Fun fact: “Blooms For Jennie Lee” is technically the first painting I ever made profit on. I painted this for my grandparents, Nanny and Poppa, three summers ago. Nanny (whom the painting is named after) was one of my very best friends and the best sort of grandmother. She was kind and bright and wise. Every every dance recital, play, and talent show I ever participated in, she was right there watching with a bouquet of flowers waiting for me when I exited the stage. I thought some flowers for her would be fitting since she had given so many to me. She would call when I was the most lonely in the first years of college and remind me, “Caroline, you can do anything for a minute, an hour, a day. And those days turn into weeks, which turn into months, and poof! You’re through it!”.
When I painted these flowers for her as a gift, she insisted on paying me. I refused the cash but she kept insisting. After she left that day, I found an envelope with the money on my bed. That sneaky little Nanny!
My sweet Nanny became unexpectedly ill and passed away this spring. It has been the most difficult time of my life, but the words of wisdom she gave me about being able to bear anything is helping me to get through it. I know she is at home with Jesus and that I’ll be with her at His throne soon.
My Poppa is eager to claim that this is the best painting I’ve ever done. He is my best art critic and I know I can always count on his support, advice, and love. The original “Blooms For Jennie Lee” hangs at Poppa’s house.
Love,
Caroline
