Mom Will You...?
The amount of appreciation children give to their parents can be easily measured... Not in pounds but in ounces. There is a constant underlying expectation of perfection in everything you do, an unspoken understanding that you do your best just for them. And yet rarely is this effort recognized for its value.
Recently I checked a book out from the library for them--The Dragon Drawing Book. It proved too difficult for them to follow but they sure enjoyed the pictures. That's where parents (namely this one) come in.
"Mom can draw it."
"How do you know?"
"Cause she's an artist."
Now where on Earth the blind confidence in my skills came from is truly beyond me. As is when I achieved the title of 'artist' (I wish I'd known this... I could have been getting paid!). Yet regardless of these things the unspoken expectation was clearly evident... mom can draw these dragons and she can do it well.
Hmm... these dragons were very well done by a man named Ralph Masiello, I was up against a pro.
The first drawing took me about 15 minutes (basic dragon). It took my six year old 2 min to add to it.
The second request and subsequent dragon came about through a conversation that went something like this:
"Mom can you draw me one now?"
"Sure, love."
The precocious girl hands me the book... "I want this one, with the designs."
"Umm." I hesitate.
"Pleeeaase?"
(note undercurrent of utmost confidence)
I sigh, okay but I can't promise anything as good as this.
Fast forward 30-40 minutes. My fingers are cramped and covered in pencil lead. I'm being forcefully reminded of my 9th grade art class, which I enjoyed...15 years ago.
"Done." I await my patrons glowing approval.
She stops digging for pirate treasure and comes to assess her commission.
"Looks good, thanks Mom."
There's my ounce.
No wonder they consider parenting one of greatest acts of service.
Recently I checked a book out from the library for them--The Dragon Drawing Book. It proved too difficult for them to follow but they sure enjoyed the pictures. That's where parents (namely this one) come in.
"Mom can draw it."
"How do you know?"
"Cause she's an artist."
Now where on Earth the blind confidence in my skills came from is truly beyond me. As is when I achieved the title of 'artist' (I wish I'd known this... I could have been getting paid!). Yet regardless of these things the unspoken expectation was clearly evident... mom can draw these dragons and she can do it well.
Hmm... these dragons were very well done by a man named Ralph Masiello, I was up against a pro.
The first drawing took me about 15 minutes (basic dragon). It took my six year old 2 min to add to it.
The second request and subsequent dragon came about through a conversation that went something like this:
"Mom can you draw me one now?"
"Sure, love."
The precocious girl hands me the book... "I want this one, with the designs."
"Umm." I hesitate.
"Pleeeaase?"
(note undercurrent of utmost confidence)
I sigh, okay but I can't promise anything as good as this.
Fast forward 30-40 minutes. My fingers are cramped and covered in pencil lead. I'm being forcefully reminded of my 9th grade art class, which I enjoyed...15 years ago.
"Done." I await my patrons glowing approval.
She stops digging for pirate treasure and comes to assess her commission.
"Looks good, thanks Mom."
There's my ounce.
No wonder they consider parenting one of greatest acts of service.
Comments
there was only one I couldn't do I was so confused with all the little squiggles that I just gave up.
which annoyed the kids
-Ralph Masiello
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog. We've checked out all your books from the library. Even searched your name to make sure we got them all. :) And every single one of them was grudgingly returned.
Your dragons are stunning. Thanks for sharing your talent with us mere mortals. ;)