Shadow Painting by the author: Anything goes prompt DEP

Summary

The author reflects on a sunny day spent walking and shadow painting with their daughter, drawing inspiration from Hemingway and Dr. John Frederick Rose, and emphasizes the beauty of life, the importance of perseverance, and shares thoughts on recent stories that resonated with them.

Abstract

The author takes a contemplative stroll with their daughter, engaging in shadow painting and finding inspiration in the simplicity of their surroundings. They reference the influence of Hemingway and Dr. John Frederick Rose on their perspective, noting the stark contrasts in life's moments—from bleakness to joy. The day's experiences lead the author to advocate for persistence in personal endeavors and relationships, echoing Winston Churchill's famous advice to "never, never, give up." The author also recommends two stories that have impacted them: 'The Rooftop Playground Without A Staircase' by Lisa Lau, which explores family love and hope, and an article by Jay Krasnow that imparts a lesson on self-love and beauty. The piece concludes with gratitude towards the community that supports their writing.

Opinions

The author values the time spent with family and the simple pleasures in life, such as sunbathing and drinking tea.
They believe in the power of persistence and the potential for positive outcomes when one continues to reach out and connect with others.
The author finds inspiration in literature and nature, as well as in the acts of walking and observing the environment.
They hold a positive outlook, emphasizing that moments of beauty and connection can transform one's experience of life.
The author appreciates the impact of stories and the written word, as evidenced by their

Shadow Painting by the author: Anything goes prompt DEP

Out walking with my daughter. Shadow painting again. So much to say, but will say little.

Channeling Dr John Frederick Rose and, maybe, Hemingway. Hemingway never used words like maybe.

Have been reading Hemingway. Fields are yellow now. Hampshire is full of trees. Go there for a break when in the UK.

That’s it.

Today was sunny. My adult daughter and I went for a walk. We sat down in front of the cathedral and sunbathed. We drank tea together. We talked. We smiled.

Isn’t life beautiful?

Sometimes, for a moment the world seems so sad, so bleak, so impossible, and then for a moment the sun shines, a rainbow appears, a fish swims, a bird sings a song, an elephant trumpets, a relative picks up the phone and calls you, and, in that moment everything changes.

If there is anything you have been putting off, or, perhaps you are sure you have pestered that person far too many times, I am here to ask you not to give up; keep pestering; keep sending those messages saying “when can I see you?” One day you will get an affirmative reply. That is the day you will know all that attention you gave was worth it.

Never, never, give up.

Winston Churchill

Inspiration comes in many forms and I have not been inspired by anything specific today, except the sunshine and the beauty of a city, but I do want to mention some stories that I have been reading as is the habit on ‘dep’, so here is one I read last week and bookmarked to read again and maybe share:

‘The Rooftop Playground Without A Staircase’ by Lisa Lau — such a touching story about family love and hope.

And this one from Jay Krasnow — a surprising and gentle lesson about self love and beauty.

Thank you for reading. Thank you to the creators and editors of this wonderful publication for publishing and reading my work.