It was a simple project. It turned out well. The most fun was the time together.

We started with markers. That’s what the directions said, but the first markers didn’t work well with the second step. Neither did the second or third or fourth. Good thing we hadn’t started on the canvas. We finally found the best combination then plotted where the flowers would go. My granddaughter chose the colors for each flower, making a simple circle with straight lines pointing outward. Then she dipped a cotton swab in water and started in the center dot of the flower. As the color became to spread, she made circles, moving toward the end until the final circle smudged the outer edges. One flower done. Repeat several times, and the result was some floating flowers. I helped with some stems and a bow, and we let it dry.

It was a gift for her mom, but I felt as if I got a gift, too. I got to plan and help. I got to share an experience and make a memory. I got to see her smile of accomplishment.

Sometimes it’s the simplest projects. Share some color with someone today. It might come in the form of a smile or a conversation that helps encourage next steps. It might facilitate conversation or fuel motivation. But it takes time. It takes sacrifice. It takes intention. You have all three, but you have to access them. I suggest you do it together (and repeat tomorrow). Otherwise, you might miss out more than anyone else.

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