Tweet22-01-2012 om 16:59 by Sueli Brodin

If someone asked you to draw “Happiness”, what would you draw?

All children between the ages of 4 and 18 living in the municipality of Meerssen received two weeks ago an invitation to take part in a drawing/painting competition on the theme of “Happiness”.

They were free to illustrate the theme as they saw fit and to submit their works before Thursday 19 January. A professional jury will draw three prizes for each age category and the winners will be announced on Sunday 29 January. The main prize will be a certificate and five free painting lessons.

At first, my children were a bit hesitant: “But what should we draw? And what are the chances to win anything?”

I read them the few examples that were given in the invitation: “Happiness can be a very big pizza, or a fabulous ice-cream, the birth of a little brother or sister, or a wonderful holiday. You can also feel happy with a little bit of sunshine (“zonnetje”) after a long period of rainy days, or because you don’t live in a country plagued by war.”

I told them that I honestly believed in their chances to win one of the prizes, not only because they were talented enough for it, but also because in my experience, people win prizes all the time in the Netherlands.

The most convincing and decisive argument came from my husband: “When I was your age, I also took part in a drawing competition for my city and I won the main prize!”



My youngest daughter Sacha, who is very cheery and joyful by nature, was the quickest one to let her fantasy flow: “I will draw two nymphs who are very happy to see their hair growing again, in all colours, when spring arrives!”



My middle daughter Naomi needed a little more time to decide on a subject for her drawing. Every time she came up with an idea, she would dismiss it, saying that it was not good enough and that she needed to think of a better one. I tried to help her and reminded her how fond she is of animals. She finally let out a large smile and announced: “I’m going to draw a squirrel who is very happy to remember where it hid a bunch of chestnuts!”



When my son Tim told us his topic, Naomi couldn’t help laughing at him: “Are you sure about it? If you want my opinion, I really think it’s a bit ridiculous!”

But Tim had made up his mind: “Why? On the contrary, it’s a very valid subject! I am absolutely convinced of it. I mean, if you were a porcelain cat and someone had broken you into two pieces, wouldn’t you be happy to be glued back together?”

And he took the small porcelain cat Sacha broke last week from the kitchen shelf and showed us what he meant.



On Wednesday afternoon, I carefully put the three beautiful drawings in a large envelope and hopped on my bicycle to deliver them to one of the agreed locations.

I felt proud of my children... and very happy.

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