Kimbap Shop Painting

When Dan was here visiting, back in August/September, he was equally as touched by Son Myungai and her son, Kim Sung-eun.  We went there for dinner many times during his stay and with each and every visit Son Myungai, Kim Sung-eun & Dan began to develop a meaningful connection.  There is something so special about this woman, that you can't help but love her.  It may sound a little corny, but she truly shines with love.  You meet her one time and you feel that you have always known her and in those moments you realize that you just met a friend for life.  Those friends are few and far between, and when it happens to you--you feel like the luckiest person in the world that you were fortunate enough to cross paths with a life long friend (in this case, in the most unlikeliest of places & circumstances).

Dan was inspired by Son Myungai and wanted to do something extra special for her.  While he was here, he took a bunch of pictures of the outside of her shop, with the idea of creating a water color of her shop.   Dan is a man of many talents and after all these years, he still amazes me by revealing another level of his talents, interests and depth (sorry if I am embarrassing you Dan).  He has only "dabbled" briefly in water colors, so prior to painting this picture, he has had about as much experience with water colors as anybody. So with that in mind--it makes his painting that much more spectacular!

This is the actual photograph of her restaurant.  I believe the exact photo he painted from.

I wish Dan could have been here to present her with his gift in person, but I was honored to be a part of this exchange.  I gave it to her this evening.  She boiled over with emotion and kept asking, "Jin-ja?!?", wanting to know if he really painted that for her.  She was honored to be given this gift.  Touched beyond words, overwhelmed with emotion.  She hung it on her wall in a prime location, for all to see.

This is the painting.  Hard to tell which is which. 

Prior to me giving her this painting, she was telling me that I am her "self-esteem"---but I think she meant that I make her feel good...maybe?   She was telling me how much my mom's apron meant to her and that she is always "boasting" about this to all her customers & friends.  She is very amazed that someone all the way from America thinks of her and has given her gifts.  I imagine that this painting will add another element of pride and happiness in her life.   So thank you Dan.  Thank you Mom.  You both added such a magical layer to her life and I was honored to be a part of it.

Opening the painting.

Its new home. 

TidBits:

I went to the post office today to ship a few boxes home by surface mail, which will go by boat and take somewhere between 2 & 3 months to get home.  The lady at the counter asked me, "Are you sending these by fish?"   :)   It made me smile.  I do love a good lost in translation!  She meant boat, obviously, but 'fish' is so much better!