A moving day -- and the power of kindness

Ken's flowers
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir 2009
SOLD ♥

(The vase in the painting was given to

me by a lovely neighbour down the road

in Wallace Bridge, who is gone now.)

Tonight we went for short drive in the neighbourhood, and at 7:30 heard 

church bells ringing, and people making whatever kind of noise they could
banging on pots and pans and cheering in support of the front line
health workers.  That moved me so much.  

When I got home and thought about what to say I felt like it was time for
 flowers.  This painting was inspired by a gorgeous arrangement of
flowers from our friend Ken Lander.  We have known Ken Lander of
Sunrise Greenhouses outside of Pugwash, Nova Scotia almost since
we first started going to our school house in Nova Scotia more than 20
years ago.  When we found Ken and his beautiful gardens, and greenhouses
it was like a miracle, because we love flowers, I paint them quite often, and
we couldn't find any to buy.  

Ken is always so gracious, and enthusiastic. We'd walk with him

as he'd moved through his gardens picking flowers to create a beautiful
bouquet.  All the while the ocean was in view just beyond the highway.
Ken and Maxine his partner are total sweethearts. It makes me happy
every time I see them.

And like Ken bringing beauty into the world, the health care workers,
and Toronto people cheering them on are trying to make the world
a better place.  Right now it is so heartwarming to see these demonstrations
of kindness.  We are all here for each other, and we'll come through this.

Have a staying safe and healthy day