(19) THERE ARE WORSE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN.

November 14, 2014     

      I am grieving over the loss of a painting that I had intended to submit in response to a request for original artwork by Linden Ponds residents.  It was a mistake to leave my portrait of a kitten looking at a turtle in the Arts Center while it was unoccupied.  I had placed it on the counter along with a note explaining that it was copied from a greeting card depicting a kitten stepping into a dish of milk. Changed the dish to a turtle. 

      I looked in all the Art Center's cupboards and drawers to no avail.  Perhaps I should feel flattered that someone liked my painting well enough to walk off with it, but all I feel is hurt.  Posted a notice on the bulletin board located between the Oakleaf dining room and cafe, but so far haven't heard from anyone.

      I don't believe the light-fingered person was a Linden Ponds resident; more likely it was a young visitor who took a fancy to it. There are worse things that could happen, I keep reminding myself -- and many have, during my very long life.  Fortunately, there have been more joys than sorrows along the way.

December 5, 2014
Notice on Bulletin Board

     I AM DEEPLY DEPRESSED OVER THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A PICTURE I HAVE HAD FOR 50 YEARS .  RESIDENTS OF LINDEN PONDS WERE RECENTLY INVITED

TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL PAINTINGS FOR THE NEW CAFÉ ART DISPLAY.   I FOOLISHLY LEFT MINE IN THE UNATTENDED CREATIVE ARTS STUDIO.  IT DEPICTS A KITTEN

AND A TURTLE LOOKING CURIOUSLY AT EACH OTHER.   IF ANY OF YOU IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD OR IN THE  LINDEN PONDS COMMUNITY SEE THIS PAINTING,

PLEASE URGE THE PERSON WHO HAS IT TO LEAVE IT AT ONE OF THE FRONT DESKS WITH MY NAME AFFIXED.  YOU WOULD MAKE A 93-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT

DELIRIOUSLY HAPPY AND FOREVER GRATEFUL. 

BARBARA MALLEY

It turned out that a Linden Ponds committee member had taken my painting to be in an exhibit in Rose Court, where residents go if they are ill – but neglected to notify me.  Son Tim collected it for me.  The original has none of the imperfections that appear in the border of this photograph.