Today we exchanged gifts at my job. One of my co-workers gave me a really fantastic gift this year that I am very pleased with. She always racks her brain every year trying to get me something I like and I also rack my brain trying to get her something she likes also.

She knows I love music but she dares not buy me a CD in fear that I will already have it (which I probably would). She also knows I love Prince and she knows I already have all his stuff and she is not about to go out and try to find something rare.

Anyway, when I opened my gift, to my surprise, it was a painting of Prince. She said when she was shopping at the mall, she ran across an artist that was painting portraits of people. She gave the artist a picture of her son to paint and while she was in the mall, she realized what she could get me that I don't already have. She asked the artist if he could paint Prince from a picture and he said he could. Anway, the painting is of the picture of Prince from the inside cover of the "Batman" album (the one where Prince's face is showing in the dark. The artist made a few abstract strokes around Prince's hair and blended it into a different background to make the painting all his own. The artist definately captured Prince's image to the tee, he's very talented.

Anyway, I know it's too late this year but I thought I would share a great gift idea with you guys for either next Christmas or someone's birthday. I was very pleased.
[Edited 12/22/04 12:54pm]

Your friend has good taste. That is one of my all time favorite Prince pictures.

My friends and family are the same way. They know how I am regarding Prince and they are afraid I'll already have something if they buy it. I recently got a surprise Prince gift that I did not already have and I LOVED it.

Your friend is a true friend. She gave you something that no one can really replicate.

We're all in the same boat when it comes to people giving us Prince stuff that we already have. I have a couple of duplicate things. That's okay though. My best friend has bought a lot of recent Prince stuff on vinyl. I always appreciate that.

Miguel

Your friend is very thoughtful. U should scan it or photograph it if U can, I'd love 2 see the finished product!