I’ve never been a lucky person; in fact, just the opposite is true. I live under the cloud of Murphy’s Law–if anything can go wrong, it will. But fate smiled on me in June of 2014 in an iHop in Plover, Wisconsin.
My husband and I had traveled to Wisconsin to visit his relatives. One morning, we decided to skip the continental breakfast at the hotel where we were staying and eat at the local iHop instead. (Mmmm, pancakes …) Husband–bless his heart–did something he often does when we are eating out: strike up a conversation with total strangers.
Now me, I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing because … 1. I don’t want to bother people, and 2. I’m a private person. Mind you, I’m not a snob. Let’s just say I’m not by nature a gregarious woman until I get to know someone.
When Husband does this, my first inclination is to crawl under the table in embarrassment. But, I have to admit, there have been quite a few times when I eventually joined the exchange. This was one of those times.
The strangers were Doug and Hannah House, father and daughter.
During the congenial conversation, I learned that Doug had recently lost his job in the graphic arts field he’d held for many years due to downsizing–I think. (If I’m wrong–I’m old and my memory is a tricky thing–I’m sure Doug will let me know, and I’ll fix my mistake.) He was now in the beginning stages of starting up his own business as a freelance artist. I opened up as well, sharing with Doug and Hannah that I was a writer. He gave me his card, I gave him my blog address.
Husband and I started home the following day.
A week or so after returning from Wisconsin, I received an email from Doug. He’d been on my blog and had read my post, “If That Old Barn Could Talk”, (link here) and saw the picture of the beloved barn of my childhood, asked if he could create a drawing from said picture, have prints made and sell them. My payment for giving him the legal right to do so was that I would receive the original drawing, plus a copy. I was more than happy to oblige.
And now, about sixteen months after meeting Doug, (Everything would have come about sooner if not for serious health issues laying Doug low, not once, but twice.) his drawing hangs on my living room wall. From the comfort of my recliner, all I have to do is raise my eyes to see my barn. Many years ago, it was torn down and replaced with a new one, but its memory lives on in my heart, and in my family’s collective heart, a place once filled, not just with hay, but also with children and their laughter.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Now here’s the serendipitous part: if not for that chance meeting at an iHop far, far away from my home here in the South, this beautiful drawing would never have come into existence. Thank you, Doug, thank you sociable Husband, and thank the fates that be for gifting me with this treasure.
Clik here to view.
If you wish to see more of Doug’s work, or commission him for a drawing, you can find him here on Facebook. Just look in his About Tab for contact information.
I have a feeling this won’t be the only piece of art created by Doug that will grace the walls of my home.
One note: My picture (featured image) of Doug’s drawing doesn’t do it justice. Please go look at it on his Facebook page to get the full effect.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Chance meetings, Doug House Fine Art, Graphic arts, If That Old Barn Could Talk, iHop, Murphy's Law, old barn pictures, Old barns, Serendipity, Treasure Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
