painting

#writephoto — The Forest for the Trees

Fandango27 Comments

132116e7-f536-491f-b49e-6d3f0c1d9014“That is absolutely fantastic,” Ellen said as she and her son were on their way to do some shopping at their local mall.

“What is, Mom?” Jimmy asked.

Ellen pointed to the wall. “That is,” she said. “It is so artistic, so expressive. The genius of the person who created it is truly amazing.”

“Uh, Mom,” Jimmy said, “I think you’re going a little overboard in your enthusiasm. It seems pretty straightforward to me.”

“Straightforward?” Ellen exclaimed. “You take after your father, don’t you? Just like him, you fail to see the beauty and artistry that is all around us. How can you see that,” she said, pointing again to the wall, “and not feel a sense of wonder? How does it not stir your imagination, heighten your senses, and elevate your spirit?”

“What are you talking about, Mom?” Jimmy asked. “It’s just a sign. And it’s kind of funny, actually.”

“Yes, it is a sign,” Ellen said. “It’s a sign from God. It’s a sign that speaks to the talent, artistry, and grace He has imbued in us. It’s a celebration of His love for us. There’s nothing funny about it. It’s a thing of beauty. It’s inspirational.”

“Mom,” Jimmy said, shaking his head. “It’s a sign that has two cartoon-like cars facing each other. It says, ‘Please Park Bumper-to-Bumper.’”

“I’m talking about the mural painted on the wall,” Ellen said, “not about the damn parking sign. You are so like your father. You can’t see the forest for the trees.” she added, as she stalked off in the direction of the mall.

“Whatever,” Jimmy sighed under his breath, running to catch up with his mother.

Written for Sue Vincent’s Thursday Photo Prompt.

A Masterpiece

Fandango19 Comments

IMG_2547

I lied. “Yes, I have repaired, resurfaced, and painted probably dozens of wrought iron fences like these.”

The estate’s property manager tilted his head down so he could see me clearly over his reading glasses. Then he glanced down at the written proposal I had given to him.

I needed the work. I’d been doing odd jobs ever since I got discharged from the army sixteen month earlier and some of them included repairing and painting fences. Wood fences. So it was just a little white lie.

“Check my references,” I said. All the names on the list were my army buddies who were willing to vouch for me even though I’d never done any handyman work for any of them.

“Fine,” he said. “If your references check out, you can start the day after tomorrow.”

It took me almost two weeks to complete the work, and the property manager told me that I had far exceeded his expectations. Then he told me the owner called my work “a masterpiece.”

(170 words)

Written for this week’s FFfAW challenge from Priceless Joy.