Six years ago, when I was a Middle School Principal, I bought this ink drawing at a silent auction run by my school in Beijing. I didn’t know the artist but knew that she went to our Elementary School. I immediately loved her work.
The following year, I was visiting a second-grade classroom when I noticed the name “Aaliyah” printed on one of the student’s notebooks. “Are you Aaliyah Annie?” I asked hopefully. At first, Aaliyah shook her head ‘no.’ She then shyly said that her mother sometimes called her that.
From that day forward, I have had the distinct privilege to get to know this incredible student and artist. At the beginning of third grade, Aaliyah created this painting for our school’s 20th-anniversary.
Below is a picture of Aaliyah and me at that celebration.
At the end of third grade, Aaliyah painted this piece as a farewell present for me. It is proudly displayed in our family room.
Although we now live continents apart, I’ve been delighted to keep in touch with Aaliyah and her family. Today, Richard and I met Aaliyah and her mother, Anna, in Vancouver. As always happens with good friends, there was not one second of lull in our conversation.
Aaliyah (who has just completed seventh grade) surprised me with another beautiful piece of her art — the fifth in my collection! I immediately found the perfect place for it in our home.
Aaliyah is not only an extraordinary artist. She is a bright, well-rounded student with exceptional integrity.
Richard and I had just been discussing how one small action can have huge impact on our lives. If I hadn’t successfully bid on Aaliyah’s artwork those six years ago, I might never have come to know this remarkable young woman and her incredible family. I am very grateful that I did.
What a lovely opportunity to re-connect with Aaliyah, Donna. So wonderful that you still had so much to talk about – and lucky you to have a collection of art that you love that also encourages this lovely young woman. Thanks for sharing the story behind the paintings x
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Hi, Leanne – Aaliyah and her mother are such warm, genuine people that there was never an awkward silence or lack of words. Quite the opposite – I wish that we had more time together as there was so much more that I would have liked to have asked them!
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Hey Donna! What a great story AND a great reminder to consider that each of of our actions, no matter how small, can ripple out in ways that we can never know. May we all make the most of them. And how great that you instinctually made the choice to bid on the print and that started the chain of events to begin with. May we all follow that same guidance. ~Kathy
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Hi, Kathy – This is a great reminder that our words and actions are never in isolation — even when they seem to be.
Three more sleeps until your visit!! I’m super excited to see you!
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I love this story!
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Hi, Fran – Thank you for reading and for commenting. I’ve missed you!
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I love that 20th anniversary picture, I can see why you were so taken with Aaliyah’s pictures. A piece of original art by someone special is worth far more than the pieces collectors buy for millions of pounds!
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Hi, Janet – Thank you so much for dropping by. I loved Aliyah’s art work the moment I first saw the work that she had done in first grade. Seeing how Aliyah and her artwork have grown has been an incredible honour!
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Love the art, and love the story behind it. So nice you got to catch up (and add to your collection LOL!) That latest piece…wow…I love seeing how artists progress in their work.
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Thanks, Deb – I echo your “wow” on Aliyah’s latest piece. There was a perfect piece of blank wall in the hallway outside our bedroom door which now houses this artwork. I am looking at it right now — it’s incredibly hypnotic!
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This post gave me goosebumps from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Yes, one loving action can lead to a lifetime of joy for the giver and the recipient. In this case, you and Aaliyah are both giver and recipient of acceptance, appreciation, art-love, and friendship. And yes, Aaliyah’s art is exceptional
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Hi, Pam – Some relationships are meant to be. I am delighted that Aliyah and her mother have kept in touch!
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❤
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Great story Donna. You were a great administrator! Students did not want to be on break. They loved school! 🚸
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Thanks, John – I greatly appreciate your kind words. As much as WAB students, staff and parents love their school — I bet that they are all delighted to be on summer break! 🙂
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Great story, Donna! Aaliyah creates beautiful artwork and you sure have a talent to spot talent early.
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Thanks so much, Natalie – Aaliyah’s talent is very easy to spot. The icing on the cake is that she is such a lovely girl who poses incredible insight in so many different areas.
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A great story, Donna. This young lady clearly demonstrated her creative talents at a very young age. As her work continues to mature, she will be a force in the art world … and you saw it at the very beginning!
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Currently, Aaliyah is interested in pursuing a career in law. Whatever direction she takes, I am sure that her passion for art will always be a big part of her.
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Difficult to believe Aaliyah was only in Grade 1 and 2 when she created her first drawings (likely even before then). Her art has such depth, and that is on a computer screen. I agree how one small action can have a huge impact in our lives and create a ripple effect. I can’t believe how much Aaliyah looks like a young adult now. I also see the cast. There is likely a story behind that:) Thank you for sharing a feel good part of life, Donna:)
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Hi, Erica – You always have such insightful comments and questions. I asked about Aliyah’s cast when I first saw her yesterday. She shrugged it off saying that she had a small fracture. Our time together passed by so quickly, I didn’t get a chance to ask more about her foot injury.
You are also very right about the computer screen (and my iPhone, and the reflective glass, and the poor lighting) all detracting from Aliyah’s paintings. As stunning as they are on the screen, they are even more captivating in real life!
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Wonderful talent!
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Absolutely. It is incredible what Aliyah has accomplished at a very young age.
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I love her work and this story.
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Thanks, Dawn – It was a very easy story to tell!
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Hi Donna – how amazing … and yes how lovely to win a delightful piece of art and then be able to add to your collection. She is certainly talented – one can see the progression. What fun that they were able to get over to Vancouver to meet up with you and Richard … and what great memories. I can see more will follow via the wonderful rapport you both have for each other … delightful post – cheers Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – I greatly look forward to remaining in touch with Aliyah and Anna and staying updated on Aliyah’s path from her. I have done this with some other students — it is always such an honour when they take the time to keep in touch!
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Donna, love the artwork and how amazing to be able to see the growth in the artist – both in her work and her as an individual. It is so wonderful you’ve been about to stay in contact!
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Hi, Pat – Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your feedback on Aaliyah’s work. Even with the best of intentions, losing touch is so easy to do. I am very grateful that Aaliyah and her family have taken the time to write. I look forward to our continued communication together.
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Aww, this just warms my heart, Donna! What a wonderful talent and so happy you could connect in person again. Her artwork is gorgeous and a unique style all her own.
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I was thrilled to hear that Aaliyah and her family were spending some time in Vancouver this summer. They even met me at the Ferry which made the meet up even easier! 🙂
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The artwork is beautiful as is your friendship with this girl. How lovely of you to share this story here. Life takes so many twists and turns– often good ones, eh?
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You are very wise, Ally. As much as our current news media often suggests the opposite, life does offer many wonderful twists and turns that we never could have imagined!
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What a remarkable story, Donna. We never are really sure in education what impact we are having on our students…but this is a lovely example of the power of relationships to transform lives. In this case, yours as well as hers.
Hold onto those pieces of art, I have a feeling that Aaliyah will be famous some day!
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Thanks, Nancy – Aaliyah has so many talents and passions. It will be interesting to see what she chooses to focus upon as an adult. I am excited to see how her art evolves from here.
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What a talented young girl and she has grown, huh? I know you were happy to get to see her again!
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Thanks, Dee – Although Aaliyah has grown significantly (she is now taller than me), I did recognize her immediately! 🙂
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This brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful story that you connected with her through art and maintained that connection over all the miles. Her style is very distinctive and she boldly uses yellow in her washes and subjects. So, so cool!! Some friends of mine from Calgary are going to China next month to teach. I’m going to share this with them.
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Thanks, Tracey – I absolutely love the colours that Aliyah chooses for her art work.
Where will your friends be teaching?
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Somewhere in Beijing, but not sure where.
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Not only is this a beautiful story, but she has an amazing talent! I absolutely love these and would be proud to have one grace the walls.
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Thanks, Jo – I am honoured to have Aaliyah’s artwork grace our home. And….it gives me an excuse to tell our guests cool stories behind the paintings!
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I loved this Donna and was smiling all the way through it! What serendipity to meet Aaliyah and her mother. The artworks are just amazing and show a great talent. Were they just visiting Vancouver for a holiday?
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Thanks, Debbie – Aaliyah, her mother and her grandmother are in Vancouver for the summer staying at a friend’s place. I am grateful that Aaliyah wrote to me about this ahead of time so that I did not miss her visit!
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How good that they let you know they were coming! So pleased for you all.
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Sweet acknowledgement of your young friend. No doubt she will have a bright future.
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Thanks, Suzanne – To me, Aaliyah definitely possesses a winning combination for a bright future: brains, talent, determination, thoughtfulness, integrity and a strong, supportive family!
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She has a singular style and I love it…so glad you have been able to continue the friendship AND she has continued with her paining.
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Hi, Donna – Thank you so much for dropping by. I greatly appreciate it! I agree that Aaliyah’s style is very unique. I love how she is now incorporating components of traditional Chinese paintings…with her own twist!
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Hi, Donna,
What a blessing to have a relationship with a lovely young girl and have the opportunity to stay in touch as she matures into a lovely young lady. Thankfully, both you and Aaliyah did not let time and distance come between you. Thanks for sharing her art and your story with the rest of us. Joe
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Hi, Joe – Thanks so much for stopping by. I am always saddened by great connections lost, and delighted when friends take the time to stay in touch.
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One of the big rewards as a teacher or a principal is to see our students become successful and smart. 🙂 Aaliyah’s artwork is beautiful and it is fantastic that you managed to score so many pieces, which found a good spot in your house. Wonderful memories and such a nice surprise to reconnect. Do they have family on Vancouver or was this a surprise visit?
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Hi, Liesbet – Aliyah, her mom and her grandmother are visiting Vancouver and staying at a friend’s place. I knew a couple of months ahead of time that they would be traveling here, so we had lots of time to plan and ensure that we did not miss each other!
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I love her art! Thanks for sharing it with us. She’s amazing and lucky you for having a collection of her pieces that no doubt will grow over the years!
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Hi, Susan – I agree that Aliyah’s art is amazing. When people visit, they never quite believe how young the artist was when the painting were completed.
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Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. A good reminder how much our thoughts and actions can impact others. She is a very talented artist and I’m sure your early interest in her work help to encourage her creativity. I’m looking forward to seeing her work IRL.
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Thanks, Janis – It was lovely hearing your voice on the phone yesterday. Two more sleeps! 🙂
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Those are the most wonderful paintings! She’s sure to go far with her talent and her supportive mother. And it’s such a lovely story of your bidding on one of her very early paintings. Thanks for sharing this Donna – and have a lovely weekend.
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Thanks, Susan – Aaliyah’s artwork looks stunning in our home….and it is always wonderful to be able to tell some of her story when people visit! 🙂
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This artwork is both stunning and meaningful. It appears she has a bright future and how lucky you are to have been a part of her development. I’m sure your collection will continue to grow!!
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Thank you so much for stopping by. Aaliyah is truly a remarkable young woman, with extraordinary talent. I am honoured to have been able to keep in touch with her and proudly display her artwork in my home!
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I was touched by your story, Donna, and by the beautiful artwork. What a talented young woman. I enjoyed being able to watch her talent mature through the years. Thanks for sharing! I hope you are having a lovely day.
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Thanks, Christie – It truly has been remarkable to watch Aaliyah’s talent progress and flourish over the years. I greatly look forward to seeing where she takes this from here.
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This post made me weepy. Lovely story. Such mesmerizing creations
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Ah, thanks Lisa. Aaliyah’s artwork has truly been mesmerizing since first grade!
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Aaliyah Annie has an artistic eye and great sense of composition. How interesting to follow this developing young artist.
Jude
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Thanks, Jude – I agree that she is incredibly talented.
BTW – Now that you are almost caught up with my posts, what will you do with your free time? 🙂
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Oh I love Aaliyah’s work, she’s obviously very talented. 🙂
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Thanks, Sam – Aaliyah is talented as well as beautiful inside and out. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow and thrive as a person and an artist.
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