How we cite our quotes: Chapter.Paragraph
Quote #1
I always put music on when I paint, but for the first time I can remember, I'm afraid that the colors will overwhelm me. I never want to feel so out of control again. (1.59)
Music and paint go hand in hand for Mia, who can't pick up a paintbrush without rocking out to some tunes. We find it interesting that she paints the shapes and colors she sees floating in the air. In a way, her art shows us what it's like to be a synesthete since we can't experience it for ourselves.
Quote #2
But something is still missing. Staring at the painting, I finally realize what it is. I wash off my brush and prepare the gray and white paints. Brush stroke by brush stroke, Mango appears, perched on Grandpa's right shoulder. I can only fit a kitten-size Mango in the small space. (2.2)
Looking at the painting of her grandpa, Mia realizes that her cat would complete it. Makes sense, since she thinks Mango carries at least a part of her grandpa's soul. This is her way of honoring the memory and life of her grandpa while doing something therapeutic through art.
Quote #3
"You have a great sense of color." If only he knew the half of it! "Thanks," I reply. "They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, you know. I can see Grandpa in those eyes." (2.9)
Her dad has no idea. When he tells Mia the colors she's used in the painting capture her grandpa, she is really pleased, even if he is only saying it to be nice (which he might be). She wants to make her parents proud, and one of the ways she does this is through painting.