Sketches for Everyone


Once upon a time, in a bustling town known for its vibrant art scene, lived a talented artist named Amelia. She possessed a remarkable gift for sketching, and her creations captivated the hearts of art enthusiasts. Her sketches were not only admired but also sold for hundreds of dollars at prestigious exhibits throughout the town.


One sunny morning, Amelia found herself driving along the highway, lost in her thoughts. As she approached a toll booth, she reached for her wallet, only to realize she had forgotten to carry any cash. Panic flickered through her, and she desperately rummaged through the compartments of her car, hoping to find a few coins. To her relief, she spotted one of her sketches lying on the passenger seat.


With a sudden burst of inspiration, Amelia grabbed the sketch and handed it to the toll keeper, explaining that it was her payment for the $2.50 toll. However, she still felt a sense of indebtedness and rummaged through her glove compartment. A smile formed on her face as she discovered a $5 bill tucked away, and she promptly passed it along to the toll keeper, adding a little extra.


Amelia's encounter at the toll booth ignited something within her—a desire to bring art into unexpected places and touch the lives of ordinary people. She began to view toll booths as more than mere checkpoints on the highway. They became gateways to people's lives, offering her an opportunity to make a difference.


From that day onwards, whenever Amelia drove through a toll station, she would hand one of her sketches to the toll keeper, much to the bewilderment of her husband, James. Curiosity gnawed at him, and one day, he could no longer contain his puzzlement.


"Why are you handing hundreds of dollars of art to the toll keepers each day, Amelia?" James asked, genuinely perplexed.


Amelia turned to her husband, her eyes shimmering with a deep understanding. "They deserve to have art in their lives," she replied softly. "A momentary encounter with beauty can brighten someone's day and offer solace in unexpected places. And who knows, perhaps one of the toll keepers has a child or friend who dreams of becoming an artist. My sketches might inspire them to pick up a pencil and create something magical."


James nodded, beginning to grasp the depth of his wife's perspective. Amelia continued, her voice brimming with warmth, "Besides, my dear, I can easily make more sketches. I have an infinite number of sketches inside of me, waiting to be shared with the world. So why not embrace the chance to spread beauty, joy, and inspiration wherever I go? Art is meant to be shared, and there is an abundance of creativity within me."


As James listened to his wife's heartfelt words, he realized that Amelia's actions were a reflection of her generous spirit and unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. From that moment on, he became her staunchest supporter, encouraging her to continue touching lives through her sketches, even if it meant parting with them.


Amelia's selfless gesture soon became known throughout the town, and people began to anticipate her visits to the toll booths. Each sketch she shared carried a piece of her passion, leaving an indelible mark on those who received them.


Amelia's act of spreading art beyond the confines of galleries and exhibits taught the town a valuable lesson. Art had the power to transcend boundaries, to connect souls, and to bring moments of joy to unexpected places. And through her infinite sketches, Amelia reminded everyone that the true beauty of art lay not in its price tag but in the priceless impact it could have on people's lives.

 

Phil Shapiro

pshapiro@his.com

 

Public domain. Freely adapt and redistribute. 

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