By Janet Harrold
I was so honored when asked to write a story for Red Easel, honored to put my paintings amongst all of the unbelievably talented artists in the gallery, and most of all honored to get my story out there and tell everyone about who inspires me to paint.
My granddaughter Hailey is only two years old, but when Hailey was born she was born with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, a condition that, among other things, has Hailey unable to crawl, walk, or talk. Most take these abilities for granted everyday, but despite all setbacks, Hailey certainly knows how to tell me when she wants me to read her a book. With much effort and determination, she rolls over to the bookcase, reaches her tiny little hands to grab a book, and holds on real tight, making sure not to let go. Still clinging to the book, she rolls all over the house until she finds me, and when we finally make eye contact she smiles her contagious, but mischievous smile as if to say, "Now you have to stop making dinner and read to me!" I have no choice but to put everything on hold and lift her on my lap and read as she silently follows along with her open hand. It was her craving for books that inspired me to write and illustrate my first children's book. "ABC's Flowers and Trees, A Walk in The Public Gardens."
The following is a rhyme from one of the pages in Hailey's book.
"Weeping Willow, such a dramatic tree,
at the edge of the water is where it should be.
With its branches hung low,
if you just take a look,
you might find me below it
curled up with a book."
After telling Red Easel about what inspired me to write my book, and how from this day on, any money raised from selling the book or doing author events, any paintings that I sell, anything at all to do with selling my artwork, all of the proceeds raised will go directly to Hailey's many therapies that are not covered by insurance.
As a symbol to the cause, starting this year I began putting a discretely placed green Cerebral Palsy Awareness ribbon in all of my newly completed works. So if any of you have received or purchased a painting from me recently or in the future, look for that ribbon and feel great about contributing to a good cause.
Bottom line here is that I am doing something I love to do while trying to help someone that I love very much, and for that I am totally inspired, driven, and committed.
Everyone finds a source of inspiration somewhere, I found mine through Hailey's smile.
Please visit me and Hailey at www.janetharrold.blogspot.com
Janet Lee Harrold
Professional Visual Artist
Medium: Oil
Boston, Massachusetts
USA
Harrold Fine Art Gallery
Harrold Red Easel Gallery
