Hello rt,
I used to do volunteer work at a public hospital, & during that time, I'd taken up photography, using an SLR camera, with fun lenses, like extra zoom & extreme close-up add-ons, polarizing, UV filters & such. It was expensive, but prooved to be well worth the money for how much it got me out of my flat.
I had some enlarged & gave them to the Volunteer department, & one Xmas I gave the Day Surgery ward where I had most worked, & had met some great people, the ward clerk in particular. I just wanted to thank them all for how well they treated me even as my mental health was declining. So I made a very large print of one of my favourite pictures for them, had it framed as well. They had it put in the waiting room for people soon to be admitted.
A few months later, my camera broke, & I wasn't sure I could get another one, & all the bits, (compatibility problems between models). I only mentioned I hadn't been out taking more photos because it was not working.
For my Birthday that year, they had gone around & had collected almost $200 & gave it to me. I was overwhelmed by their generosity. & we had cake too! 😻
For me the best gifts come from the heart.
So, last year it was wonderful to go to my Tuesday helper's place for Xmas with her, her hubby, a friends who were unable to to Japan due to COVID-19, & joining in on singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' to other family they phoned while I was there.
& this year, for my Birthday, because I couldn't do what I had wanted, I got myself 2nd dose then spent a couple hours playing with my Wednesday helper's 7 Labrador puppies. & cheescake. It was lovely, with her & her hubby, her old auntie, & a friend of theirs, & the three big dogs as well, out in the back yard.
I have thought, how wonderful would it be for someone to write a piece of music for me. I do feel moved by music I know was written for someone in particular. Or a painting, not necessarily a portrait, (I'm not sure I would like that, not liking photos of myself already, even though I can barely see details at all anymore). Something created, I suppose, sewn, knitted, grown, sculpted, baked/cooked, a sound recording, or video, made for me, obviously by the one giving, so the connection is evident. I would love a hand-written card, (if I can feel it, the writing &/drawing I mean).
If you haven't been able to visit someone in a while, this year, I think meeting up would be great, just giving your time.😸
mmMekitty
