Maria and I went to the Mansion yesterday to meet with the residents for the first time since my surgery.

Maria was going to teach an original kind of art class she had been planning for days, and I went to support her, take pictures,  and also to show the residents that I was healthy and would come back and bring Zinnia, who they adore.

I brought my new Leica with an 85 mm portrait lens; I was very touched by what I saw; I hope my photographs reflect the feeling of creativity, intimacy, sound, art, and need all coming together in this way.

I call this a photo essay, a combination of images and words. I hope the pictures touch you like the visit touched me.

I love my Mansion work and the people I come to see, and so does Maria.

What she did yesterday was inspiring, yet another demonstration of what I love about her. She gives her heart to what she does. Art brings these people to life and gives them joy.

Maria understands that doing good is its own reward, bringing her and others pleasure and peace, as it does me. She always gives more than she needs to give in her work and her life.

The idea she came up with – the residents loved it – was to take 50 beautiful old vintage hankies and some special paint and ask each person to create their own design on their hankies.

Then the hankies were placed on the floor to dry. Maria went to each person to help and encourage them, and when the panels were all dry, she’ll pick them up and tie them together so they could be hung in the residents’ rooms and catch the sun.

The residents were into it; they loved the idea and worked hard on their designs. It was a great success and a fantastic way for me and Maria to return to the world.

They were relieved to see me, and I got the warmest welcome, almost as heartfelt as Zinnia’s. It meant a lot.

Full House, Getting Ready

The residents love art classes. Art brings her students to life.

The first art coming up with a design. We are sending paint and canvasses to the Mansion every week.

Maria holds one of the first designs up to dry.

Art

Art doesn’t draw, but he loves cars so much he decided to draw a Ford. I’m getting him some old car books.

Maria and Alyne, the new assistant activities director, already loved and gentle.