this morning, miracle of miracles, i was alert early enough that i had time to go for a run before work and before it got hot. this is really my favorite time to run, but i’ve been having trouble with motivation this summer. i didn’t have time for a full three miles, so i decided to go a shorter route that incorporates some hills. as i began my route, i decided to make sure that i went past the house with all the buddhas in the lawn as it always makes me smile. somewhere in the back of my head, i thought, “maybe i’ll see one of the homeowners there this morning and i can talk to them about the statues!” wouldn’t you know it. today, for the first time, when i ran up, a man was working in the yard, rearranging the statues and rocks into new configurations. i jogged over and said, “good morning! i just love your yard! it makes me smile everytime i go past on a run or a bike ride.” he smiled and we began to chat. during our conversation, he confirmed that yes, he did make the statues himself (they are plaster and made with latex molds that he makes from original statues that he likes). i asked him if he would consider selling me a statue for my garden. (i’d seen similar statues at garden centers, but somehow it felt less cheesy to buy one from an artist.) he told me that he would gladly give me one. “it’s what i do!” wow. he said i could pick any of the white ones–here were some that were just about dry, did i want one of them?
oh readers. it was my fondest wish come true! i had only hoped that he would be willing to part with one of the figures. now, i have a piece of art in my garden that has meaning for me and will make me smile and remember the generosity of a neighbor every time i see it.
