"The Ginseng Genie" by Arlene Mandell

I had "sent a message out into the universe" asking for help.

This unexpected path began bearing fruit and I was happy.

Arlene Mandell of Linville, North Carolina, is proudly celebrating her 13th year as a portrait artist at the Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC. A native New Yorker, relocating to the Blue Ridge Mountains with Captain Dan inspired a love of writing. Arlene is a member of “Sue Spirit’s Writing Workshop” and the “Fab Five Writing Gals,” both in Boone, NC; and is a longtime contributor to “Gateways: A Creative Arts Journal,” and to the “Personal Story Publishing Project.” Her many memoirs can be heard on the “6-Minute Stories” podcast.

Author’s Talk

Lillian Dong with Arlene Mandell

This story is a tribute to Lillian Dong, my art instructor, and protagonist of “The Ginseng Genie.” Lillian was much loved in her hometown community of Bergenfield, NJ, not only for her exceptional teaching skills in Adult Education and Chinese Cooking, and for founding the annual Bergenfield Art Show, but for her larger-than-life personality.  As if by some magic force, Lillian, and her young son Norman, materialized in my life at a time I most needed them. I loved Lillian’s practical wisdom and the compelling child-rearing stories she intertwined with painting instruction during my classes with her. The following vignette remains a favorite. 

Norman was extremely shy as a young boy and would not leave Lillian’s side. A busybody neighbor kept nagging Lillian to “bring Norman down the street to play with Johnny.” Johnny was Norman’s age and surrounded by a yard full of friends. The neighbor was relentless, “If you don’t heed what I say, Norman will become a “Momma’s Boy” and never learn to fend for himself. Irritated but raised to be polite, Lillian responded with reserve, “When Norman is ready to visit Johnny, he will walk down the street by himself.”  

In time, Norman did exactly that. He grew up to become Chief of Staff for the Budget Director in Washington, D.C., and a loving family man of whom Lillian spoke about with great pride. Her four other children also became well-known in the community for accomplishments in science, education, television, politics, dance, and sports.  

Sometimes, when I’m painting in my studio, I imagine her looking over my shoulder and quietly nodding, ”good work.” —Arlene Mandell