay bales, etc....?                                         
There are several residents who are veterans, so I did paint a flag for Veteran's Day to honor them.  The whole time I was painting I was thinking about George, Ms. Moses, and Darnell, three residents who recently died.  So, I guess you could say that all of these paintings are for them. 
Now, for the dining room windows.  On these I painted a fall farm scene.  Margaret still wanted a man in the window beside her seat in the dining room, so the farmer on the tractor is for her.  I even put her initials on the tractor.  This farmer is waving and winking at her.  When I got back from AZ, they had moved all the tables in the dining room, so Margaret wasn't getting to sit beside her window anymore.  When I asked her what she wanted me to paint on her window, she said, "I don't care what you paint.  You can paint something "dirty" if you want to for all I care since I don't get to sit by the window anymore."  I went to the assistant administrator and told her what Margaret had said.  About 20 minutes later the tables were rearranged again, this time so that Margaret could have her window seat back.  She was thrilled.  She likes her new "MAN".                  
Since we live within view of the Smokey Mountains, I decided to paint the mountains in the background with a sunset, or sunrise, whichever, behind the farm.
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I hope the residents enjoy these paintings as much as I enjoyed painting them.  I do not claim to be a REAL artist.  I just play at painting.
Mother asked if I was painting.  She has been calm going on her second week, with the exception of a day or so.  She's very drugged, though.  I would rather her be drugged instead of agitated.  It is so hard to see her crying and screaming and being scared.
For more of an update on Mother, go to my other blog that is listed with a link on my sidebar.  It is babygirlsobservations.blogspot.com.

On a sad note, my friend who I've been friends with ever since we were babies in the church nursery over 50 years ago, lost her husband to cancer yesterday.  I spent the night at her house so often that I felt like her mom was my "other" mom.  He was diagnosed in January, and even though the doctors never gave him much hope, he fought a good fight anyway.  Prayers please for this family.  They have two daughters who are married and have a son each.  One of the grandsons is only a couple of months old.  My friend is a very strong woman who has been through a lot in her lifetime.  Her dad died of cancer when we were young women.  She has fought and beaten breast cancer and now has diabetes.

11 comments:

Claudia said...

Oh Julia, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be a great source of comfort for your friend. As you are for those residents of the nursing home who get to look at your artwork. You are very special.

xo
Claudia

Trudy said...

These are so fun and cheery. I know it must lift the spirits of the residents. It's so wonderful that you do this for them. I'm sure they really appreciate it, and I'm sure it makes your mom happy, too. She's probably very proud of you.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's husband. I will definitely lift this family up in prayer.

Trudy said...

Oh, I forgot to let you know that Emily is 10 now. Can you believe it? She's had her little sewing blog since she was 8. She's recently made herself some cute pajama shorts and is working on some pants and a pillowcase. She also loves drawing her own little fashion designs on pencil and paper. She also loves to write like you.

Faye Lewis said...

You do such beautiful work!

ShirleyC said...

The windows are cute as can be, and I'm sure they bring a lot of cheer to the residents.

MushyWear said...

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year, and you have captured the ambiance of the season so well with these fun paintings! I'm glad Margaret could have her seat and "man" back. I will say a prayer for your friend. God is so good to give us friends to help us through the hard times. Glad you can be there for yours.

Jan M said...

Your cheerful paintings must bring such comfort and cheer to the residents! Thank you for sharing them with us, too.
I am so sorry for the recent loss, and the continued concern for your mother.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm so glad Margaret is sitting by her man once again. It was thoughtful of you to speak to the administration. The little things can make such a big difference to us.

Your painting is just wonderful! You truly are a talented woman. Such a gift you have!

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your good friends husband. I will keep you and the family in my thoughts.

PaisleyJade said...

Sorry to hear about your loss - so sad.

Loving your paintings - you are so talented!!!

Karon Scott said...

You are amazingly crafty and giving. I'm sure the residents will receive a blessing each day as they absorb the love you have shared through those paintings.
I will remember your friend in my prayers. Comfort will come.
You are an inspiration....

Susan said...

Your painting ministry is so wonderful. I hope you get as much from your efforts as the patients. You are a very special lady.
On another note... I remember as a kid when we got local shop owners to allow us to paint Fall pictures on their windows. It was a big event and judged as well. What fun we had as kids. Susan VH

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