ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
As I am working my way through things to add to my daughter’s garage sale next week, I’ve happened on some hidden treasures. It’s funny how some of the things we save actually do hold more value than we think they do. For example, I found a little tin box, which was saved to hold a piece of crystal jewelry. The necklace was broken and only the stones remained. It looked like I had uncovered a box of diamonds. Of course, my parade was soon rained upon, when I realized they weren’t. Just for the fun of it, I looked up the tin box on the internet and it was worth more than the contents. I continue to find treasures like that in Paul’s artwork. This particular painting was done while He was presenting his character, Hawkeye, to students in our area elementary schools. The presentation included what an artist might see in the 1800s while painting outdoors. It was tucked away in a portfolio case along with sketches he would use as a demonstration. As each of these “new” canvases reveal themselves to me, I feel like I’m discovering something brand new about this extraordinary artist. He does live on through his art and it’s such a comfort to know he’s continuing to use his talent in his heavenly home.
An empty canvas, white and pure, transforms before your eyes,
Through brush strokes and experience a painting does arise,
Our lives are so much like that board, we start out fresh and new,
We stumble down the path we take, we see our troubles through,
There’s nothing we can say or do, to add to God’s splendor,
The only One who can do that, is Christ, our Defender,
We’re born conceived in sinfulness, needing reparation,
But Jesus came in righteousness to win our salvation,
The masterpiece is almost done, the brush is put away,
Our life is drawing to its end, we’ve reached our final day,
But hope remains for all of us if only we believe,
That Jesus shed His blood for us, so with Him we could live.
atimetoshare.me 
Oh, Mama K. This is stirring and beautiful! What a blessing to uncover these “new” treasures. Knowing kids the way I do, many will remember Paul’s visit. Look how he impacted the world with his beautiful gift! Just like you do with your wise and amazing heart and poems. Your poem is perfectly paired with his art—just like you two were made for each other and will reunite in heaven. What a day that will be! When your Jesus you will see (and your Paul!). I love you dearly. 🤍🙏
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Thank you so much for your loving and kind words. I do shed a few tears now and then because I do miss his laugh and his silly jokes and all the fun we had together, but I’m so happy for him and his new home. I can’t wait to be reunited with him and get to be with him and our Savior together.
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It’s my blessing, Mama K. You’re an inspiration to me. You always will be. Much love from my family and I. ❤️
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You’re an archeologist finding something new each time you look. Okay maybe I’m taking your analogy too far, but I love your line: “It was tucked away in a portfolio case along with sketches he would use as a demonstration. As each of these “new” canvases reveal themselves to me, I feel like I’m discovering something brand new about this extraordinary artist.”
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Thanks, Brian. I always wanted to be like Indiana Jones.
This whole process of pairing his paintings with my thoughts and poetry has been very cathartic for me. It’s helped me to keep my mind focused on his work and it reminds me of his impact on those who appreciate his work. The massive body of work is in itself inspiring.
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That’s awesome. Two great pairings too.
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