Maria taught her drawing class at the Mansion this morning, and I decided to go and bring some clothes I bought at a consignment store going out of business. I got blouses, pants, and sweaters for $2 apiece.  Maria brought markers and instructions; she was up half the night planning for the class. She takes it very seriously, as she always takes art. While there, I asked Maria if I could take her art class, and she said sure. Her lesson was to teach the residents how to draw birds.

This was a timely subject for me, and the Mansion residents love it when we are together, joking and ribbing each other. I got high marks for my bird. I took some photos, of course, and they speak for themselves. Maria said I did well, but she doesn’t believe in grades. “Everyone gets an A for showing up,” she said, “even you.” Maria is a great teacher; she is patient, clear, and affirming. The residents love her, as do I. I loved the class, I will invite her to my next meditation class. They love us together. They love to hear our stories of the farm. There was a lot of love in that room.

Rachel is a good students, she loves to learn and was the first to finish her bird.

Jane is a gifted artist and a good friend of mine. She loves to pat my head and hug me. We worked together.

I was the last to finish my bird, it was, alas, not the best bird. No surprise.

Maria’s enthusiasm is boundless. She drew guides on the chalkboard and worked with every resident on their birds.

Ellen hugs Zinnia every time on her way back to Memory Care. They adore one another.