Isn’t this beautiful?
I never really write about you, my readers, but lately, it’s been clear that I have a great support network out there. I’ll give you just one example for now . . .
This beautiful drawing of my precious beagle, Lois Lane arrived during Hurricane Sally. A reader I’ve never met nor even spoken with before, contacted me and said she’d like to draw a portrait of Lois. Frances Schuleit lives in Florida and specializes in house and pet portraits.
Frances modeled the drawing on a photo I took of Lois the last month she was alive, so it was of “old granny Lois” which was a very sweet and gentle time.
When I slid the portrait out of the envelope, I just gasped. It was so beautiful and I could almost feel her soft, fuzzy little face. The detail was incredible and I choked up, not only because I missed my little dog, but because it was the perfect example of people in this world being so very nice.
I write a lot about sharing your gift with others, and that’s exactly what Frances did. She knew my heart was heavy and has enjoyed my stories over the years, so she decided to share her gift with me. I’m overjoyed by her generosity of time and talent.
In this stressful year of 2020, isn’t it wonderful to find people who are still acting out of love and kindness? I thank Frances and all of you for your kind words of encouragement and loyal following.
I have exciting things ahead and will be calling on all of you for help in the next few weeks, so thanks in advance, and stay tuned! (It has nothing to do with a dog!).
How sweet it was to read your column, Leslie Anne, and now the comments of your many followers. This is what makes what I do so worthwhile. Give a little – and the return gifts are tenfold. Thank you for brightening our world.
So good to hear from you Frances! That sweet furry face drawn by you watches over me every day and I love it more each time I see it! Keep drawing, you are a true gift to those who see your work.
That is a such a thoughtful gift from a very talented reader. It looks just like Lois Lane.
I know! Very realistic. It’s a treasure.
Sniffle, sniffle….what an incredible gift, makes all things seem right in the world…
A touch of niceness now counts double, doesn’t it? Thanks Jenna.
What a truly amazing gift and to have it arrive during such a stressful time. Frances, you are not only talented, you have a kind and generous heart. Leslie Anne, even though we have never met, I consider you my friend. If I quote you, I always say “ my friend Leslie Anne”. There are two other bloggers I feel the same away about…Pam at Everyday Living and Rhoda at Southern Hospitality…all 3 of you are kind, wonderful, strong, talented women.
Thanks for that huge compliment! In days past, people were pen pals, and I guess this is the modern version. You are indeed a friend and I’ve enjoyed your comments over the years. It’s funny to just make the family connection on Instagram with you and your sister — just like a small town! “I didn’t know y’all were kin!” Thanks friend.
I love this story. My heart has been very heavy lately – this has lightened it so much.
Margaret, I’m so sorry you’ve felt blue, it seems to be going around. Isn’t it amazing that Fances’ gift to me can cheer me up and you as well? That’s how kindness spreads. I know you’ll be back to your old self in no time, and have a feeling you’ll be the one spreading joy. Hang in there!
Leslie Anne, Frances truly has the ability to share her heart. What an amazing likeness of Lois Lane! Just another lesson the world is not so bad and how blogging and sharing our stories touches people we doin’t even know. Thank you for sharing this story………
Great point! It’s hard to remember but the world isn’t so bad! Thanks Emily!
So very sweet. And such a great likeness! You are right — there are still more good people than bad. I think we have to hold onto that, especially in these times “that try men’s (and womens) souls”. Quoting the late Kingston trio. You are not old enough to remember them but I do.
So true. It’s nice when a good person pops up in your life unexpectedly. Like a found shiny penny!
That is truly a precious gift. That is all I can say. I know how special my pets are and how hard it has been to let go of each one. The blogging community is a little special. I have made some amazing friends and I call them that -friends. In a course world, many bloggers have prayed with me in hard times, sent me cards, shared cross stitch pattern, etc. It helps remind us there are so many good people out there.
You are so right. The power of the internet is often terrible but it can also be used to find like-minded good people as well. Thanks Sandy!