Sometimes doesn’t it feels like we are coming out of a hard winter that’s lasted 3 years? I find personally staying “on track” to be an ongoing exercise. We Bluebirds have stumbled upon a highly effective antidote to the malaise of the times. Bluebird activities are powerful antidepressants; it’s just that simple. Our Art Team once a week adds companionship, colour and creativity to these largely shut-in lives. We bring joy to them but also to ourselves. The art now displayed in the halls shines with joy.
Here are two recent projects:
- Memory Lane was designed and presented by Bluebird Linda. A donated stack of Beautiful BC magazines inspired her concept. Working individually with the residents while gathered around the long activity table we leafed through the magazines in search of places they remembered. My goodness what stories we shared! Their chosen photos became a collage infused with happy memories.
- One Vine But Many Branches was more complex for the next week. It involved advance preparation. A recycled roll of wallpaper border sprouted a 20’ vine (with blank spaces) which was anchored along the work surface. The blank spaces had stencils of animals and insects taped in place. Our folk seemed to really enjoy filling in the stencils with tempera paint. We worked one stencil/resident at a time and chaos did not ensue. A plethora of colourful leaves was also prepared ahead and with glue sticks got added to the vine.
Two Bluebirds returned in the afternoon when the banner was dry and relaid the stencils to draw outlines and details to the rather “blobby” critters. It made a world of difference and we are all elated with the result which now adorns the west wing hall wall.
We, the ND Bluebirds want to spread our happiness secret. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see little Bluebird flocks spring up across the province?
“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” -Kahlil Gibran
