Mirror Reflection of My Younger Self
I had the most unusual and rewarding experience last evening! I stopped by a local art gallery’s monthly open house. I got to let a mother, who shows her jewelry there, about an online singing competition for which her teen daughter could participate. I have seen them at a local Coffee House Open MIC, also. The daughter was very interested. I was glad to help boost her ego!
Then, I went to the upper level of the gallery. I had seen a family come in with 3 pre-teen girls. It brought a smile to my face, the were ‘dressed in their Sunday best’, with the thrill of attending a ‘fancy function.’
I encountered 2 of the girls when I reached the top of the stairs. I said: ‘Ah! Two fine art connosieurs!’ They both smiled and the thinner, taller, blonde girl spoke up, noting her ‘friend’ was an Artist! Her friend was slightly shorter, average size, straight brown hair and glasses. The most ODD thing, they instantly reminded me of my grammar school friend Paula and me! I lived vicariously through Paula, a shadow at her side.
I was very shy, withdrawn, awkward, straight brown hair and Paula was tall, thin, blonde and outgoing as well as well outspoken. I was ARTISTIC but not comfortable with sharing my talents. Paula was involved in dance classes, baton, singing lessons, etc. I was the one in the background, doing stage sets or in the orchestra.
Well! I said to these two wonderful young girls (best friends) – YOU REMIND ME OF MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND PAULA and ME! The ‘Spokesperson’ of the two got a twinkle in her eye and smiled. Her quieter friend slightly smiled and noted her mother’s name was Paula (there was no connection).
I said: ‘Well! I see you are the spokesperson, AGENT/MANAGER for your friend, here!’ She laughed and nodded that to be true. I said: You know, there are many types of arts to express. I studied interior design, am more of a scenic painter and also good at Industrial Design. I said, I loved going to see Picasso’s early sketches, because – like me – I saw he had trouble drawing the human form. I said: I can’t draw people.
The quieter girl took a big breath and got out the words: I can’t draw people, but I can draw cartoons!
I said: Carricatures? Great! I went to give my SMILEY Face LAFOLOT bookmarks to both of them and THE AGENT/MANAGER took them both! HA HA I said: Well, here – I’ll give you a commissioned work request if you choose to accept it! I would like a carricature done. Check out my website, see my HA HA Helen character and see what you can do for me! If your parents are OK with it, I’ll buy it from you so I can put it on my T-shirts and use it in my business.
I felt like I was SEEING MYSELF as a shy, awkward child, BUT – was being given a second chance by an older version of myself to have the opportunity to express my artistic talent!
The AGENT/MANAGER outspoken friend noted that her BFF (best friend) was along for the ride with her parents. This was also so amazing, because I always tagged along with other friend’s families, due to coming from a large family with challenges. I tended to get adopted by neighborhood families, and ‘taken along’ to their outings.
It was the strangest thing, like I was seeing a MIRROR REFLECTION of my friend Paula and myself – but – this time – I was being given a second chance, to take a different path – to achieve my childhood dream.
Here’s to all the awkward young souls out there and their OUTSPOKEN, AGENT/MANAGER best friends that help them live vicariously THROUGH them until they are ready to get out there on their own.
In gratitude for having the chance to meet these two wonderful souls -
Highlighted Helen Szollosy of LAFOLOT
Living Life in Amazement!
www.lafolot.com
[this post can also be seen at VIBRANT NATION under blogger name: Helenoflafolot
Tags: awkward childhood, best friends, childhood friends, Helen Szollosy, lafolot, Mechanicsburg PA, mirror reflections of life
