The above photo features the cast glass sculpture, Kindness, by Ben Greene-Colonnese. It is perfect for the dark days of winter, serendipitously placed in the window with the “Self-Help” building in the background. In his artist statement, Ben says “he has spent the last 10-plus years [rock] climbing, studying and creating artwork inspired by the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Seeing this sculpture at Green Hill Gallery on Davie Street reminded us that the theme of the O.Henry Magazine essay contest this year is “The Kindness of Strangers.” You can be the person who did a kind deed or who had a stranger be kind to you.* There is a 1,000 word limit and the deadline is 12/24 and submitted to [email protected]. Even if your essay isn’t selected as the one of three winners, you will have done a kind deed to have shared a great moment in your life. Feel good stories have a way of lifting moods. We love the above sculpture and you can see it (and even purchase it) between now and February 17, 2004. If you have a window where the sunlight can travel through the glass, you will be mesmerized by the way this sculpture changes with the weather.

Let us know if you win the O. Henry Essay Contest, or, if you become the lucky owner of the Green-Colonnese piece. We’ll be on the lookout.

Happy Tuesday!

*Scroll down on the page, HERE, to read more.