9.24.2007

Inspire Me Thursday {SQUARE}


"Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."
Og Mandino



This morning I couldn't sleep. I woke around 2 am with ideas of a story running through my mind. See, years ago I wrote a short story with a young girl named Ida Belle as my main character. I was never happy with my words, promising myself that someday I would go back and try again. It was thoughts of Ida that I woke to, finally giving in and jotting a few sentences down on a notebook by the bed, hoping if I did this I could go back to sleep. I could see Ida in my mind more clearly than ever before. So strong was the imagery that I felt I could almost reach out a hand and touch her brown hair. She was a bit different this time. A little older and she walked with a cane. How strange, all of it and strange that Ida is still with me. Part of me wonders if I should delve a bit deeper into this idea of working on Ida's story while the other tells myself that it is all a silly notion.
We all have these sorts of thoughts, don't we? Things we would do if only there were a bit more time in each day. Or if we believed we could and not be afraid to try.

28 comments:

Deb G said...

I really love the image you've created, as well as the quote and your thoughts. I'm thinking it's a wonderful thing to take with me into the day....

And yes, I think we all have thoughts about if we only had more time, or doubts about whether we should or not.

Valaine said...

Wow!! Look at the detail in her dress! This is gorgeous!! :)

(Below is kind of hard to describe in just a few sentences, but I'll try anyway...) Two years ago I closed the door to the refrigerator too hard sending my mother's antique bowl full of Christmas cookies crashing to floor. It was my most treasured bowl that she had given to me. I cried but was frustrated with myself for not listening to that familiar voice that told me to not place it up there. I argued with it inside myself saying "It won't fall, how could it?" I decided that day to begin to recognize that voice and that it is for my benefit to listen to it. :)

I Love your work and your stories, you are actually motivating me to get out my stories that I have placed on the back burner and begin working on them again. They won't seem to leave me alone either :)

Patricia J. Mosca said...

This is a BEAUTIFUL picture...And almost feels like a self portrait..Love the story, so now you've taken the first steps...keep going and growing!!

Jeanne said...

What a wonderful quote and lovely painting. I think you should continue to develop your Ida Belle story, especially if she came to you in the wee hours of the morning...don't you think that was some sort of sign? Strike while the iron is hot, I say.

Kim Hambric said...

My first visit to your blog & I feel better already. I love the peaceful women in your work & will remember them during the day when I KNOW I'm not looking or feeling that peaceful. I'm impressed with your courage to revisit your writing. I'll be checking back!

MNScrapbookmom said...

I can't wait to hear more about Ms. Ida Belle. Love seeing your work, it is so inspiring. ¥

Candace said...

Your work and words are so inspiring. Listen to the voice... Fears just a bugger : )

Laura said...

I really love the quotation - it really speaks to me. Thank you for sharing.

Corey said...

I love the pattern on her dress!

Cheryl said...

Such a lovely, peaceful painting! Thank you for sharing your story with us - I hope you'll finish it!

Amy said...

Tricia,
I really enjoy reading your blog and your art is so touching each and every time!! You are a true story teller.

I have a link on my side bar of my cousin Barry's literary blog. He so wants to do children's books. Maybe someday, if you care to, you could stop by and give him a quick read!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is really fantastic.

Unknown said...

lovely!!!!

one girl show

Anonymous said...

OMG,
beautiful as usual...

I have missed you while you were gone..

It sounds like your vacation was lovely :)

Talk soon,
Brandie

Anonymous said...

I think Ida is ready to tell you her story. I think sometimes our characters need to live a little before they reveal their adventures and experiences to us. I love your painting as always. xoxoxoox

megan said...

oh be thankful for the voice that speaks to you. the more we listen, the more we hear. and this artwork is evidence of how beautiful it can be!

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

lovely tricia!

hope you are doing well.

xoxo

Umā said...

this is so beautiful, i love the pattern on her dress and the green hearts...

Laura said...

Beautiful piece Tricia, thanks for sharing your thought process too. LOVE the quote :)

Rella said...

How delightful and always thought provoking...Your stories, even here on your blog and really just a snippet of what lies within. I always wonder which comes first. The art or the story....or do they flow together? Sigh
always wonderful to visit with you.

xox Rella

Julia said...

Look how beautiful she sits there . I love it all !!

Anonymous said...

this is really lovely... the dress, the chair, the mood. Love that quote... such worthy words to ponder. It sounds like Ida is getting closer and closer to wanting her story told. Gotta love the voice within.

Susan Tuttle said...

Hello Ms. Nightowl,
This piece really touches me--I love the background and the posture and facial expression of the woman. That quote is perfect--I just saw Bill Clinton on Martha talking about his new book "Giving" and his own commitment to making a difference in the world through giving. Check out www.mycommitment.org

Can't wait to read about the life of Ida.

Hugs,
Susan

Rose Garden Romantic said...

So beautiful and I love the quote! Keep the gorgeous and inspiring work coming!! I tried to send you an e-mail, but for some reason it didn't work, so I sent you a flickr mail about a print of Cecily (becoming)- the one that looks like me. :) I think I sent it when you were on vacation, so maybe you missed it?

Michelle

Mercer's Daughter said...

Checked out your blog and saw your painting,
I LOVE it!!!!!!!
So cool!
Good for you!
Victoria

carin.c said...

I LOVE the artwork, but more than anything I am commenting here the first time because YOU HAVE TO TELL HER STORY! I have a writer friend who has her main character doing the same thing right now, and he is changing her story on her. I have no doubts it will be fantastic!! Just wanted to tell you this is exactly how it works!!! Don't be afraid, just listen to her and channel it to the written word... and don't be to surprised about where she takes you. Good luck! :)

Anonymous said...

I love the world of Tricia Scott! The faces of the women you paint tell their own story. Do add words... you clearly have so much to tell.

Livia said...

What can I say that hasn't been said yet? Your art and photos are very beautiful and touching. Thank you!