Delightful Inspiration

Recently, I discovered a bit of inspiration amidst the grief of losing my father to an 8-month battle of cancer.  In fact, I wasn't even looking for anything of the sort, just a little something to keep my mind semi-distracted instead of fully focused on the loss.

A few days ago I watched a simple yet pleasant movie called, "Miss Potter".  I'd never heard of it before but it sounded quite lovely and the perfect cozy movie to provide a much needed reprieve from the previous days of stress and sadness.  (For those of you who don't know, Miss Potter is a movie depicting Beatrix Potter's life from childhood through her adult years).

When the movie was finished, although Miss Potter experienced loss of someone she loved, I found myself in what I thought to be a temporary trance of hope and newness.  I felt quite inspired that despite my deep loss, I too could move on just as she did, delving into my own art while looking for opportunities to bless those around me.

It's three days later and I'm still feeling this unusual but delightful and fulfilling inspiration inside, regardless of the roller coaster of emotions that's attached to grief.  Since watching the movie, I've found myself researching Miss Potter to learn more about her life and the things that inspired her from childhood on.  I even purchased a divine complete collection of her tales and illustrations.

But it doesn't stop there.  This inspiration is touching my creative soul within as well.  I've found myself diving into my watercolours in what feels like a new sort of way.  As you can see above (left photo), I flipped through my new Potter book and painted (free-hand) some of her illustrations.  It was quite thrilling how well they turned out!

Miss Potter has helped me to see death and life with fresh eyes.  I know so as I witnessed this very thing early this morning while walking alongside the creek.  I'm not sure where this is all going but as long as I feel it, I'm swimming in this newly found pool of hope and creativity.