Your Story of Surprise
No. 21 -- That Moment of "Wow!"
Welcome to “What’s Your Story?”, the occasional Tuesday space where I invite YOU to participate in the writing. Every episode, I offer a new writing prompt. In 200 words or less, YOU get to tell YOUR story.
Spring is such a time surprise. One day there’s nothing and the next day there’s a daffodil! One day it’s 70 degrees and the next day it’s snowing! Seemingly all of a sudden, it doesn’t get dark ‘till eight o’clock at night!
Today, we’re sharing stories of surprise. I can’t wait to read yours. Think back in your life and remember a moment of “wow!” — a moment of “Amazing!” — a moment of “now isn’t that interesting?” I had one just this morning. Maybe yours was last week or last year. Please tell us.
Tip of the Week - There are no rules to this little exercise. If you don’t have a story of surprise, you’re totally free to tell any random story that comes to mind. Surprise us!
Keep it 200 words or less. (Word Counter) Have fun. Don’t hold back. Leave your contribution in the comments. I’ll go first.
I hope to see you in the comments.
Last winter, my sister Caroline's watercoloring inspired me to ask my mom to bring over a few brushes and some paints. The next day, mom showed up with all the supplies and a few good pointers. I spent the next couple months throwing paint on paper in a freestyle and playful way. Every once in a while, I'd get lucky with the results, but mostly I was enjoying the process. Then, in hopes of improving, I purchased an online watercoloring course and $300 worth of supplies. Not long after that purchase, I stopped watercoloring.
Recently, I brought out the supplies and once again I'm enjoying my own experimental approach to painting. I make cards and send them to people on their birthdays. Last Friday, I tried a new technique. Using random colors, I just kept adding random details. When I was finally done, I didn't like the results. The piece was too busy and didn't feel unified. The next morning, I saw the same piece lying upside down on the table. I was so surprised to discover that I liked it alot. From this new "upside down" perspective, it all made sense. Everything fell into place. It was a green dragon! What a delightful surprise. (See both perspectives of the piece in the post)
One of my wow moments: I was living in Kent at the time having one of my many parties. Several attendents and unit leaders from the MDA camp were there. Jerry and I were having a lovely conversation when he suddenly bent over and gave me the softest, most gentle and loving kiss. Even though we hardly knew each other, I felt instinctively, at that moment, that we were destined to be together. And here we are... About to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary! Wow!