The "Bling Bling" And The 40 Years Old Painting

"Bling bling, shimmer and shine"This story was 1 year ago, August summer 2017, my sister in law's birthday was approaching and we had no idea what to give. We decided to go downtown to look for a gift. We wanted something special, simple and memorable. On the way to the market we found a lot of beautiful paintings.

I said "Oh look at those beautiful paintings so colorful and big". My husband said " I like this one, so rich in color so different than the rest" pointing at the other painting. But the painting was small, dusty and unattended, hanging in the corner. I didn't even noticed it until he told me about the small painting. He said " I like this one, small and simple"

I said "Hmmmmmm Ok....but please enlighten me why you like this small painting? What's in it? "I like this one, colourful, happy and big" I was pointing at the other paintings. He said " Look, this one is unique and different from others. I asked "Why unique? It's small and just a normal painting"

My husband said to me "This small painting is different from the rest, the richness of the color, the time and effort that he made, I can feel it"

The painter came to us and said that it was a 40 years old painting and this was his oldest painting. He said he painted it when he was a student, in 1970.

I said " But these other paintings are rich in colors too" My husband replied" Yeah, but there is no story behind it" I didn't know what to say but I agreed with him. I was looking for more outspoken colors but not knowing the history or value of the painting.

Then I thought we were going home after that. I was surprised when my husband asked the painter to sign the painting. The old guy asked why? My husband said "You are the master of this beautiful piece." Can you sign it for my sister's birthday?" The old painter was shaken and couldn't believed what he heard. The old guy took a marker and signed it. He was shaking while writing on the back. I could see it. The painter was so happy may be that he couldn't believe that somebody would appreciate his 40 years old painting. He even gave us his calling card, he was smiling when we left his store. When we went home, we looked the painting again and we saw his autograph.

On the back of the painting he wrote this "Happy New Year Ani!! Instead of "Happy birthday Ani"

We were silent.......wandering. Could it be that he made a mistake because he couldn't believe that somebody would pay attention to his work? It could be that it's a new start for him or a message for my sister in law to have a new beginning.