At my dear neighbor-turned-friend Phoebe’s birthday party, I toasted her citing my good fortune to select a home within walking distance of hers. Had the realtor known of her, I have no doubt the asking price would have doubled. Before the evening’s celebration, I was pondering a way to celebrate this gem of woman’s birthday.
For the last month, I’d been tripping over a drop cloth for the paint project that never began. (Color me sidetracked.) Then as I began to fold it to finally put the thing away, I thought, “Eureka, I’ll paint a Happy Birthday banner to attach to my fence for the world and Phoebe to see. Brilliant! If I wasn’t going to paint the walls, better that I at least paint the drop cloth.
Around 6:30 a.m., I stretched and nailed the cloth between fence posts for my makeshift easel. Collecting my Krylon satin colors, I shook the cans vigorously like a two-fisted, albeit skilled, bartender. I practiced and practiced air writing my cursive message before committing to the canvas. Sunshine yellow in hand, Oxford blue on deck, my fluid aerosol artistry began. Worried that there would not be enough room for the entire message, I was relieved to see that letter spacing wasn’t an issue at all; the message as written, fit.
Banner, zip ties and loppers in hand, all I had to do was prune back some intrusive brambles and Scotch broom from the roadside deer fence, attached said sign to fence, and await Phoebe’s response. Phoebe being a private person, I was hoping her return message would be one of delight, not chagrin.
Banner up, taut, bold, celebratory, I walked across the road to bask in my proud pronouncement for Phoebe. And then, a voice in my head, channeling a cartoon dog, said, “Ruh-row.”
I believe the banner speaks for itself…or at the painter.
Perhaps the best birthday gift is laughter, and if that’s the case this banner was a great success. Happy Birtday Birthday Phoebe!
I hate to admit that I had to read it twice to find the error…but it IS the thought that counts and she looks like someone who can find the fun in anything! Happy (belated) birthday, Phoebe.
You are such a keeper Tom – a true gem! Happy, happy special day to Phoebe.
Oh, shoot!
Phoebe has the look of eternal youth and well being! May it continue!
Really got a chuckle out of your well-intentioned gift! And I bet your friend and neighbor did too; she has a stellar smile!
Don’t you hate it when that happens? 😛 If you ever get tired up there in Vashon, we’d love to have you as a neighbor LOL. Glad you found such an excellent use for that drop cloth! Happy BIRTHDAY Phoebe, that lettuce looks amazing!
Tom – I had to read it twice too! What a great banner Tom, and you are such a dear friend to your neighbor!
How awesome! All of it! I am proud of you for just going with it. I would have probably tried to “squeeze” in that missed letter. 😉 But laughter and happiness from seeing someone else be human is far, far better. Phoebe looks and sounds like a true sweetheart!
Shirley
Just discovered your blog. I love it.
Beautiful colors, lovely message, and I’m glad to see you celebrate Birt Day.
I’m surprised there wasn’t a drive-by copy editor in your neck of the woods. In some neighborhoods they out number taggers.
Tom, I laughed so hard I dropped the pits back in the wild plum sauce I’m making.
Hahahaha! I didn’t see it at first either Tom! Now… did you correct it, or leave it as-is for Phoebe to enjoy?
And I’m pretty sure anyone’d be THRILLED to have you as a neighour as well! 😀
Thanks for the great laugh! I loved the Scooby Doo sound effect. p.s. your tutorial on when figs are ripe, was immensely helpful.
a little early perhaps