Drawing 

As children, my sister and I shared a bedroom and slept in bunk beds. I had the top bunk. The beds were next to a window, and from where I lay, I could see our backyard, enclosed by a split-rail fence.

My intention today was to write about a recollection of a snowy morning and how I was inspired to draw a beautiful scene of three holly trees with their red berries and the fence capped with fresh snow. 

I remember sitting up in bed with paper and pencil, trying to capture it.

Today’s topic was going to be “drawing,” 

But something else happened.

As I began writing, my mind wandered, as it often does, down other paths. That same room—the one I first remembered as cozy and safe—began to bring back other memories. Not-so-pleasant ones. And I felt a small lurch in the pit of my stomach.

To avoid misleading the reader, I should explain.

My parents had a rocky marriage, to say the least. Many of their arguments took place in the middle of the night. For two little girls—eight and seven years old—it was frightening.

Perhaps that is why the memory of that simple snowy scene I drew so long ago holds more meaning than I ever realized-until today, when I began writing about it.  Something I was holding onto without knowing why.   

Maybe my initial memory was a quiet coping mechanism.  A way to focus on something calm and beautiful while at times the world around me felt unsafe.

Perhaps the drawing is a symbol of creating something worth saving—something my parents would proudly display on the refrigerator for years.

Not just a child’s drawing, but a small moment of peace, preserved.

 Creativity

As a newbie drawing and watercolor artist, I agree that a person can learn the skills to paint and draw and improve with practice.

There are many artists-creators on social media who give beginner drawing and painting classes online. 

I follow quite a number of them, have benefitted from their tutorials  and they are terrific.

However, and this might be a bit of a hot take,  I sometimes wonder if their philosophy of "practice makes perfect" is a bit misleading. 

Practice has helped me a great deal. Painting and drawing every day has sharpened my sense of observation. Glancing at an apple versus truly studying an apple makes a difference in how I may portray it on paper or canvas.

But, I do feel that some people have an innate talent and a natural sense of creativity. That is a gift and not something that can be taught. 

I often struggle to come up with original ideas.  I think the great amount of tutorial lessons online may be inhibiting my own individuality.  We all seem to be painting the same Christmas wreaths or Easter bunny greeting cards.

Still, I enjoy the process, and I hope with lots of practice, 🤞I will develop my own creative voice over time.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  

B is For Blogging - A to Z Challenge - April 2, 2026

 

Blogging

On and off throughout my life I have kept journals.  But they were primarily for keeping track of dates and events, like jotting down what we did last Tuesday.   

I never wrote about my personal feelings or emotions in the event someone  discovered my private diary. 

In January of 2010, my son, Joe, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He was newly married with their first child on the way.  

Needless to say, I had a lot of big feelings and overwhelming emotions.  

At the time I was seeing a therapist to help me cope. She suggested that I write about whatever was going on deep inside.

So, I started my blog and published my first post in 2011. 

 Since I was new to blogging, and unfamiliar with how it worked, I didn’t think anyone would read my posts. 

However, when I found the A-to-Z Blogger Challenge, I decided to join in. 

That’s when I discovered this welcoming and supportive community of writers.

I’ve gotten away from regularly posting on my blog.  The last A-to-Z I did was in 2019.

Now that my life has taken another twisty turn, I remember how cathartic and comforting writing was for me in the past.

 Writing for me is a meandering path through my thoughts, slowing down here and there where I might uncover unexpected insights, perspectives  and feelings.   

I am usually surprised that the idea I start with takes a sharp turn leading me to undiscovered gems. 

I accept the A-to-Z blogging challenge of 2026.