Monday, April 25, 2011

The Beach at Seaside and A Ring

The sun shone for three days at our beach art retreat in Seaside- glorious sun, full of warmth and energy like the friendships formed and renewed.

Friday night, we made 'magic paper'. We painted a large sheet of paper that covered the kitchen island with different colors, added more paint with stamps, stencils, marks and collage. It dried overnight and we each received a couple large sheets of this wonderful, decorated paper.
When we finished, I went to put my wedding ring back on my finger and could not find it. I thought I'd put it in my pocket. I don't like to wear it when painting. My heart sank. Everyone looked for it. I went through the area where I'd taken it off- art supplies, bags, the floor.

The next morning, I went through the garbage and searched everywhere. I thought it was lost forever and I'd never see it again.

Yesterday, I went through all of my art supplies and bags again looking for the ring. I still hoped to find it. I dumped a plastic bag full of papers on the table and cur-plunk, it fell out. I was so grateful to have it back! It made me realize how much symbols like rings signify a feeling, a relationship, a journey together. From now on, my treasured ring will receive more careful attention. This keepsake meant more to me than I ever imagined.

6 comments:

lilylovekin said...

I'm so glad you did not lose your ring. What a relief. How lucky to have a retreat with girl friends and create art. Your paper looks great.

Gwen said...

I am so glad you found your ring! I lost mine once for almost a week, and was sure they were gone for good. I was so thrilled when I found them.

Your papers are beautiful! I think that the Gussies should do this, too!

stephanie brockway said...

Glad the story had a happy ending! guess it's true you don't know what you have till it's gone. 3 whole days of sun, wonderful!
steph

Tory Brokenshire said...

My daughter lost hers for over a year blamed it on her son only to find it in a coat pocket. Sounds like and looks like you had fun, except when your heart stopped.

celeste said...

My "starter" ring flew off in a snowbank once! I thought I was going to be sick. I prayed that I'd be able to find it when the snow melted. Came back with shovels and Cynthia, searched and searched, then something I heard 'check the car again' and I found it in the side pocket!! I completely agree, rings are a symbol and very precious. That ring was just a sterling ring, simple, plan, not worth much monetarially...


And I concur...the Gussies should totally do this! Summer retreats...perfect time to lay it out on the grass and play, play, play!

Dayna Collins said...

Whew! Happy happy that you were diligent in looking for your ring and that it turned up.