They Inspired Me
By Jo Ann
@akalinus (40440)
United States
March 24, 2023 11:07am CST
Two women entered my life at different times and inspired me to find ways to create beauty.
The first was Aunt Mildred. She and her husband stayed at our house for an extended time. She was an artist and wanted to paint scenes in Central, New Mexico. Central was later called Santa Clara after a church.
She found Central to be a quaint little town and I watched as she mixed colored powder with liquids and placed them on her palette. She let me try but I had zero talent for painting.
My other childhood inspiration was Sally. She created art from rocks. She sliced and tumbled gems she found in the mountains and deserts and made jewelry. She was so talented that people came from afar to buy her creations. I could not do that.
I found other ways to create art and beauty. Who inspired you? Do you have memories of watching an artist at work and wanting to make something beautiful? What did they teach you?
7 people like this
5 responses
@velvet53 (22528)
• Palisade, Colorado
24 Mar 23
When I was younger I would go to my grandparents for a week. I always got to go to their office which I dearly loved. Dorothy, their receptionist would knit on her lunch breaks and I loved to watch her. The needles moved so fast and she made beautiful items. One day we were talking and she asked if I would like to learn to knit. I replied with a big yes.
The next day she handed me a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. My lessons had begun. I was so excited and by the time came for me to go home I had learned to knit. I never seen her again as my grandparents sold their business. I will always remember her.
2 people like this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
25 Mar 23
That is so wonderful. She was meant to be there at that special time just to teach you how to knit.
I remember the girl next door helping me play a tune on her piano. It never happened again, I don't know why. I saw online she has passed but I will always remember her for that one lesson.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (57647)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Mar 23
I know my mother had a thing for art, but I never really took it up. Sure I drew a bit as a kid, but I tend to focus on things where I don't have to feel like I'm perfect.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (57647)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Mar 23
@akalinus I get what you're saying, but that's not what I meant. I like to write sometimes. It's an art. However, I avoid places that nit pick about my spelling and grammar. I don't try to perfect it. I know I'm flawed, and I accept it.
2 people like this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
25 Mar 23
@kaylachan We are all flawed. I can write. It is the only talent I have. I can't paint or cut rocks into jewels, but I can do interior decorating at times. We all have a creative side. It just takes different forms.
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
25 Mar 23
I hear you. My mom was like your mom.
She could make clothes and make dolls and animals for her grandchildren. She made decorated curtains for the windows. They had scenes on them that she created herself.
Thanks for this post. I had forgotten how creative she was.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156159)
• United States
16 Apr 23
I used to do all kinds of arts and crafts and needlework. My arthritic hands can't handle it anymore. I have tried oil painting, etc.,; and I have no talent whatsoever.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156159)
• United States
16 Apr 23
@akalinus I know; but it's frustrating.
1 person likes this
