Cozy Cabin

Last year, my friend Cynthia reached out to me for a commission. Her family was selling their longtime cabin and she wanted me to paint it for her. Her dad, Larry, had helped build the cabin himself and it had been a place filled with loving memories both for her siblings and also for her own children. We worked on details together including her boys out front making snow angels with cousins and the specific Christmas lights that hung on the cabin year round. We got the painting done in time for her to keep the original for herself and give prints to her dad (& siblings) for Christmas.

Last week, I attended Larry’s funeral. Little did we all know, that would be his last Christmas. Larry had been sick for awhile, but his passing was quick and unexpected. Thank goodness for Cynthia’s wisdom in taking action and getting this project done when she did, so he could enjoy it while he was still with us. As I hugged his children at the funeral, wonderful people who have been my friends since high school, they each brought up how much the painting meant to him. They had his print set up among the display for everyone to see. Cynthia told me her painting is, “a piece of my heart, hanging there on the wall.”

I was so humbled to be a small part of this wonderful family’s story, who I love so much. I was so grateful to have something that brought a little comfort when things are hard. I was grateful to capture Larry’s artistry and craftsmanship so that it can live on for his children and grandchildren and they can remember his talents. Sometimes it’s so hard to let go of places and people that we’ve loved sooner than we’re ready to. I’m grateful to art for giving us a way to hold on to them a little longer ❤️.