Jodi Hills

So this is who I am – a writer that paints, a painter that writes…

Tag Archives: good life


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Partager.



Of course we had done it with our toys. Our halloween candy. It was transactional and it made sense, this emptying of pockets and putting on the front stairs to distribute with neighborhood girls. A thing for a thing. But everything changed the first day of kindergarten at Washington Elementary. When Mrs. Strand said we were going to “share with the class,” a rustling through pockets and Trapper Keepers could be heard. Were we supposed to bring something? Worried and empty stooped, I sat in panic. 

It didn’t turn out to be a thing at all. It was a verbal exchange of our summers. (No one referred to it as summer vacation, because we had yet to do something to vacation from.) When we knew the drill, oh, weren’t our pockets once again full! We spoke of lakes and bicycles. Softball games and skinned knees. Bugs and porch lamps and moms calling for dinner. We had so much to share. 

I suppose I haven’t stopped since. The thrill of the exchange has never left. 

Moving to France, there was so much uncertainty. Not knowing the culture, the language. Even the color palette was different. There was, I must admit, a lot of “pocket checking.” Did I have anything to offer? 

I first heard the word at the dining table. I offered Charles a large piece of a cake that I had made. It was the last piece. He looked at me and asked, “Partager” (did I want to share?) I did. Everything. 

I began painting those around me. The world around me. Immersed myself in the palette of Provence. My heart is full. There is so much to share. 

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Paying attention.

I remember Oprah once told us that we had to pay attention to the signs, the quiet ones, because there wasn’t always going to be the Tabernacle choir singing them out.  Some will come in a whisper. Today’s came, not in a choir, but on the radio. Twice. I put the coffee on the stove and turned on the kitchen radio. Tony Bennett was singing The Good Life – “Oh, the good life, full of fun seems to be the ideal…” I smiled and thought immediately of my mom dancing in the upstairs art gallery in Wayzata, Minnesota.  The memory wafted and I heated the croissants.  Four songs later, mid-croissant, the radio began to play “La Belle Vie,” (The Good Life in French).  Ok, that wasn’t the Tabernacle choir, but I couldn’t ignore the signs.  

Many years ago, Anne Davidson listened to her own internal Opray voices and opened The Good Life art gallery.  Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, The Good Life was true to its name, being not just a place, but an experience. It was home to painters and sculptors, jewelry makers and collectors, and the famous gallery opening celebrations. 
When Anne gave a party, introducing your newest work, it was really something.  Being there, I always felt I wasn’t just at the party, I was in it.  I think everyone there felt that – I sure hope they did – what a feeling!  Curated by best friend Ken down to the last detail – which wine, which chocolate, which color red on the wall – it was always spectacular. Inspiration filled the room. It was like that feeling great cities give you – Paris, New York – in it, them, you just want to do better – be better.  And we were.  Together we were better. 
We danced, young and old. In front of art, new and old. And we sold, not just our creations, but our visions. What it could be – what we could be. 
I saw 70+ Corrine hoist 40lb framed paintings off the wall, down the staircase and load into cars. Deb ran the register and people lined up to be a part of this family – this joyful land of misfit toys that would change, maybe not the world, but our worlds. People came from barns and mansions and we were all the same, all trying, and often succeeding, even just for hours at a time, to live this good life.  
You don’t know what will bind you, find you, carry you… lift you forever, unless you stay open. I want to be in this party, in this life. I am not going to visit today, but live it.  Let’s live it – this one and everyone. It’s a good life! C’est une belle vie!