I have a spin bike that got me through COVID and is now a trusty friend. The bike, along with weights, resides in our bonus room, a catch-all for storage and workouts. One day, as I was spinning, I looked at the space in front of me, bare and dull, apartment white. Since we moved, we haven’t put up too many things on the walls. I need a pleasing view.
As I’m pedaling, I’m sorting through my brain for ideas. Beach. Paris. I used to have a paper map of Paris in my garage, and I’d see it when I pulled in to park, as if I was driving into the City of Love. I need color, though.
Alexander visits me most often on that bike, after my ride, and after my spin playlist. It must be representative of him. He plays songs for me to remind me he’s around and thinking of me. I burst into tears when he plays, There She Goes by La. Sometimes he gets on a roll and sends me three or four songs. I’ll keep spinning to see what he’s got to say, scrolling through the lyrics on Spotify to pick up hidden messages. When I can’t figure out the message, I consult my best bud, music sleuth extraordinaire, Hubby.
“What do you think this means?” I ask as I play George Ezra’s Shotgun.
Gotta hit the road
Something changed in the atmosphere….
….There’s a mountaintop that I’m dreaming of
If you need me, you know where I’ll be
I’ll be riding shotgun….
In a flash, “Alexander is riding next to you. He’s got your back,” says smarty-pants Hubby.
Again, the burst of tears. That’s so Alexander.
Whichever view I pick to look at as I ride needs to be worthy of the sacred space. Purple, purple heart…Boom! I know!
I scramble through our unhung stack of pictures and pull out a painting, a very special painting that just got more special.
Years ago, we were dining at our friend’s house, home to a prolific painter. She had so many hearts in varying bright colors. My favorite was a red heart against a seafoam green background.
“I want one!” I exclaimed. I commissioned her. Weeks later, she dropped off her creation, a gift.
“This is just what came out…” she said.
I held a glittery purple heart against a black background with swirls of green and purple, much like my visions during an Alexander visit. While the color selection didn’t have a particular meaning for me then, I loved it. In hindsight, I realize she was channeling her deep spirituality, a connection to dreams, and higher consciousness. (As a side note, tapping into the creative side has spiritual connections to inspire…truly from the heart. That’s my interpretation, but I find it to be true. You know you hit gold when you are moved, maybe to tears.)
I do not think the painting is providence. I do think, however, it is an untold connection between two creatives that I am putting into words, and she put into art. The painting has found its home:
The sacred space for a boy and his mama.
💜💜💜
The mystery solved of the artist,reading your blog entry. But it does look profound on the wall by itself.
Again your visual descriptions create the view for us too,the second part of the duo creativity. Art and writing….
Happy Mother’s Day !
Happy Mother’s Day to one badass mother! Keep writing and sharing. 💜💜💜
Aww thanks Wendi, from one badass mama to another!😎💜
Beautiful words and art. Thank you for sharing. Peace.
Thanks Teresa. ☮️💟
Great and meaningful picture! He’s got your back in all that you do. Glad you found your special place just the two of you.
yes he does! I love it!💜
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this meaningful piece, Francie. Sending hugs.
Awww. Thank you Andra. It’s funny how the meaning of a song or a painting can change over time.💜
thank you for sharing Francie. This is really beautiful. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you Barbara. And a Happy Mother’s Day to you too!💜
Simply beautiful in so many ways….sending love to you this Mother’s Day….
Thank you Pam. He’s a beautiful boy, still giving back to his mama. Happy Mother’s Day!💜
Francie, this is poignant and beautiful. It made me cry but also brought a big smile to my face. Your writing is full of hope and love. Happy Mother’s Day to a wonderful Mama.🌷💕
I cried too. He’s so sweet.💜 Happy Mother’s Day to you and Alexander’s resting spot buddy.💜
I always look forward to your insightful posts. I have shared the posts, as a hopeful sign, with a friend who is looking for connections with her son. Sending hugs. Happy Mother’s Day
Oh thank you for telling me. I don’t always know if my posts resonate but I write anyway because I get inspired and it makes me feel better, like I’m connecting with him. We’ve read and been told, the relationship is still there with a loved one, it’s just different. I believe that 100%. Happy Mother’s Day to you!💜
I was struck by this art piece, Francie, the moment I saw it. So alive! How wonderful the mysterious threads that weave creative people together–and give art new meaning over time. I thought of you and Alexander a lot, yesterday. Lots of love to you!
Oh Francie, I always love your posts, and this one is no exception. It made me cry, but I am also happy that you have something beautiful to look at and that will bring you a connection to Alexander, even while you’re spinning!