If you are following my blog, by now you know I’ve fallen in love with this simple painting class I facilitate at my mother’s assisted living home. I didn’t want to do it. I did it for her. But the joke is on me because I’m crazy about this class — and these women. I know my friends probably get tired of hearing me talk about it. Because I do, every chance I get. It just seems to come up in conversation — or should I say, I bring it up in conversation. Either way, it’s what I’m talking about these days. I feel so blessed at this point in my life to find a hobby, ministry, pastime, (whatever you want to call it) that I’m passionate about.
Some may think I write about this class for my own benefit — nice fodder for a blog. And to be completely honest, it is quite fun to have something new and exciting to write about — something that has become a passion for me. But that’s not why I journal about this class. I write about this class so that you, my readers, get to know these women. I place their pictures here so that you get to see their smiles. You see, it’s not really about me at all — or even the art, for that matter.
It’s about the women.
It’s all about them.
I want you to see the sparkle in their eyes, the smile on their faces. Each week, I encourage them to share slices of their lives so I can pass their stories onto you. Often they are focused on their painting, and the room is quiet. When chatter erupts, I take in every word. I always have my camera ready, hoping to capture any sweet moment.
Here are 5 reasons why I love painting with my mother and her friends…
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They have something to look forward to — they really do like this class. I try to keep the projects simple so they are not overwhelmed with the challenge — after all, the class is for their enjoyment. I make the projects timely so that each week, they go back to their room with a finished product.
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They have something new to talk about with family and friends. How many times have you visited an elderly relative and the conversation is the same as last time you visited? These residents have a new project each week — there is always something new and interesting in their room to talk about.
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They have a feeling of accomplishment. They are so proud of their artwork, and they should be. Doing anything that requires tedious hand movements and keen eyesight is challenging for them. I love that they are brave enough to come to class and paint.
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It has given me an avenue to know them. I am an introvert. I would not step out of my comfort zone to get to know these people if not for this class. I would go in, visit my mother, and go home. This class has let me into their lives, and I am so grateful.
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It has given you an avenue to know them too. And that, dear friends, is why I write about this class. Not for me. Not for my blog. But so that you can see these women as I do. They matter to me, and I want them to matter to you.
Here are a few pictures of our most recent class together…






I hope you enjoyed meeting my friends and seeing their artwork. I will share more pictures and profiles of other artists next week. Please come back to meet Irene, and Hazel, and Sherry, and a few others. You’ll want to hear slices of their stories too.
I love that you love, doing this Connie! I’m sure the residents just adore your presence & their projects! Such a sweet, sweet ministry you have. Hugs!
Oh Debbie — We do have a good time! I am blessed to have to this drop in my lap. Thank you for reading about it 🙂