On an overcast Monday afternoon, while busy painting in my studio and thinking about cleaning up for the day, I was completely unaware that I would soon be embarking on a meaningful journey with an Elder. Within just a quick half hour I was cleaning my palette and throwing my bag over my shoulder on my way to meet a friend. What I thought was going to be conversation over coffee, actually ended up being an introduction to an Elder male that needed a home. His guardian felt that the two of us would get along famously and trusted that I would be able to give him the home he deserved. Without a thought I invited him to get in my car and pulled the seat back so he could stretch his legs. He was quiet and reserved, and looked as if he had been a bit sad before getting here. It was pure silence on the way home, the two of us not quite knowing how to strike up a conversation just yet. I showed him to his new room which over looked the park and streetlights, quickly feeling a brea...
Contemporary Folk Art and Spirit Dolls from the Blue Ridge Mountains by Jeanne Fry