Today, we hung a beautiful landscape by the local artist Marilyn Brooks in Connie’s room, the walls are white and bare. She looks at them much of the day.

So I have this idea for a new project for the Mansion walls. I have to speak to the staff and administrators there and get permission and guidance. Some things are permitted, some not. When the residents come to a facility like the Mansion, they have to leave almost all of their non-essential personal belongs behind – dogs, cats, paintings, most furniture and lamps, etc.

There is the sense of giving  up many of the things they loved about life, and they don’t have to lose all of those things. Connie is bound to her chair for much of the day, and it is helpful for her to look up and see something bright and colorful. Something of life.

Life is sometimes uncertain in institutions, and most resident leave some of the things they love with their families or friends. They have very little space and have to make some hard choices.

I’d like to fill up some of those walls with photographs, sketchings, light paintings. The walls are brick, so we have to hang with on non-nail backings like hooks with adhesives. I can take care of that. We all need to see uplifting images in our homes and lives.

Many of the residents are animal lovers (but not all), and most like bright and colorful images on their walls. I might seek some assistance for you soldiers of good for this idea, I can do some of it myself,  I’m thinking of photographs, some landscapes and brightly colored drawings. Some could come from students in painting or art classes, too.

First, I have to talk to the administrators and then to some of the residents. They approved the painting for Connie, and we hung it with the right adhesives. If you are inclined to help, please don’t send anything at the moment, I want to make sure everyone there is consulted – including the residents –  and that I have a feeling for what the residents might like.

I know they would like some of the photographs I’ve seen that you sent on the bulletin boards. We can even move some of the images around from time to time and share them.

I don’t want anyone spending a lot of money on this, it ought to be simple and bright and cheerful. We have a long haul of good work ahead of us. Nothing heavy, elaborate or costly, you are spending your good money thoughtfully and for good causes, and I don’t wish to see anyone stretching themselves too far.

Boundaries are important, or we will burn out.

If there are simple, light and inexpensive frames, they might work, but we can also mount photographs and posters if they have cardboard or other hard backings. I mention this just so those who wish to can  think on it, and I’ll keep you posted. I’m hoping the residents can get to choose the art they want to some degree, and I’ll get some input on that. Might be a great Spring or Easter project. I’ll keep you posted, and thanks.

If you wish to write to the residents (up to 10 new residents will be arriving in the coming weeks), here is a list of residents who wish to receive letters and cards from the outside world. It is not complete: Bruce, Alllan, Herman, Ellen, Sylvie, Jean. G., John Z., Carl (Bob), John R., Alanna, Peggie, Ellen, Joan, Brenda, Christie, Connie, Alice, Madeline, Mary, Barbara, Bill H.,  Brother Peter, Helen, Diane, Jean. A. Gerry.

Van Update: As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the Mansion’s van gofundme campaign has raised $8,725, which means we have $1,025 to go. The Mansion needs $10,000 buy a van especially equipped for the elderly, George Scala, the Mansion owner, is putting up the other $10,000.

The need is urgent, and thanks for your generosity and compassion.