Saturday, February 1, 2014

One woman's trash is another woman's treasure.


At the end of the last school year as we scurried about preparing for graduation I found this lovely Buddha in the highly polished North Hall, dangerously close to a large trash can. I took a photo with my phone and promptly sent it to our resident art teacher to see if she knew whose it was. “Yes of course. That’s Sophie’s Buddha!”

The email exchange went something like this…

Subject: your Buddha

Hi Sophie, I’m not sure if you intended to throw your Buddha away but I found him near the trash cans in the North Hall. If you don’t want him, I will buy him from you! That will make you a professional sculptress!!

Subject: RE: your Buddha

Hi Mrs. Healy! I think my Buddha would love to live with you! Happy summer! :) Sophie

I was secretly delighted! He’s mine now! I loved the beautiful open and upturned hands and the amethest stone in his forehead. Why didn’t she want him, I wondered? Maybe her mom wanted him. Should I have suggested that?

I took him home and found a place for him under my blossoming Santa Rosa plum tree. Narcissus grew around him. Plums dumped their juicy essence on his head. Yet, every time I ventured out to my garden he was there in all his peace and tranquility. I continued to ask myself.. why didn’t she want this masterpiece?

Months later, still pondering… I asked the art teacher, Mrs. Ford: “Did she get a bad grade on it? Is that why she didn’t want it?” Her response… “I don’t remember!!” Note to self.. never ask an art teacher for facts and data.

I’m left to speculate. Did someone tell her it wasn’t a good project? Did she get a poor grade on it? Who grades what we produce out of our souls and our essence? What talents have we abandoned because someone said “not good enough”?

Sophie’s trash..

My treasure.


8 Responses

  1. I still have so many “treasures” my kids have made over the years. Eventually, they all become trash, but to me they’re treasures – each one with a story.


    • In this case, I was just an impartial and unbiased interested citizen. I love the sculpture and she is not my daughter. I think that says something. It is a beautiful piece.


  2. What a beautiful sculpture and commentary on it! I think it was meant for your garden, and maybe that’s why you ended up with it. This reminds me of student poetry that I don’t grade because I can’t put a score on their souls. I read it, I love it, I discuss it with the poet, and they get credit for it, but I won’t grade it. Maybe this piece of art, from Sophie’s soul, transcended grading.


  3. the discovered BUDDHA represents sustainability and being green!!!!! may he live on with Ro Healey for all to see!!! RECYcle and re gift whenever possible!!!!!!!!!!!!


  4. Some gifts take the road less traveled to be found by those that would appreciate them. Just like the human spirit. Your Buddha was waiting to be discovered by the eyes that would behold it’s beauty regardless of the “trash” that disguised it. Sometimes we find these jewels in unexpected places, not that they are there by mistake, but rather to be found by the one who would see its true value. Congrats on finding your gift Rosemarie!


    • Jeff, you are right on. It was a gift from the universe. I love this Buddha and it seems to love me back. All is well. Hope you are still blogging!


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