Believing in Yourself!

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Her heart flowed out as she painted. With one more brush stroke she was finished. Standing back Joanna admired her work.

Many times when standing back she would find flaws in her art, but this time it all came together so perfectly. Yes, she was ready. She allowed herself to exhale. It was finished, her painting for the art show was ready.

“Oh Joanna, its amazing.” She turned at the sound of Madison’s voice.

“Thanks. I can’t believe I let you talk me into participating in this contest.”

“Just remember who to thank when you are handed the big check for first place!” Madison flashed her a teasing grin.

“I dare say that you have enough confidence and optimism for both of us.”

“That is fine with me. You keep painting and I will keep being your biggest fan. After all it comes with so many perks.”

Joanna gave her a questioning look. “Perks?”

“Absolutely! I have always wanted to go to NYC. Stroll through Central Park and see a Broadway show.”

Joanna was cleaning up her painting supplies as she spoke. “What does that have to do with being my biggest fan?”

“Welll….” there was a pause and Joanna looked up.

“What did you do?”

Looking sheepish, Madison confessed. “I may have signed you up for an Art show there. Think of all the publicity!”

“Madison!”

“I am going to be such a fabulous agent for you. You only need to have ten paintings for the show. Its a whole month away.”

Madison started quickly walking away,as Joanna wished she had something to throw at her.

One month for ten paintings! She groaned. Madison believed too much in her! But Joanna did love her best friend. She was Lucy, and Joanna was Ethel. Oh the crazy times they have had.

“Sit back and enjoy the ride my ladies.” It was a gorgeous day for a horse and carriage ride through Central Park.

“I have to thank you Madison. Look at what you pushed me to do and look how it has turned out! I won the Art show back home and now here we are in New York. If it wasn’t for you I may never have entered these Art shows. In fact I know I wouldn’t have. But you believed in me.” She squeezed Madison’s hand. “Thank you, my precious friend!”

“You don’t know how glad I am to hear that, for did you know that there will be an upcoming show at the Louvre!

“The Louvre! You mean the one in Paris?” she shrieked.

“That is the only one I know of, sooo….Yes!”

Joanna was speechless for a moment. “You are too much!”

“I am counting on walking in your gallery someday and maybe way into the future the children will study about you, the famous artist in their history books.”

Joanna burst out laughing. “Now I know you are crazy!”

“Just please don’t cut off your ear, like Van Gogh, don’t stop bathing like Michelangelo(or we could have a problem!)” Joanna made a face. “No worries there!”

Don’t paint in your car, like Georgia O’Keefe. You will need a much bigger car for that. Bigger than your VW punchbug.

Also I recommend that you don’t take 14 years to finish a painting! Though if there is a chance of it becoming as popular as the Mona Lisa, you may want to try that.

Here is a fact that you can admire, don’t let anything stand in your way. For 20 years Renoir suffered from crippling arthritis, but he kept painting. Shoot for the moon, Joanna, even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”

“Hmmm… how interesting, what particular,unique trait should I have?”

“I will get busy on making a list, don’t you worry. ”

Shaking her head and smiling, Joanna closed her eyes as she laid her head back, listening to Madison prattle on about her unique traits. Oh, the blessing of friendship!