During a particularly gloomy time in our nation, I walked past a beautiful church in our neighborhood. It was late winter and most everything was still dormant, drab, and colorless. As I looked up a meadow hill near the church, I spotted the brightest little sunny daffodil proudly poking its head up as if to say, “Everything will be o.k.” I thought to myself, “We should all be like that determined bright flower.”
It’s always good to spread cheer in one way or another. Sometimes a simple quote reminds us of what really matters. Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. Why not use a little piece of what you own to encourage neighbors. I found the perfect canvas for such a task on the back of our little backyard barn. The back of the barn faces a road traveled by many pedestrians and their furry companions. We are blessed to have the small bank under the building light up with gorgeous orange and yellow tiger lilies in the spring. They serve as the ideal foundation for a beautiful message.
I can’t quite pinpoint how or where I came across my quote of choice. It somehow resonated with me and my family’s life philosophy. I searched online until I found the quote, “The most important things in life aren’t things.” It was beautifully written with embellished butterflies on the side. This would look so lovely towering above the fiery lilies.
I began this project by giving the back of the building a good washing with liquid dish detergent and water on a mop head. Using a water hose, I gave it a thorough rinsing and allowed the warmth from the sun to make it dry. If you follow my posts, you know I try to use and re-use things I already own whenever possible. I had a bit of leftover exterior porch and floor lacquer paint in black. It isn’t the ideal paint for a vertical surface, but I knew it would hold up to outdoor elements. Once everything was clean and dry, I went to work.
I found the center of the building rear and sketched each letter from the center outwards using a permanent marker. I wasn’t overly concerned with small mess-ups. They would be nearly impossible to see from the road. Also, permanent markers can often be erased with rubbing alcohol (on most hard surfaces.) Once I had the word outlines plotted out, I began filling the letters with my black paint on a medium paintbrush. Every now and then I would trample down the hill to the road to see how things were shaping up from that distance. I finished everything off with some fluttery butterflies.
I can’t tell you how many passers-by have stopped commenting on this little dash of roadside cheer. My favorite comment is when people say, “This is a good reminder!” Some pause and smile. Others stand there taking pictures with their phones. I hope it brings them as much pleasure as seeing them smile brings happiness to me.
Until next time, do something to lovingly walk into someone’s heart, and leave your footprints there.
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~Lora Lea
