Honestly, it’s never diamonds. Perfume, maybe, but not diamonds. Oh, there was a diamond engagement years ago and another one at our 25th, but that ‘streak’ ended there, years ago. Nowadays, prudence, practicality and pocketbook influence my choices..
So, this Valentine’s Day I gave a gift that satisfied all three criteria, the gift of color. I painted a bathroom for my wife, and, not surprisingly, it was one of the best gifts I’ve given over the years. She raved about it and appreciated my work and the new look. As pleasant as that sounds, it’s an unflattering commentary on my gift giving skills. I’m terrible at it.
However, I’m a good painter, it’s in the genes. My immigrant grandfather established himself as a ‘master’ painter. He begot three boys who continued the trade. The line of succession produced more sons, yet, who donned the white overalls, joined the union and called themselves ‘journeymen’.
You see, while ‘diamonds are forever’ (who wears out a diamond?), paint jobs are actually meant to be replaced. Colors fade or fall out of fashion. The painter gets the opportunity to ‘regive’ the paint job, a ‘do over’, if you will.
“Hey, honey, I repainted the bathroom. How’s it look? And, Happy Mother’s Day!”
“Looks great, dinner is ready”, she shouts from afar. “You slug…”, is the unspoken word you don’t hear because she has resigned herself to the age-old mantra, ‘it’s the thought that counts’. But we all know this about marriage, ‘what you do or don’t do now will be used against you later’. As I was reminded recently, disagreements, arguments and shortcomings are all part of the bonding process in marriage, no matter how long the union, decades in our case.
But, I digress. There are more gift giving opportunities on the horizon. The bedroom sounds appropriate for our wedding anniversary. And the hallways for her birthday. Oh, I just know she’ll love it. Everyday will seem like a birthday as she walks through the house, admiring the colors, reminding her of just how old she is. Hmm, I should rethink that one. Then there’s Christmas, maybe a brightening up of the guest room would be a hit.
Yes, diamonds are pretty; pretty impressive and pretty expensive. So, gentlemen, heed my advice. When the time comes, give the gift that is bold and beautiful, that tells her how much you love her. Give the ‘gift that keeps on giving’ and is cheap, the gift of color…PAINT SOMETHING!
srbottch (February 2016)
S'amusing 
Good early morning…This is one of your best. Gary even agreed that it was good. Maybe all the paint fumes have cleared your brain for this one! I posted a comment on your story. Sometimes a little rest is good for the ‘blogging’ brain. Make it a good day. ..June Kyle at a meeting with Greg Norman in Dallas a couple of weeks ago. He’s working on a project through ATT with Norman to have direct streaming into golf carts so golfers can watch their favorite sports event while golfing, go figure. This was initiated by Norman to ATT so Kyle is heading it along with his team. He really enjoyed meeting him.Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S® 6, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
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Norman is quite the entrepreneur. E should ask for some tips…no, not golf, wine making. Thanks for the comment. You’re right, nothing like paint fumes for a clear mind!😜
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Ins’t the nicest présent something you would do yourself ? Painting or cooking for friends.
Anyway She would also appreciate a diamond in the plate before starting diner (lol)
All the n’est my friend.
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Well, my friend, as we say in America, you want to ‘cover all the bases’, an extravagant jewel and a paint job. For me, that would be ‘imprudent, impractical and im…im…too expensive!!! 😉
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‘Everyday will seem like a birthday as she walks through the house, admiring the colors, reminding her of just how old she is. Hmm…’ My favorite line. That was laugh out loud funny, Steve. I’ve forwarded it to G-Man. I don’t care about diamonds and am allergic to most perfumes. Paint sounds good to me. It’s in your genes. Work with what you’ve got. But…… I’d quit early enough on Mother’s Day/Birthday to cook dinner. Just sayin’. The word ‘slug’ might not come up. 😀
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Oh, it’ll come up eventually, so why not just keep on working. As I say…oh, oh, I’m being summoned. Now what did I do???
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Not big on diamonds and other “finery,” I, too, prefer the gift of “self” given from the heart. Good job as always!
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Thank you. I always picked out the wrong gift. With painting, she can pick out the color and I do my thing…happiness, all around.
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