As If I Were Dancing Myself…
I’ve always admired the delicate gracefulness of a ballerina…
As a little girl, I dreamed of being one myself.
I had a little jewelry box with a tiny ballerina that twirled to music when I opened it.
I wanted to be able to do that and look so delicate and graceful and beautiful.
But I wasn’t delicate or graceful or beautiful.
I was chubby and a bit clumsy and loud.
I tried tap and jazz and ballet classes,
but my mind and body didn’t cooperate with the rest of the dancers.
I was heavy-footed and exuberant and impatient.
When the rest of the class moved right, I moved left.
I continued to grow into being a “big girl” with a “pretty face.”
Just what every teenage girl wants to hear – right?!
I had short, wavy mousy-brown hair – with bangs no less –
when all I wanted was long, straight hair.
I had a full round face, and when I smiled or laughed,
I completely lost my eyes, which became tiny slits (still to this day!)
I had big feet – a sturdy foundation Grandma claimed –
not delicate ballerina feet that could point and hold me up so gracefully.
A ballerina I was and am not,
but that is finally ok with me now. (only took 50+ years!)
If I can’t be a ballerina,
I can paint one.
And I can feel the same delicate gracefulness
as if I were dancing myself.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
*Painting inspiration from Pinterest (no credit identified). Three colors used: Daniel Smith Neutral Tint, Azo Yellow, Alizarin Crimson.
I love the picture – it captures the poise and elegance and ethereal quality of the dance. I sadly, am also no ballerina. In fact, I recall my mortification when my ballet teacher told my mother that there was entirely no point in her bringing me back. I think I might have been 5 … cutting!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think We had similar experiences. It was so devastating to our 5 year old selves eh? But here we are. 👍💛😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Epic body blows to little girls BUT what women we became!! 💪 😊 💛
LikeLiked by 2 people
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your words here Jodi and a great drawing. You captured her so beautifully.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Miriam!☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, Jodi! I can really feel the graceful movement and beauty. 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks patty Anne!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is stunningly beautiful Jodi!! I love your colors and your flesh tone. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you carol. I really enjoyed painting it.
LikeLike
Jodi, you might have not been the best Ballerina or dancer, but you have attributes and talents much greater than that. You have a big warm heart and are a caring person that knows just the right way to comfort others and make them feel good about themselves.. It does not matter how you feel about your outward appearance……it’s the inner person in you that really counts. Luv Gary
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh Gary. Thank you for your kindness even amidst your grief. No wonder terry loved you so. Hugs to you my buddy. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you are definitely graceful with your spirit and your words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Kathy ☺️
LikeLike
Very creative Jodi. I saw it initially as a ballerina dancing into beautiful flower petals. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Colin! I really enjoyed painting this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Jodi! A beautiful ballerina dancing! I always wanted to be one too but, like you, I wasn’t ballerina material! Like Gary said, you are much better than a ballerina! You really really are!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you my sweet PJ. You have been such an encouragement to me through the years. I am truly blessed 💛
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure, Jodi! Yes, you are truly blessed!
LikeLike
Jodi,
At beautiful painting! You may not have become a ballerina, but just think of all painful foot and toe injuries you avoided! For all we know, some of those prima ballerinas may now be hobbling around like crippled crabs.
Where you, on the other hand (foot?) are writing amazing texts, sharing wonderful recipes and painting lovely pictures! Real beauty comes from a beautiful heart, which you indeed have.
Best,
Jane
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jane I am humbled by your beautiful sweet comment. Thank you so very much for your kindness. And humor! Lol. 💛☺️
LikeLike
Oh, Jodi! You don’t have to be balerina! You are PAINTER for sure!!!!! I love it! I love it!! Beautiful! I love how you made it look fragile, beautiful and also dark (pain and hard work, injuris). And paited from back – like that’s what we see but we don’t see how she feels. I bet she’s sad or crying! Great job! It resonates with me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love what you felt from this and love you for your sweet constant encouragement my sweet Latvian friend!! Hugs to you. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to meet you one day and hug in person!!! I love your artwork and your relationship with family members and friends! You are such a gem Jodi! I’m glad I found you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh how I hope that can come true!!!! I am so glad I found you too! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jodi, clearly the universe had bigger and better plans for you than the Nutcracker! You have touched so many lives with your work, your art, and your words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is so kind of you donna. I am deeply touched by your comment. Thank you so much. 💛
LikeLike
I think this is the ballerina inside of you, dancing into the mists that dreams are made of…and it is beautiful, as are YOU! To be a ballerina takes self discipline and determination, and while I admired those qualities I did not possess them in my early years. I do admire those same qualities that shine through you into your blog. You are a gift that keeps on giving! Thank-you!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh Ellen! What did I do to deserve such a kind generous blog follower friend like you?!?! Thank you for your sweet encouragement to me always!!! You have quite the gift of encouragement 💛
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your ballerina painting is beautiful – just like you, Jodi! 💜 Love the gracefulness you painted and the movement – and the colors you chose! 🎨👍 I had one of those same jewelry boxes! Oh, the memories! 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
such nostalgia – eh?! sweet memories of our inner little girls 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jodi I think this is one of your absolute best pieces. I loved how it flowed and the honesty in it and how it ended with you being happy to be YOU!! Awesome job my friend! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! Thanks Sweet C! Just flowed from the heart ❤
LikeLike
I could tell! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally relate to this post! So glad you are happy with you, and you are pretty, smart and talented! A ballerina to me for sure
LikeLiked by 1 person
awh sweet Lynn! I hope you know you are pretty, and smart and talented and beautiful. You have a beautiful family and are going to write an amazing book that will help so many! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much dear Jodi!!!
LikeLike
Your inner ballerina is definitely showing with this watercolor Jodi! I absolutely LOVE it! xoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL! That’s the only kind I have, and I’ll take it! 🙂 Thanks kathryn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly enjoyed reading this, Jodi, and what a wonderful painting!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Lisa!
LikeLike
The thing with ballerinas are that while they are beautiful and graceful, they are all alike. Like bricks or something produced on an assembly line, they all look the same and move the same. They are expected to have a certain body type in order to be ‘accepted’ by those who value uniformity, conformity, and fleeting beauty. Just remember that they are a minority. Real women, most of us anyway, have our own unique beauty which manifests in many different and lasting ways. It could be a kind heart, helping hands, or loving arms and it may come in a package that is chubby or with curly hair. Outward beauty is a bonus but it will fade. Inner beauty lasts and is more valuable.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Carol………… have you always been so wise? Thank you for this beautiful, graceful comment! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not me, principle taken from the Bible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are definitely full of grace my friend!! Beautifully written and your watercolor is fantastic!! 😍 They just get better and better!!! It’s awesome to watch!
LikeLiked by 2 people
awh! Thanks Charlie! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still have those imaginary selves in my mind! but we are who we are. A beautiful painting, but the you who is not the painting is beautiful too. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks kerfe ☺️💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully done! Cant add anything to the comments above. I clicked ” like ” on all those that said what I would have said. Very lovely painting. Captured motion in her dance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️ thanks Dena!
LikeLike
It’s often not possible for me to see personality when ballerinas are dancing because for me all look the same way. But your way to paint shows so much individuality and you can show this your whole life. Ballerinas couldn’t if their beauty is lost some time
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simply lovely, Jodi! 🎶🎼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks robin ☺️
LikeLike
Wowza! You should sell prints of this piece to dance studios! Seriously!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is for sale actually lol! Adding it to our McKinneyX2Designs ETSY shop and will be taking it to our first ever booth at a Fall Festival this weekend! 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful work Jodi….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ev! Anyone call you that? LOL! I always seem to end up shortening friends and loved ones names to one syllable after a while. haha! Don’t want to offend you though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get called Evie or Eve a lot, which I don’t mind. But my full name is pronounced”eevelyn” with a long E at the front, if you know what I mean… !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! Got it. I like that! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Jodi! You spoke for so many of us in this post. It takes us so long to learn to accept ourselves just as we are (and realize that we are more than good enough). But once we figure that out, we find that all of us can dance, one way or another……
LikeLiked by 1 person
it did kinda turn out to be that – didn’t it? 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is gorgeous Jodi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jenna ☺️
LikeLike
This is so beautiful, Jodi. I also had a ballerina jewelry box that played music. This brings me back.😉💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you have the ability to express yourself in different ways and create your dreams so vividly..:)
LikeLike
This is so beautiful Jodi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
Pingback: Creative Inspiration in Food, Watercolor, Photography, Writing and Life in Between.