Blog

Beginning in April 2020, I began sending weekly texts to friends and family during the initial Covid lockdown. I was glad to have a purpose on Fridays of sending the painting and its story. This was originally sent September 11th.

…this is Lauren, how may I help you? On the other end of the line, it sounds like Barry White, though I know that is impossible. Barry suggests I should be a therapist with my soothing voice. I laugh. That’s a new line - I’ve heard many. Hearing my voice on the home answering machine, “Hi, its mom, I’ll be…DELETE…Hi, it’s mom, just calling….DELETE… Like others, I dread listening to my voice, but now find approval. Barry comes into the store days later suggesting I run for president with kindness as my qualification. Too funny. He’s offered the first lawn sign. A week prior, a review states how helpful and kind I was, and we joke that I have groupies. How easy it is to be nice when we are treated kindly and respectfully. Lounging on the patio each night, my only intent is enjoying the setting sun. When a nasty encounter pops in my head, I feel like the big fat Sharpie has scribbled a clashing color all over my sunset. Last  week, after hours, a customer made three phone call attempts, wanting to relay a message. Jerome hoped I hadn’t thought he was short with me as he had been in a hurry to get home to cook for guests, while my concern was making sure he felt welcome and appreciated. So I propose a toast -  to all the Jeromes of the world, concerning  themselves with others’ feelings, continuing to wonder afterwards if their words and actions were taken properly. Thank you. May the seeds of your kindness sprout far and wide.