Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The One That Got Away


When I was nearly finished painting the bandstand at the seaside park in Apalachicola today, a young college couple stopped by on their bikes to admire the painting--Chase and Shelby. Chase proudly but quietly told the story of how on Christmas Day he left a note for Shelby to go to the new fountain in Water Street Park at 1:00. When Shelby arrived, she found another note instructing her to go to another location where a third note awaited her. On to another location until finally she arrived at the bandstand.

The note there was accompanied by a blindfold and directed her to "Put on the blindfold to cover your eyes, and you will get a big surprise." Chase came up behind her, and told her to turn around and take off the blindfold. There was Chase, on one knee with a modest engagement ring for Shelby which she then showed me, beaming shyly.

We chatted a while, and they admired the painting several times. Then they pedalled off down the boardwalk to the Gulf. By the time they returned, I had made up my mind. I wanted to get them started on their art collection. I had only one request: that they frame it nicely. I suggested that someone could frame it for them as a wedding gift.

Call me sentimental, but they were such a sweet couple that I couldn't help myself. So good luck, Chase and Shelby (and yes, she got her name because her mom is a big fan of "Steel Magnolias."), and to all young lovers everywhere!



4 comments:

  1. I love it! Being a softie in this case is going to be a story they tell their whole lives. And I love this painting. It reminds me of your Tower Grove park paintings.

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  2. Thanks, Sarah. You know what a sucker I am for a good story!

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  3. Hi Carol,
    what a beautiful story! How lucky the young couple is to have met you and to receive such a beautiful gift and how lucky you were to have met them and be given a wonderful life experience!
    Good for you!
    Rosie
    oh, love the painting also!

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  4. Carol, This is Jim Tippins, former Associate Pastor at your home church of Kirkwood Baptist.
    Like your friend Judi Wagner Bonnie and I live in Fernandina Beach FL. Some of my close friends are close friends with Judi.
    I was thinking of you recently when I was looking at the painting you did for ADVENT of the Visitation of Mary. What a small world.
    Your work looks wonderful. hope all is well.
    jimtipp@aol.com

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