It took many years for a friend to convince my of this. She is the Activities Director at a local assisted-care facility. We were going to do something with music. This never came to be. Whew!
But many years ago - time flies! - she broke my stubborn will, supplied me with easel, large pads of paper, a large box of colored markers, and a slot of time each month. She calls what I do "Scribbles by Sue" - and scribbling is what we do. And tell stories. And ask questions. And welcome new-comers. And make friends. And mourn those that leave.
Here's one drawing from the latest session:
The date was April first. My birthday. They surprised ME with a drawing of a huge cake, yelling "Surprise!," singing "Happy Birthday" to me AND a gentleman who'd been born on same date, but a "few" years earlier. We all got to wear goofy hats and laugh. And then it was time to draw. It's great that most months have a holiday or two to play with. So this Easter Bear came about. But in years past we've used the session to illustrate a whole drawing with stuff that starts with the letter "B," attempt a parade of miscellaneous animals - led by a skunk, re-create a story (in bear form) of one resident's mom teaching her lads who to tip over out-door toilets on Halloween. you get the picture? Idea put out - attempt made.
Oddly, though we usually finish two or three pictures in a one-hour session, there have only been about three or four utter failures - paper that we simply decided to rip into quarters and start anew. Because these sketches are done so quickly, often my friend will help in the drawing, and sometimes we get the residents involved! That always Fun; And I get the chance to watch and maybe sip a cup of de-caf coffee!
This is the only volunteer thing I do, but there are SO MANY opportunities for one and all to go do something. There are cards and bingo to be played, crafts to be made, and many other things to do. People bring their pets to visit, folks read to others. There is really no excuse to NOT volunteer somewhere except "I don't want to."
So, ever onward, still hoping real Spring might happen, and back to transplanting the many baby basils. Record-tying Cold Temperature forecast for tonight. We are so excited.......... And remember both the moon eclipse AND (if you must) paying estimated taxes.
(Watching grey squirrels planting sunflowers seeds in backyard. They have more hope in ground warming soon that I do - ha!)
Fare-thee-well,
Sue
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