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"What I didn’t know would happen, by simply sharing my seat at an outdoor table, was that I’d find confidence and artistic expression within a short interaction with a stranger"
Let’s paint the picture… literally. I took a bus to a small, modest hub of people from all walks of life. Old, young, people walking dogs, people meeting again after some time apart – it has become one of my favourite areas of Hamilton to visit when I need a refresh. I ordered my go-to coffee from a cafe called Paisley and the lovely barista at the front put a little smile on my cup, making me smile. I sat down and pulled out my painting supplies, aware of my surroundings around me, and intentionally continued my commission pieces – some hand-painted, original postcards for a dear friend.
Here's the commission piece I was working on ;)
It wasn’t long until a stranger popped outside and appeared to be looking for a table. He had two young girls with him and being conscious about how much room I was talking up at a 4-person table, I offered to give him and his girl my spot outside. Instead, he politely asked if it would be okay to share the table and I happily said yes.
Almost immediately after sitting down, with subjective amazement, he asked “did you make all those by hand?” and, “are you doing this full-time or mostly as a hobby?”. I responded that yes, I have been working on this commission piece for a good friend of mine but no, I do this as a side hobby and a second stream of income on top of being a full-time nanny and a final-year nursing student. Being a more reserved person – though well into my first coffee of the day, feeling energized – I felt comfortable talking to him about my student life. He was kind and willing to tell me that his mom, as well as his wife, were in the medical profession. He wanted to know how I’d been coping with having an ‘abnormal’ start to my undergraduate degree, something I hadn’t given a lot of thought to since COVID initially hit. I reflected a little on how much I’d seen in school, yet seemingly ‘missed out on while being amid a global pandemic.
The conversation was effortless and slow between me and this stranger, and not soon after he told me some of the biggest lessons he took away from being a University student and in an engineering undergraduate program. To try and paraphrase what he said eloquently, I’ll attempt to capture what he told me, though I admit I was so intrigued by the conversation that I took it to heart, immediately:
One of the most memorable moments from our conversation was when he said that the ‘University experience’, as much as it was about learning content, was centred around social relationships. He recalled learning how to make mistakes and take risks, even when the outcome was uncertain, explaining that every risk he has taken has benefitted him and life is too short to be timid or afraid to mess up.
The young girls, who had been eyeing my painting supplies and pieces seemed interested in
what I was doing and after some time, the older one asked me, “how do you do that?”. With the genuine interest she expressed, both verbal and non-verbal, I offered to lend her a paintbrush and a watercolour palette from my side of the table. I told her my technique, and confidently yet humbly she said that she’s tried this before – I’m assuming from school or an art-based camp.
She showed me her technique of blending, first starting with water and then mixing a light blue with ultramarine. I gave her affirmation that she did a wonderful job, and I liked the colours she picked out, something I know I appreciated at a young age. She then asked me, “how do you draw like that…you’re better at drawing than me”. I recognized that she was comparing her skill to mine, which I knew was not comparable, considering our vast difference in life years and practice. To put it simply, I showed her how I draw a leaf now - I quickly sketched out a basic leafy design, something that is second-hand to me now and I tend to draw without thinking at all. Then, I showed her how I’d draw one at a younger age, to show her that my style and my skill got much more refined with age. And finally, just to make her laugh, I showed her how I may have drawn a leaf as a very young kid – a simple circle and a stick poking out the bottom, to make her smile a little (and it worked!)
I told her that the more I draw and pick up my paintbrush, I learn a little more. By practicing and repeating, I explained, I got more comfortable with these techniques. She seemed to understand, and I felt grateful for having the words to explain this to her. After all, her father and I shared some wisdom about our lives and I wanted to make the little ones feel included.
At the end of it all and to my surprise, the father asked me if I’d be willing to teach a painting lesson at his house with his kids. This was such news to me, my heart did a little flip because I was so excited! The girls looked into the idea and I replied that I’d be happy to come by during this week to do some crafts with them. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and my family knows how much I talk about and how much I value watching kids develop confidence in themselves. I’ve been a synchro coach, a babysitter, and a big sister, and in each role, it felt comfortable and rewarding to me. This painting session just shouted my name and I was so grateful that he reached out.
Now I’m sitting here in the same coffee shop and I’m reflecting on this unique experience. I recognize that without the ability to talk to this stranger, without having the confidence to come out and paint in public, none of this would have become a reality. If I were to take anything from this experience I’d tell you – take risks, just go for it. That thought you’ve been having in the back of your head. The book you’ve been wanting to write. The outing you’ve wanted to take yourself on a date to. Go for it!
This life offers you opportunities that can seem intimidating or out of your comfort zone, but how can we judge without actually experiencing them? So, if a stranger is looking for a spot to sit and you are willing /comfortable... why not? You’ll never know what opportunities may come to life ✨
Thanks for stopping by! (✿◠‿◠)
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