Everyday Canvas

My Palette and Grandparents

Prompt: Grab a picture or a photograph from anywhere and write about it. Create a story or a poem. Have fun!

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My Palette


I used to loiter gray-faced,
bristle brushing mars-black
over raw-umber concepts
under urban moonbeams, as if
tanned driftwood in still life
ever so fragile

until you caught me
your touch far-reaching
into my canvas
like soft sable

now, in bright sunlight,
with new promises born
my palette boasts a burst of colors
cadmium red, alizarin crimson,
Winsor lemon, cerulean blue
viridian green
alla prima

Prompt: What is the most important thing you learned from your grandparents?

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I don’t know much about my paternal grandparents, although I have seen my paternal grandmother, but since she and my mother were conducting a star-wars scenario, her lessons are few and in-between.

My maternal grandmother, however, lived with us and her effect on me is greater than that of my mother. So, instead of chewing the fat on those, I’ll just list a few of them.

Don’t sweat anything. This too shall pass. What you can’t handle or is impossible to handle, God will take care of it. Let go, Let God!

Loosen up! Why do you overthink everything!

Laugh at things you can’t handle. Always look for the happy side of things. Keep a smile on your face.

Pick up after yourself. Don’t depend on anyone, but let others do some of the things, too. Just don’t hog all the work. You’ll wear yourself out the way you’re going.

Not everything comes out right or the way you wanted it in the beginning. Just don’t give up. But if something gets too complicated, then replace it with something else

Do the right thing, always. Trust yourself. Calm down and listen to what your insides tell you. They’ll point to the right thing.

We are people. We all have weaknesses. Don’t think you can overcome them all. Just do the best you can.

Don’t hurt anyone in any way, unless they keep at pestering you unnecessarily.



Then, here’s one from my grandfather that I never forget. He always took a look at my kiddie work and praised it. This is what he said after I complained that I can’t paint beautiful pictures.

Create what feels right to you. Know your own mind.
Never mind what other people say. Everyone’s values, approval, and taste are different. What is beautiful for one is faulty or ugly for another.

I think this advice can go for all the arts and other things, too.