Gil Ames has a rule: if it doesn’t move, it gets painted. The 83-year-old ordained minister from rural Ingham County, Michigan, has painted wooden eggs, thumbtacks and even his Chevy Equinox. About six months ago he added tiny seashells to the list, and now he carries dozens in his shirt pocket and gives them away free, often to diners and waitresses at the Big Boy in Mason.
Ames isn’t new to showing up for people. He spent 25 years as a long-haul truck driver and volunteered with the Red Cross at 52 national disasters. His wife Orma has been by his side for 58 years. Every piece he paints includes an angel tucked somewhere in the scene, a detail regulars now look for. He’s handed out more than a thousand shells, and the laughs, hugs and thank-yous are his reward.
Here on the Suncoast we’ve got shells by the bucketload and neighbors who could use a lift. A little paint and a little time could go a long way. So we want to know: what small, handmade gift have you given or received that made someone’s day? Tell us in the comments.
