Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Scarecrow and Joy

The Razmataz family has lived in this house for 22 years.  Across the street from us is a man who has lived in his house since day one, along with his wife.  Now we are a friendly bunch, however in 22 years I've had about 3 conversations with him, and he's yelled at my kids a few times (they deserved it I am sure).  He used to sit on his front porch motionless for hours.  One day, my daughter's friend asked me why they always had a scarecrow on their front porch.  Of course it was the man, who was always sittiing on the porch.  From that point on, since we never knew his name, we called him Scarecrow.  Although he seemed like a bit of a grump, I knew he was a kindly man because he walked to the bus stop everyday to meet his wife and he was really sweet to my dogs and his cats.

One day last summer, he and his wife were outside while I was gardening.  They crossed the street and headed right towards me.  His wife's name was Joy.  She presented me with this water color of my house that she had done after she retired.  She told me she thought my house was pretty and wanted to paint it. 

I thanked her profusely, extremely touched and thrilled with her lovely art.  They retreated back to their side and now we wave, but no real conversation.  I think they like to keep to themselves.  It just shows you though that you don't really know people and certainly can't judge them. 


He didn't introduce himself, but Ifound out his name is Frank.  



26 comments:

  1. I LOVE IT! You certainly cannot judge...you just never know.
    I think the painting is awesome...love the detail and the colors. and I love that she gave it to you - no words for 22 years but she gave you a wonderful gift. :)

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  2. Wonderful !!!
    What a lovely painting, what a lovely gift and how nice to find out all these years later, what his name is lol.... The gift is better than any words could have been , I think ..

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  3. What a lovely painting, and what dear, kind people. She has painted that house full of happiness.

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  4. What a beautiful painting. And your house is, of course, picture perfect!
    You certainly can't judge a book by its cover and isn't it a good thing?
    We'd miss out on so much in life if we did.

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  5. The watercolor is beautiful. You just never know about quiet people. I am not quiet...all my neighbors know me.

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  6. No wonder she painted it, your house is picture perfect. What a kind gesture.

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  7. It's gorgeous and your house it gorgeous too! Imagine someone doing that "just because". There are still lovely people around.

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  8. What a great story. A very sweet gift too!

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  9. What a lovely story! The painting is just beautiful, as is your home! xo

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  10. What a touching story, and beautiful gift. What a delightful surprise!

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  11. Thank you for spreading the love by sharing the story. We all need a nudge each day to retain perspective and adjust our thinking back to true north. :D

    xx
    z

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  12. Hi There, My sofa is from Restoration Hardware. Have a great Night

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  13. What a lovely story. The kindness of strangers really.

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  14. I like your silent neighbors! What a beautiful gift. We have a similar neighborhood of non-talkers. But I'm sticking by the name of the "mean dog house" as that hound still charges everything that moves.
    xo Cathy

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  15. People are complex creatures aren't they? The painting of your house is beautiful and it was such a lovely gift to receive. xx

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  16. Your home is delightful & the water colour is a treasure!
    I really am smitten with the homes you are stalking (tee Hee)!...I wouldn't be able to choose...the Mission style is my favorite but the first one has a real cottagey fibe & the last one...well who could argue with guest cottages!......yike can't wait to see what you decide to do!
    Sun in Florida sure sounds nice as we are waiting for it!

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  17. How beautiful.
    Both the watercolours and the names...Scarecrow and Joy.
    You are so lucky.

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  18. What a beautiful gift. It just goes to show that some people feel more comfortable expressing themselves through means other than talking. Clearly they are fond of not only your house, but also you and your family!

    Kat :)

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  19. Oh Chania your home is BEAUTIFUL & how GORGEOUS of Joy to immortalise it in watercolour for you....!!

    It is SO true....Appearances are indeed deceiving & we should try harder not to be so judgmental....I can't help but be curious though as to what it must be like behind closed doors at their place....I mean....I wonder if they feel idle conversation unnecessary & spend a lot of their time together in companionable silence or is that they just don't feel the need to socialise outside their own home....??

    In any case I think it was a WONDERFUL gesture & THANK YOU as always Lovey for sharing....!!!!!

    Cheers from oz,
    Tamarah :o)

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  20. Beautiful this story, your house and garden.

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  21. What a lovely home you have and such a beautiful painting. What a kind gift she has blessed you with. Thank you for sharing such a touching story.
    Cindy

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  22. What a sweet story, and so true. Your house is charming and so is the painting, Lori

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  23. Hi Chania,

    It amazes me how beautiful the human spirit can be. This post is touching and a good reminder to never make assumptions about others. We all have a story and now theirs is intertwined with yours. What a charming house and a delightful painting!

    Anne

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  24. What a beautiful watercolor with an interesting story to match. Now I want to know why he sits on the porch so much.... Ann

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  25. That was such a nice neighbourly thing to do. Your house and garden are lovely, Chania!

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I love to read each and every comment and are thrilled that you take the time to send one. Thank you so much. Chania