Fall Fearless & Fly Challenge 3

It's Challenge #3 for Fall Fearless & Fly over at Artists in Blogland.   Jane Davies is the guest artist for this third challenge and her work is amazing.  Plus, we have a prize of 6 Dylusions Ink Sprays donated by Ranger!  So hop on over!

Here are the 3 parts of the challenge, and links are due in two weeks - November 11:

Headline Prompt:  Triumphs and Defeats:  What do you see as your greatest triumphs or defeats?  What have they taught you?  Which have you learned more from?
Color Prompt:  Black and white
Quote Prompt: Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves, are triumph and defeat.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

This challenge made me think a lot about how most of my "triumphs" have been a direct result of some of my greatest "defeats."  I put these in quotes because life is a continuum.  Just like you never step in the same river twice, I don't think there are moments in life that can be designated as wins or a losses. 

The ending of my first marriage definitely felt like quite a failure, or defeat, for me.  But it began a journey that led to a very happy marriage and a second child.   When I was working as a lawyer, there came a point where I was told I would not make partner; this felt like a defeat.  But out of that was born an art career, running a local community theater group, and being able to be home with my first child - which was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had.  So who can say which of these experiences was a triumph or a defeat?

I think Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had it right -- triumph and defeat are not "out there," they are inside us.  Here are my finished pages.  I also tried to stick with the black and white as much as possible -- not easy for this lover of color!

And the winner of this watercolor:

is Dawn who wrote: Your watercolor is beautiful and I would be honored to win it!! I have liked your facebook page and am following your blog also. If you had a button I'd add it to my blog too! (Hint, hint)  I am also very excited about the second challenge. I have just taken a big leap of faith in beginning my art career and I have many thoughts that deserves an artistic home.

Dawn, I am working on a blog button!  In the meantime, please send your address to corspokoli(at)gmail(dot)com, and I will get this painting right out to you!

Leave me a comment below indicating that you would like to win one of my original paintings, and on November 11, I will pick a random winner for this 7 x 10" watercolor!  (Follow my blog and/or like my facebook page for extra chances and let me know in your comment.)  This is such a fun way to find good homes for my paintings.

Thank you for visiting, and can't wait to see what you do for Fall Fearless & Fly!

If you are so moved, please leave a comment. Hearing from you means the world to me.

Linking up to Artists in Blogland, Mandarin Orange Monday, Inspire Me Monday, and Creative Everyday.