When I lived in Portland, OR, at Bridge Meadows, a 9 year old girl I mentored there made me a sign which I kept hung on my apartment door. When I moved to Memphis, I did the same:
It’s one of my most prized possessions. But over the year and a half it’s hung on my door it’s taken quite a beating from the wind, rain and elements. I’d sealed it in acrylic medium and it’s under an awning, but it was in pretty bad shape — faded, torn and dirty. Plus, from the sidewalk, it was hard to read the important message.
So to spruce up the porch now that the flowers are dying off and going dormant, I refurbished the sign.
I wiped it clean, attached it to illustration board, and added a bit more color to the border. I also wanted the words to stand out more, so people walking by wouldn’t have to squint so hard to get the message that they are precious and should take care of themselves.
So, in time for Thanksgiving, I was able to hang the new sign. Of course, I just started working on it with no thought of measuring the paper, so it’s clipped on for now. Maybe for the winter holidays, I’ll see I can find some gold bells or ribbons to fancy it up a bit more.
But for now, anyone who passes by can see it clearly. Hopefully, it will make them shine.
You are like a piece of gold to me. I’m grateful you read my blog and I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving.
joy murray art~stories~life 
Love the story about the sign….💕 we all need these reminders of our value and the fact that it came to you from a child is a wonderful message for all of us. “And a child shall lead them.”
I learn so much from children. I’m so happy to get this kind of gift.
I smile and wave when i pass by! Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, Joy!!
You too, Dawn. Love to you!
Wonderful post!
Thanks so much! I hope all is going well for you.
Happy thanksgiving to you and your family! We have much to give thanks for. The 9 year old did a great job and her artwork. Nice printing too. Take care, Debbie Pugsley
On Wed, Nov 21, 2018 at 5:35 PM joy murray –art ~ books ~ life wrote:
> Joy Murray posted: “When I lived in Portland, OR, at Bridge Meadows, a 9 > year old girl I mentored there made me a sign which I kept hung on my > apartment door. When I moved to Memphis, I did the same: It’s one of my > most prized possessions. But over the year and a half i” >
I had a lovely Thanksgiving with family. I’m glad I have the good fortune to spend time with children who bring so much perspective to my life. Take care!
We need reminders of this every chance we can get — especially in today’s atmosphere which is hammering the opposite. Thanks for this!
Yes! There’s so much negativity these days, but we all have only one precious life. Thanks!