What I want for her, more than anything in the world, is that she listen to her own voice. She is so kind, considerate, thoughtful and her heart is so big. In addition to navigating the usual booby traps of childhood and adolescence, she has had to navigate between parents who split up when she was only 1; it hasn't always been easy. I know how long it has taken me to recognize my own voice, let alone listen to it - to know and embrace who I am. I hope it doesn't take her 'til 40, like it took me, to figure that out!
A friend of mine sent me this poem yesterday. It really spoke to me and what I want for Mariel:
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
This poem, and the occasion of Mariel's birthday, inspired this:
Happy Birthday Mariel!!
Linking up to Out of the Journal, Artists in Blogland, Paint Party Friday, Creative Every Day, Art Journal Every Day, and Just Journals Link Party. Please visit these sites, give some love to the amazing artists who post there, and link your work up as well. Also submitting this to the turqoise and lime challenge at Artists' Play Room.
Thank you for visiting! If you are so moved, please leave a comment. Hearing from you means the world to me.
Dropping by from Artists in Blogland I love this painting. Your positive experiences have had a wonderful impression on your art.
ReplyDeleteTHis is really beautiful, I tried a lotus flower nearly a year ago and it wasn't even close to as pretty as this is. THanks for playing.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Jenn
PS. happy birthday to your daughter!
What a beautiful poem and painting. I love what you wrote on your painting. It is so nice when the voice we hear the loudest and strongest is our own. It is even better when we begin to listen to it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interpretation of Mary Oliver's poem and the opening up lotus flower. Lovely work, love what you said about your daughter, how beautiful. Visiting from Artists in Blogland. xox
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful birthday tribute! Love your art.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful artwork! What a wonderful tribute to your daughter Mariel!
ReplyDeleteI am your newest blog follower, too! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Happy birthday to your daughter! My daughter is 19 and just got married yesterday. I think that I can say that I completely agree with your wish for your daughter. I really love your painting. I love your style and colors so much.
ReplyDeletehappy 21st birthday to Mariel!
ReplyDeleteI love your bright, colorful happy flower!
Very heartfelt post!! Beautiful artwork and Happy Birthday to Mariel, hope her dreams come true and she finds her good inner voice to guide her!! Nothing is more precious, that and a daughter!!
ReplyDeleteLove the poem your friend sent!!
Hugs and Happiness to you
Giggles
What a blessing! The drawing is splendorous!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely - for a wonderful Mom and daughter team. Love the poem.
ReplyDeleteDeborah
What a beautiful piece and happy birthday to your lovely daughter. I love the colours. The poem is wonderful too.
ReplyDeleteVon.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! The poem is awesome but can't compare with your gorgeous painting.
ReplyDeleteThis is really beautiful! I love the colors you used and I think your lotus is really great. I can feek the happiness of the occasion in your page.The poem was lovely too.:)
ReplyDeleteA sweet painting! I am sure with you to watch out for her, and to mentor her, she has the best guide! Patsy
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Mariel! What truly beautiful ladies you have! All the layers and colors in your fabulous painting makes me think of all that goes into being able to listen to your own voice.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday wishes to your daughter Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how late I am in visiting this week...but here I am...puffing and panting trying to get to everyone!
Both the painting and poem are beautiful. Thank you for sharing
Neesie (APR) ;D
Popped in from Artists in Blogland. Great painting inspired by a lovely poem. Hope your daughter had a great birthday. xx
ReplyDeleteAn happy birthday to Mariel and a great thank to you to come visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's all the time a great joy for a mother to see her child following her own way strong and wright :)
Carol (lechatqutousse)