Canvas, Riesling and Paying It Forward.

Last week I was invited to a night out of wine drinking and canvas painting by my good buddy Cheryl. I'm no stranger to paint, but I've never painted on canvas. I had no idea what to expect. Cheryl didn't have to twist my arm too hard. Wine, paint, I'm in.

The Place: Canvas & Chardonnay in Rochester, MN.
The Scene: Darling art studio meets novice painters. You walk in, check in and buy a bottle of wine. We were lead to our seats, canvas ready and waiting. For me, it was like nirvana and I took it all in. Painted canvases line the walls. Ball jars of water and buckets of paintbrushes. I was home.
The Set Up: Every one paints the same picture. You don’t have to be afraid that you can’t paint or aren’t artistic enough. That doesn’t exist in this place. The colors are pre-picked and there are instructions on ‘how many pumps of paint’ to pump onto your paper plate. Very controlled and easy. You drink wine and wait for instruction. Easy Peasy. After a long workday, we can all do that. Instructed by Joe, the fabulous artsy dude, we did one layer at a time. We waited for it to dry, sipped and enjoyed the time of easy leisure. Tipsy painty bliss.

All fine and dandy. But this is reason Cheryl and I were there in the first place:
Cheryl is Facebook friends to the woman who organized this event. The night was to remember her son Curtis, who was killed in Afghanistan – 4 years ago that day. We were all to paint the American Flag. And we did. Happily.
When I was done with my painting, I added the ‘Brave’ to the bottom corner. I painted ‘Honor’ on Cheryl's.
Then I had a thought. Wouldn’t it be nice to offer to paint 'Curtis' on his mom’s painting?
So I asked her. She was thrilled and I did. Then I painted his wife’s, then his sister’s, and his friend’s. Then Semper Fi on his dad’s. Then another and another.
“Would you please add Pride to mine?” “Will you add Hero to mine?” Me and my paintbrush. Of course, yes. They would move from their seats, let me take their place and let me paint on their paintings.

It was easy and touching and personal and a sweet simple kindness I could extend to this darling family who has lost so much. Young and handsome Curtis - son, husband, brother, friend, soldier.
A pay it forward moment that came out of nowhere. An opportunity to be completely myself. Darn Refreshing.

The family posed with their canvases. The Flag, Curtis. Semper Fi. There became an air to the night that was totally unexpected and wholly appreciated. The shop owner and the instructor were equally as taken by the buzz in the room. Such an inspiring experience to be a part of.
Doing good feels remarkable. I received much more that I gave.
Thank you to the talented folks at Canvas & Chardonnay for a delightful evening!
xo jeanne.