Sunday, May 17, 2009

Once Upon a Time....

There lived an artist.

She grew up in a world of her own, and while other children spent their time playing and watching television, she could be found drawing and daydreaming, or reading fantastical tales about mythical lands.

"You're like a blankety-blank butterfly!" her father, the king would shout in exasperation.

She took it as a compliment. ;)

For she was the only butterfly in a family of worker bees. She was different. She was colorful. She could make magic happen with her pencils and paintbrushes.

The worker bees went on to achieve great things in a land called Business. They lived comfortable lives, in beautiful homes, filled with expensive things, and shook their heads at the artist-butterfly, not understanding at all how she could live such a precarious life, flitting from one place to the next, one creation to the next, her spirit free but her future uncertain.

And to tell you a little secret, sometimes the artist would wonder herself about the path she'd taken. Times when she struggled. Times when she wished things were easier.

Then, she would pick up her pencils and paintbrushes. And it was like magic. It was the closest thing to Sacred she'd ever felt, almost like a prayer.

And she wished everyone could feel like this. :)

~ The End ~

28 comments:

Janine said...

Oh my dear Carolee, I know she will life happiely ever after.
By the way it´s known, that she has this magical brushes.
And whatever she paints, it becomes alive and takes everybody who looks at it, right into it and enchanted him or her forever.
That is true!!!

You created again the magic. And how much I love your dragon.
He is so lovely.
Have a good week
Janine

Unknown said...

Carolee...

I love the story..I too was that butterfly.

The box is beautiful...as always Carolee.

Smiles,
Sonia ;)

vintagepaletteart said...

That was just beautiful Carolee.......keep fluttering you little butterfly you! :)

I think this would make a wonderful book and your illustrations would be pure magic!

Hugs, Lori

LYNDY WARD said...

Hi Carolee, beautiful art work filled with magick!

Thanks for stopping by my Blog & for your great comments on my Mom's Day Tribute post.

Yes, my childhood was quite happy with lots of adventure. I miss my Mom & Dad so much. I also miss our ranch with our beautiful horses & family pets too.

Those were the days, if you know what I mean...

Bright Blessings Always,
Lyndy >^..^<

Heidi said...

Of course I love your art but I was touched by your story of the the "blankety-blank butterfly". My mother nudged me into the accounting world and while I am very good in this area it isn't a passion or a calling. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I want to do is to create something. I hope you are enjoying doing your thing as I'm sure you know your art brings pleasure to so many people.

Once Upon A Blue Crow said...

Ahhhhhhhh, so lovely you are sweet butterfly!

Jo James said...

Lovely!
Lovely words. lovely box, lovely ever after.

From one blankety-blank to another ;)

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Lovely post Carolee! A butterfly is a beautiful thing and are the others really so happy with having "stuff"? I think not.

Have a great week and thank you for taking us into your enchanted world.
Laurie

BunnyKissd said...

Perfect! ^-^

Robin Armstrong Seeber said...

WOW

Unknown said...

Just a simple "thank you", for putting things in perspective... I'm sure you know what I mean.

Lori

Zan Asha said...

Wow! I dunno, I think you've outdone yourself Carolee! I can't even look--it's toooo exquisite!

Tinsell and Whimsy said...

And aren't you better off for all the day dreaming you did......we are too.......Thank You!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

WOW ~ Very enchanting piece!!!

Chris (-:

snippetgirl said...

That sweet fairy tale filled my eyes with tears. Thank goodness that butterfly followed her dreams so that the rest of us could share in her magic and enchantment!
What a tragic tale it would be if she hadn't :).
This box is AMAAAAZING!!!
xoxo
Carrie

Little Dollings by Brenda O. said...

Sigh... that's a beautiful story! And an encouragement to butterflies everywhere!!
Love what you're doing with these recent pieces, Carolee. You're so talented!!

hugs
Brenda

Kathleen Coy said...

Aw, I love this post Carolee!

The box is gorgeous, it makes me happy just to look at in on screen, I can't imagine how it must look in person!

Julie said...

Thanks for your visit. What a delighhtful blog! Your art is enchanting and truly amazing. I'm glad to be a happy follower ; )!

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

Sounds like me :-)

Hayley Egan said...

What a lovely post, and a lovely blog, too. X Hayley

Girl Interrupted said...

I loved this post :)

Here's to butterflies everywhere!

Holly Loves Art said...

What a lovely story! The great thing is... there never will really be a "the end"... it sounds like this story is ongoing!

Pretty pictures of pretty artwork too.

Have a wonderful day.

holly

suzi whitaker said...

Oh My Gosh! How fantastic!!!
I tagged you Carolee. Come to my blog!
Xo, Suzi

William Bezek said...

Beautiful painted illustrations, you should books.

CCs Whimsies said...

Ahhhh... You said it perfectly Carolee.... A life in the arts is not entirely filled with monetary riches, but a true grounding of what REALLY IS IMPORTANT!!! Love, Christy

Linda said...

Just too Wonderful Carolee, love the story.
Lindax

Heather said...

this is very pretty! Lovely work~

Gamescapist said...

I just love this little story!

Have to say I feel exactly the same about creativity and connection to the sacred word... artists in all forms are magicians to me, and you are definitely one of them.