A Recipe Is A Story

Enjoyed the authentic taste this one offered :-) Many years back, I got a call from a client of mine - who had by then become a very dear friend and mentor ( I surround myself with such souls). He said he had a unique request. He wondered if I would be open to donate some of the art I made for a worthy cause. It was to help raise funds for a non-profit that helped women of domestic abuse. I have always given away my paintings as a token of appreciation, gratitude and good wishes. So, there was no effort to say Yes. But then, I thought I should add value. ( My dad had taught me back in India as his apprentice that even when asked to mail a letter, one had an opportunity to add value - could be the handwriting to write the address, perfect and neat stamp at the corner or no leak of glue when you close the envelope) With that training, I offered to paint something special in tune with their theme for which they were trying to raise funds. I offered 10 of my paintings of which one would be specific to the theme. It enabled me see the last mile impact of a line of sketch or a blob of paint had made in the lives of several sisters not more than 50 miles from where I lived. Without this act of generosity ( on the part of my friend to accept my work of art), I would have been deprived of this experience. I pledged to donate every single year and it was up to them to accept or not. The offer from my side was always there. Six years have gone by and to this day, they have demonstrated their generosity.