Months ago I commissioned a local artist to make me a painting. The original intent was to be a Christmas gift for rigo. The concept was an ocean wave shaped like a heart, 3 birds flying above – rigo, me, dena. The idea – I came to Costa Rica with love and friendship then found some more; I know who I always want to be with; my heart now also has a place in Costa Rica, a new love for the ocean… After talking through the concept I knew I would end up with 3 paintings – one for rigo, one for Kathy (with two birds) and one for myself.
Long story short: I never actually said “make the painting(s).” However, this local artist was badly in need of money. One day while I sat at the bus stop he came by and said “your painting is ready.” I said “Que?” He said “I’ll bring it over tonight.” Then and there I knew I was being duped in to spending money I didn’t have. So, I said “Sure”. I really wanted these special gifts.
He arrived with a beautiful seascape. The only problem, it was so big it probably wouldn’t even fit the walls of Liz and Michael’s palatial foyer. And certainly I wouldn’t be able to travel with it. So, I asked him to tweak the colors a bit and resize it – then, I would buy. For round two he came back with two paintings. One in pastels which I hate. The other with only two birds and both in long rectangular shapes, but with crroked frames. In short, he rushed (probably needed drug money) and did a crappy job. I was annoyed, but felt bad and wanted to make good on my half of the “deal”. So, he didn’t like it but I bought the two junkers for a few bucks. I figured they would never make gifts, but I could use them for now to dress up my space a little. The annoying part is that I was just bummed that I didn’t have my special holiday gifts.
Fast forward a few months and I’m over it, and over the fact that Jimmy tried to pull one over on me – sort of. It was stuck in my craw. So, on a crappy day when things were going, well, just plain crappy, I heard Nic’s little mouse knock on the door. She had come bearing a gift. A perfect looking and perfectly sized painting of my concept! It was even complete with the extra yellow and pink that I had wanted Jimmy to add for Kathy’s version of the picture. She and Fede the ‘Arteest’ created this special gift for me.
I was stunned and so touched. In that moment I knew that my life is filled with many birds. Many incredible people that have helped to shape me into the person I am today. Through both good and bad times they stick with me, they understand me, they forgive me, they encourage me and they just plain love me. How lucky I am for the old birds and my new birds.
To Nic & Fede, I wish you luck and love on your journey to new places. Thank you for steadfast kindness and support. I am also grateful to whomever brought us this destined friendship. This bird will be with you in spirit wherever you are and waiting to perch with you wherever we physically meet again.
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