pleasant surprises


The moment when you catch yourself doing things completely different from the way you used to is always a surprise. Even when the change is deliberate. It can still sneak up on you and catch you off guard and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact it's a very good thing.


Summer break used to mean sleeping in until half the morning was nearly gone. Staying up until the wee hours of the dawn was always more natural for me. It was my time to play and dream. I relished the quite of the night, the escape from the summer sun and the dread of facing the painful reality that my marriage was not the fairytale it used to be.


Apparently my fairytale was to have more twists and turns than I expected and now I find myself in a curious place where happily ever after might be within my reach as long as I'm willing to stay on this crazy ride. I can't deny that it's both thrilling and stomach turning.

The biggest surprise is that I keep getting back on.


I started getting up early with my husband so we could spend time together before he went off to work. Sometimes we even go for a walk or a run. Until recently I would end up just doing chores or getting ready to do errands after he left. I still didn't have the desire to dabble in anything creative, both in my studio or in blogland. Putting energy into my relationship left my creative well nearly empty and I was too tired to care.


Then something started to happen in those early morning hours alone. Although the urge to create wasn't hitting me just yet I found I was starting to enjoy just being around my stuff. Touching bottles of paint, rearranging supplies, wiping dust off my brushes. It was a start.

Enough that I was able to push myself to come up with the shoe challenge and with that I found my way back to blogging again. I realized this is the most I've blogged in a long while and I'm actually enjoying it.

Another pleasant surprise.


A few days ago I came across a little treasure at the library. While looking for books to add to my summer reading list one caught my eye as I was on my way out the door. The minute I saw the cover and title I knew I had to pick it up. The description sounded magical and the first page got me hooked instantly. I knew I had to share it with a kindred spirit.


The Night Circus came out last fall, nearly the exact same moment my world blew up. Maybe that's the reason I haven't heard about it because there's no way I would have missed it under nornal circumstances. Perhaps you have read it too.

I'm still working my way through the book as I'm also reading a few other ones at the same time but I'm just loving it. I think anyone that loves beautiful visuals would be inspired by this tale and that's why I hope many of you will read it too. Because this fall I have my own surprise for you.


I've been cautiously avoiding thoughts of fall because I wasn't ready to deal with reminders that the last one was not so pleasant. It killed me because fall is my favorite time of the year. The thought that I could enjoy it somehow by looking forward to something different was yet another surprise. This one came with the help of that same kindred spirit.

That makes three amazing surprises.

I'm going to trust that my muse will stay a little longer this time and hope she might sprinkle me with more than a handful of glittery fairy magic again. The kind that whispers of a mysterious night circus, thrilling illusions and visions of black and white. Stay tuned.


9 comments:

Queenie Believe said...

So glad things are looking up.
Take very good care.
Always, Queenie

Toriz said...

Glad things are looking up for you; hope things continue this way, and your happy ever after stays in clear sight!

Melanie Statnick said...

Your post has such lovely photos. I too like to orginize and look at my supplies when I'm not too inspired to paint, or cant find the energy. I saw this book several time, and I have to admit i was very curious, now even more so.

Conversations with the Muses said...

Hello my blog friend Anna.
You have hope in your voice again, I am so happy.
Life is nothing if not a wild and unexpected ride! I hope you live your most precious soul's highest essence... what ever that looks like. Life is so short, live fully and joyously and keep your eye on what your purpose is here in this life.
I wish you so much happiness!!!
Blessings,
Tricia

Linda said...

Great post Anna and glad for you that good things are happening. We are all on the wild ride every so often. Lots of dips and turns, with thrills and smiles. Can't wait for the surprises.

Rachel said...

So pleased that things are looking up for you.

I've had The Night Circus on my wishlist for a while, I really should get around to reading it, it does sound wonderful.

ps I had such fun with the Magical Fairy Shoe challenge, thank you so much for coming up with it!

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

OH ANNA! So happy to read the hope in your comments again...I look forward to more of your returning muse. Time is a tonic...look forward to your favorite season...it will overpower the the gray thoughts!
Hugs Karla

Celia said...

Your blog is looking beautiful! I am dreaming of Autumn too....not only because it's my favorite time of year.....but because it's so much COOLER!!! So glad to hear that the glitter and faerie magic is returning to your life!!

A Magical Whimsy said...

Well, dear...
I have 'hung in there' for 37 years, and it has not been all 'hunky-dory' either. I became my own person and I knew my better half needed to find himself along the way too. I looked at the options and they just weren't worth it to try and find my own way by myself. After all, who gives us a blue print for Life anyway? Seriously, I think some of our problem is our pollution and environmental pesticides. I don't have the same spunk I used to have and it is concerning me as I have always been a kind of 'up-beat' person where not much can get me down. I used to do the same thing you did...the late nights, the late mornings getting out of bed, not even telling my hubby good-bye. I like your fresh out-look and I know I always feel better if I get up earlier.
Thank you for this post as it can encourage a lot of us her in blogland to move ahead and get our fairy tales to working again...even if it is only in the realm of creating and feeling good about ourselves. That is what really counts!
XXOO
Teresa in Central California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/