Sunday Scribblings " Courage" We are three strong trees!

"Three Strong Trees" a 30X40 Acrylic

                              

With so many unfinished projects in the wings I apologize for not blogging with any regularity. Funny how I painted and named this canvas for our powder room last week, and the prompt is "Courage" for Sunday scribblings.

The trees represent three brave adults who courageously live together and flourish creatively despite all odds! I never thought it possible to live with my married child. Some how we manage to make it work. Not without an air of dissension on occasion, to be expected when two women live together. For the most part we totally respect each others space. Working together to share meals and chores.

My twenty three year marriage, which was fiscally compatible, yet emotionally void came to head after an ugly incident so I ventured out on my own with a ten year old. Living on a fixed income, trying to maintain my own place with a pittance of support was tough at times. Sadly I only received six dollars a day to help raise her. It was tight, and I was frugal. On her nineteenth birthday all support ceased. Thankfully I was taught, through example how to feed my child nutritiously on a dime, and have fun with less. Mom would be proud of her card playing, coupon clipping, ecology minded, loving granddaughter who has managed to keep the frugality legacy going. Not without a splurge once in a while mind you. Mostly on trips and shoes. The newlyweds will even split a restaurant meal at times, so they can fit in a dessert. They like to dine where old people eat. Explaining the older generations know  where to find good food at the best price. Smart eh!

 I did without, and my daughter was no longer privy to  extra curricular activities with a cost. However it propelled her to make her own money, at twelve she  picked up an extensive babysitting job, making meals, getting the kids off to school and retrieving them. At fifteen she did work experience with  a Dee-jay company that manifested into a production assistant position where she learned some very valuable job skills and was revered by her boss!

I couldn't have made it without the help of friends and family who managed to slip me a few bucks here and there when I most needed it. Others donated time to fix my car, do oil changes, and help with household repairs. I was lent vehicles when mine broke down, friends offered to cart me to Costco and other places. I was treated to meals out, a fireworks night on a boat, camping trips and whistler getaway! All my past generosities had been repaid ten fold. There is no monetary value of true and loving friendship. It took courage for me, a very proud woman to accept  the help I needed. I am forever grateful and indebted to all the amazing people in my life! Including my daughter who got less for a while....and contributed without complaint once she finished school.

Along the way  I even managed to let a few kids stay with us,  board free to help them through some rough patches at home. Despite all our struggles, we had  love, peace and good food! It takes courage for me to divulge that I needed help, it humbled me and taught me many crucial lessons. Fourteen years later I can't tell you how proud I feel having kept a beautiful roof over my daughters head, feeding her heart and soul, raising an appreciative caring person who by all appearances seems happy! Living  communally affords us a quality life, with each other to fall back on! In my darkest moments when I was extremely scared, everything worked out and I discovered we ARE much stronger than we think we are!