Quietly enjoying this beautiful garden, I watch as a woman comes and sets up her easel, paints and brushes. I watch her layer paint onto the canvas, adding different shades of greens, reds, blues and purples and the painting becomes an exquisite masterpiece.
I feel transported into a different dimension from which I don't want to return. This painting captures everything I feel as I sit in this peaceful, resplendent garden.
The woman begins to fade as though she was never there. I move forward, pick up the painting, paints and brushes and walk home feeling like a new person.
(100)
Thank you Graham Lawrence for our photo prompt this week! It is lovely!
This is my 100 word submission for the challenge, Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. We are given a photo prompt and approximately 100-175 words with which we create our stories. This challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate. To learn more, please click here.
To read all the wonderful stories by great writers, click on the blue froggy button below. It will take you to the story grid.
BEAUTIFUL WORDS 
OOH! This one gave me sweet goosebumps!
Thank you!! 🙂 🙂
It sent chills down my spine…especially when I’m reading this at night 🙂
Thank you! May I ask why it would give you chills at night?
The lady faded…so she’s not human 🙂
Oh, okay, I see. Thank you!!
🙂
🙂
Pardon me, have I misread your intend?
It is your imagination that is my intention. If you see the woman as a ghost, that is your imagination and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Everyone will see it differently, and I was curious as to how you saw it.
I tend to view things in a more supernatural way 🙂
That is interesting! There’s nothing wrong with that! 🙂
Thank you 🙂 It’s comforting to hear that 🙂
🙂 You’re welcome. 🙂
😀
I love this and the picture! lovely
Thank you!
so different and refreshing!
Thank you!
Well, thank you for helping me see this in a different way. I could not come up with a story when I first saw this but you have inspired me somehow. I’m not even sure how because the story I will now right has nothing really to do with your take on the photo- which I love, by the way.
Thank you Emilio! I’m glad it has inspired you! I think there are many different ways to go with this prompt. This beautiful photo is one of Graham Lawrence’s. I look forward to reading your story!
I love it. Art in any form, painting, writing, etc., can transport you.
Yes, it can! Thank you Jenn! 🙂
Beautiful photo and story to match. She is transported into a relaxing state as she paints in this wonderful garden. Love it and got a zen moment just reading it.
That’s great Donna! Thank you so much. That is what it is suppose to do.
Her alter-ego? She wishes she could paint what she sees and feels?
Her outside of herself watching herself create this beautiful painting and feeling like a new person when the painting is finished. Renewal.
Yes, that’s exactly what I felt and thought while reading it — beautiful, Joy! It transported me to that garden.
Thank you so much Joy! 🙂
OK, so I just read this again and think that the artist “disappeared” into her work. And when she completed the canvas, she packed up and went home. This is what we do when we create- I do it in writing and in photography. I disappear, meaning I give no thought to myself at the time, just what I am creating! Great job!
You are right!! Thank you so much Emilio!
Oh, and thank you so much!!
The narrator merges with the lady painter to become one. This is how I have interpreted your story. Hope its okay.
Very close. She is outside herself watching herself paint and as she paints she becomes a new person. But I also like your interpretation!
Wow!
I loved your way of seeing the painter. This is akin to playing a game, as each reader brings in something new to the same story.
Yes, it is! We all have different interpretations and no one is wrong.
This story has a hauntingly beautiful tone to it. It’s as if the narrator and the woman painting is the same person. Maybe she’s having an out of body experience and is watching herself paint. I almost expected the narrator to pick up the paints and brushes and continue the painting after the woman faded away. Excellent story!
Thank you Nortina! You got it right! She is watching herself paint, but it is the “old” her. Her painting changes her into a new person. The act of creating (painting, writing, etc) regenerates her into a new and better person.
And that is so accurate about all forms of art. Wonderful story!
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you!!
Life renewed by a sense of accomplishment. Lovely story.
Thank you very much!
Interesting how she becomes part of the scene she sees taking place before her. Great job!
Thank you Mandi! 🙂 Yes, she is outside of herself, watching her own renewal. You are right!
Great story! It’s very atmospheric- I feel like I’m in the garden as I read it.
That’s great! Thank you so much!
A beautiful story woven with words that create dialog. As all good stories should do. Loved this …!!!
Isadora 😎
Thank you!
Lovely….it makes me want to paint….
Yes, me too. I bought paints, brushes, canvas and was too chicken to try it. Haha! I draw (detailed drawings). Although I haven’t done that in several years.
I crave artistic talent Priceless. I love to watch people who can draw and paint. It fascinates me.
I wish I could paint.
Me too.
Once an artist always an artist. I can imagine seeing a lady painting and then moving into the real artist’s canvas with joy.
Thank you Scrapydo2!
It is a refreshing piece of writing for me. Reading the last line brings smile on my face 🙂
I like your take on prompt.
True, once and artist always an artist 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
A different dimension could lead us in to all sorts of imaginings, well done.
Thank you Sally!
Too beautiful for words. A delightful tale.
Check out my FFfAW story!
I will! I haven’t seen the link on InLinkz yet, but I will go look.
I have read that story! It’s awesome!
There is such magic in your story here.. I wonder if there is a way of transforming ourselves by painting ourselves.
A very intriguing idea that would make a great story! Thank you for reading and for your comment. 🙂
What a very mysterious artist! Great story, PJ. Very intriguing. 🙂
Thank you Louise!
Ghostly..! You ask supernaturals to paint for you lol. Good story
Thank you! 🙂
Great out-of-body dissociative experience. I do this when I write. Loved your story, 🙂
Thank you Susan!
Merging into one’s work. it’s a magical sensation. fulfilling.
Loved this piece, PJ!
It’s just wonderful to watch you expand and grow in your writing.
Ellespeth
Thank you so much Ellespeth!!
Nice work PJ! ~ The images painted so beautifully with your pen are a work of art indeed 🙂
Thank you so much John!
I believe the woman was reflecting on her own accomplishment after painting a picture. She places herself in the painting feeling the peacefulness it brings and afterwards picks up her painting supplies and leaves feeling relaxed and happy. Very inspiring story, Joy!
Thank you Jessie!! 🙂
Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?! lol I’ve read it a few times but don’t know what to make of it. Maybe my imagination forgot to wake up with me this morning!! 🙂 It’s got me puzzled anyway and will continue to make me think 🙂
It is really strange, so don’t feel bad. It talks about how we come outside of ourselves when we create (painting, writing, etc). And she went outside of herself while painting and saw herself painting and when she finished and she became one with the person painting (her new self taking over her old self). See, it’s really strange.
Wow, it’s a good concept. Makes me wonder if that’s the case for some, that when creating, some other part of themselves take over and they almost forget themselves. This story though has taken that to another level, but it still makes me wonder if it happens to some.
I personally think so.
That sense of absorption is there when writing. Time and space stand still. It is powerful. Great story!
That is true. Thank you Francesca!
It’s funny how the mind can wander when we’re gazing at such a lovely place. I can see her clearly, imagining herself recreating the beauty of her surroundings on canvas. Perhaps she was already an artist – or aspired to be one. Whatever, the reverie refreshed and invigorated her fro the day. Lovely story, PJ.
Thank you so much Millie! I know that when I am drawing I have to become “one” with my drawing in order to do my best and it is the same way with writing. Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
Yes, I know what you mean about writing. I’ve never done much art, other than sketching. My two daughters are both very good at it, but they don’t get their artistic talents from Nick or I. 🙂
Oh I really like the disembodiment of the artist 🙂
Thank you Vanessa!
Experiences of disappearing into what you love to do… what a great feeling!
Yes, it is! 🙂 Thank you!
Oh wow, I love how you let us interpret this story in different ways. Mine- I think you dozed off a bit in the garden and dreamt the lady, but awoke with redefined purpose :D. Great take on the prompt PJ.
I like your interpretation of this story Ameena! After the painting was finished she did have a redefined purpose and a renewal of her spirit. Thank you for the nice compliment! Thank you so much for reading and for your wonderful comment.
Lovely! I really enjoyed this.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Lovely!
Thank you!