I rolled into cubicle land last Friday morning, the day after the big office move, to find an unexpected gift on my desk: a beautiful painting of a red cardinal. Even if it hadn’t been signed, I would have recognized the characteristic style of painting.
Tears in my eyes, I sought out the artist, a dear colleague and fellow bird mom. She told me she had been inspired to try to paint backyard birds after seeing some of my bird photographs on social media and was quite pleased with the results. She’d painted two cardinals and had thought of giving one to me as a retirement gift … except I never retired.
I am incredibly touched by this kind gesture. It lifts my heart and lightens the drudge every time I see it.
Funny, my last office space was filled with personal touches: cards and notes from clients, pictures of my husband and son, artwork by the children of friends. I took it all down when we moved and had no intention of putting it back up.
I’d forgotten how important these personal touches can be: how therapeutic, calming, inspiring and validating.
Thank you for the beautiful gift, Lynn. I will treasure it forever.
bogeyandruby 