An Afternoon with Helen

Notes from an Activity Specialist…

She and I made our way outside and sat down, taking in the lovely day. Helen and I armchair traveled to France by discussing and looking at prints of Degas, Monet, Manet, and Renoir. We talked about how critics at the time thought the paintings of these artists weren’t finished works and said that they looked like impressions of the real things. Helen commented on one Monet painting, “It does look faded.” We then looked at photographs of Versailles and talked about the luxurious lifestyle they led. I asked, “Would you want a bedroom like that?”  Helen replied, “No way, that’s ridiculous! And they paid with tragic end.”  We then listened to classical waltzes and strolled to the edge of the patio to smell a gorgeous rose in full bloom. Heather commented, “It smells like a dusky tweed jacket.” We both smiled at her answer and she added, “I have a romantic heart.”

In this session, Helen was able to participate in creative and intellectual discussion about art and architecture as well as enjoy a natural sensory activity in her backyard.