Written for MLMM Monday Wordle #449.
Our prompt words this week are: follow, future,
happiness, inspire, lie, mistake, monument,
secure, short, stunned, thought, and walk.
Here’s where the prompt took me.
Emily was a young artist on her first trip to Europe; she loved sketching the various statues in the piazzas throughout Italy. In particular, she was awed by the majesty of a large, ancient-looking monument. The marble structure stood tall …. a symbol of resilience and a magnificent history. As she sat beside it, she felt secure; a sense of calm washed over her and she was inspired to paint the scene before her. Lost in thought, Emily pondered her future: Could she follow her dreams of being an artist and find happiness in her craft? Doubts began to form, fueled by a jealous lie …. a hurtful comment she once believed about her talent. But a sudden realization stunned her: Mistakes were part of the journey, not the end. Feeling a sense of renewed positivity, Emily packed up her things and took a short walk around the piazza to an artist’s supply shop she noticed earlier. It was time for her to start again in earnest; treating herself to some lovely pencils and drawing pads would be the perfect new beginning!
NAR©2025
#MLMM
This is “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Those jealous and hurtful comments! They do cause so much self doubt! Glad she’s not giving up her dreams!
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You’re so right, CA. Those awful comments are so destructive. Thank you!
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So inspiring, Nancy! Cheering for Emily. 🎨👏🏻
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Thanks, Michele. Sometimes a new box of beautiful pencils makes everything ok. ☺️
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Sure does! 😊👍🏻
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This is a lovely take Nancy. Thanks for taking part.
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Thank you, Di. It’s been great fun for me!
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Nice story, Nancy and I am glad that Emily was invigorated for a creative endeavor after getting some new art supplies.
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Thanks for a lovely comment, Jim. Emily thank you, too.
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…And then, eyes opened, her journey TRULY began. 💜🩵💜
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New pencils always make things better! Thanks, Liz.
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So beautiful, the moment when one can shrug off the need for the external validation and appreciate the reality.
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What a huge relief that is! Thanks, my friend!
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As Esther says, thist is a very uplifting story.
One unfortunate remark can strip away one’s self-confidence in one foul swoop.
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That is so true and we’ve all experienced it at some point. Thank you very much, Sue. I always appreciate your comments.
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An uplifting story. Left me with a smile 😊
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What a lovely comment! Thanks so much, Esther.
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I love how Emily goes from doubting herself to starting fresh — that little walk to the art shop feels so right.
~David
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Sometimes all we need is a new box of pencils to color a beautiful world. Thanks so much, dear David!
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🤗
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Good for her. One can’t go far without faith in one’s own abilities
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This is very true, Sis, and ties in with your post about determination. Thank you!
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Always my pleasure dear sister
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Oh, this lovely Leonardi DaVinci quote comes to mind, “Be a mirror, absorb everything around you and still remain the same.” which depicts your lovely story admirably, Nancy …
https://youtu.be/LUnXgucl748
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Lovely comment, dear Ivor and a dizzying video! Thank you, dear friend. 🥰
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You’re most welcome dear Nancy 🎶📖💙😍
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Lovely Nancy – ‘Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride everything, everything will be just fine’ 🙌❤️
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Thank you very much, Ange. I’m delighted to know you like my story and the video!
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