Tuesday, August 19, 2008

blessed


blessed
mixed media collage
9 x 9 x 3/4 aspen wood
copyright 2008 julie king

as many of you know i am an avid reader and one of my favorite things to read is a heart-touching coming of age story. i enjoy how these stories typically start out depicting the total innocence of youth. the main character is generally an 11 to 13 year-old boy or girl enjoying a carefree summer vacation . . . no homework, hanging with friends, late night kick the can games and fishing in the creek down the road. as the story progresses, events force the youngster to grow up a bit, leaving all that childish innocence behind. one of my faves of this genre is to kill a mockingbird. and, i remember how i adored a tree grows in brooklyn the first time i read it. i'm currently reading stephen king's hearts in atlantis and it carries that same classic theme of maturity being thrust on a young boy. sometimes in my hectic, go-go-go life i long for the innocence and simplicity of childhood. oh, to be reading in the tree house all afternoon with nothing more to worry about than what mom was fixing for supper. what a sense of freedom to never think about paying bills or retirement funds or at what age we take the plunge and purchase supplemental medical insurance. i long for twilight hide and seek with my siblings, cranking the handle on the homemade ice cream churn, rotten tomato fights in the garden and playing old maid until we knew every card by heart by the bends and knicks in the corners of the cards. so here's my pledge to myself to laugh more, play more, sing, dance, frolic and cavort more. but mostly, i promise to seek that blessed childish innocence whenever i can.

18 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I so agree with you about To Kill A Mockingbird. Has there ever been a better coming of age story than that? A true masterpiece.

Auburn Kat said...

Another great piece! Everytime I look at my cat picture I think of you! =) I absolutely love it! I think I've already told you that though!

steviewren said...

I love the wagon full of birdies and her pointy scarf. It is a lovely image and it reflects the sentiments you write about.

Cindy said...

love your collage.

Sarah said...

This little creation is so sweet!
Sarah
Vintage Lily
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Betsy Brock said...

This was just wonderful! :) I miss that childhood innocence, too....and when we were in it, we wished the hours away...wishing we were older! ;)

Deb Neerman said...

Oh, Julie, I ADORE this piece!! It truly struck a chord with me ... I keep saying, 'this is my new favorite,' but you keep creating new favorites!!!

Remember when we couldn't wait to grow up?!? What; were we crazy or something!?! We didn't know we had it so good thing 'til it was too late. (In spite of being told repeatedly by every adult I came in contact with). Oh well, hindsight is 20-20!

Hope you're doing well and loving your job ... as much as one can love their job!

~Hugs, Deb

NANCY LEFKO said...

this is so sweet....and your post makes me yearn for those childhood days and hopeful that my boys are having a childhood as sweet.....

Judy Hartman said...

Hi Julie,
I have just 'discovered' your blog and artwork and feel very moved by it. I, too,love coming of age stories and you really hit the nail on the head as to why I would feel that way -a return to the innocence of childhood.
I think your artwork is wonderful. Love the soft edges and sweetness!

Tess Kincaid said...

This is sweet. Nice childhood memories of our simpler young life. Our ten year old selves.

Heather said...

oh! this is so sweet!~

jafabrit said...

I feel as others, this is just a wonderful piece julie :)

Mmm said...

Yes, that's why I never wanted to grow up. I remember being that age and thinking how perfect it was. I dreaded becoming a teen!

Sydney said...

Sounds perfect.... and a near requirement for your art as much as for your HEART. Thanks for the reminder!

And thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope you'll check in again and again.

bunzi said...

such a cute piece!

Dragana Savkov - Bajić said...

Beautiful picture, and beautiful words...

Lavinia said...

I so admire the kercheif and the birdies!

Donna said...

What a wonderful post! And I love your art!

~Donna