BARKER HOME

About four months ago, I was asked by

a young woman to paint her grandparents home for

herself, her twin sister, and her GodMother who was also her

aunt. Finally the time had come for me to do this order.

I contacted Kristen Barker Blanchard and asked if 

she was still interested. She was and that began her pouring

memories out to me to make her paintings special.

I drove by the home and took photos of the home 

as I like to do as it gives me a feel of the home.

It was a traditional brick home with a beautiful

brick fence surrounding it, It may not have been special

to many but the fact that the home was built in 1963 said

lots to me about the home. No one built or could even afford

a home such as this in the 60's. I became intrigued and 

Kristen began with the memories. She was disappointed

in the photos I took as she said her Grandparents who have both

passed always had the most beautiful yard.

I reminded her that the good thing about the home portraits,

I could make them look nice. 

With the help of her Dad, her Nannie and herself, she

began telling me about the home. 

What was planted in the flower beds, what was important.

My original sketch did not include the brick fence.

Then Kristen spoke of how proud her Grandfather was 

to have that brick fence surrounding his home.

I added a piece to each end.

Finally three portraits of the special home was painted

and awaiting pick-up.

What I love most about what I do is learning and then

meeting the clients I work with who then become my friends.

Each one has become a friend if they were not already that.

Kristen came over and OMG, it was like meeting a younger 

version of myself. We began talking, I gave her the tour

of the cottage, told her stories of things in my home.

We both had so much to say and each conversation

had so much in common. I knew this young woman

would remain in my life.

I thanked her for the most beautiful writing she 

added to facebook with her paintings.

She spoke of her twin sister, Kayla and how much 

I reminded her of her sister, how she wanted my to meet her

Mom.... It went on and we had an instant bond.

I kept feeling like I had met her before, I chalked

it up to all the texts we had shared over two weeks.

Then her twin sister, Kayla requested a friend of Facebook.

She reminded me we had met at jury duty and had a long

conversation while waiting for the duty to begin.

Then it all came back to me, I had met this girl before

and it was in that meeting that had me feeling I 

knew Kristen. Yes, I love what I do.

I don't just paint, I suspend memories for people and

then these people become part of me.

Kristen and her sister, Kayla are two of those

new people to my village. 

Kristen, thank you so much for entrusting me

with such wonderful memories. I am so very glad

I could make this dream for you a reality.

Growing up is not always easy but I pray

that each time you all see this portrait you are

transported to that little girl you once were 

when memories in this home were made.

Love to the Barkers!