It Will Hurt Less Than Falling

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“Come down,” she urged the child. “It is not safe up so high in the tree.” She reached out her arms. They were very  long. They would catch the child.

“No,” said the child.

“You will fall and hurt yourself,” she smiled kindly with all of her teeth.

“You will hurt me more.”

“There is no pain in my embrace,” she reassured, her eyes pleading like hungry black holes.

“You will eat me.”

“It will hurt less than falling,” she promised, her tongue forked like a snake’s.

—-

Something a little spooky for October.

Summer Windows

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Bright colours and sunny skies.

Fresh air through open windows.

A slight breeze that brings the smell of

Cut grass

And the sound of leaves whispering to each other.

Inhaling it all

Before the last of summer fades away.

Little Succulents

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I’ve been getting back into painting a bit more regularly.

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It’s funny how life has a way of passing by faster than you really notice. Here I was thinking that my last post was just a month or two ago.

In the meantime I’ve been doing more writing by hand, and I’m just now starting to transcribe some of it onto my computer for editing and expanding. I’m excited to share more of my writing with you!

Currently Writing To: The Bell that Never Rang

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“As the door swung to lintel and the line became tight
I caught the man’s orders and swam to the light

Nobody knows when you’ll go and no-one thinks to tell you”
-Lau

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Image from Wikipedia

I originally started listening to Lau about four years ago. Their traditional fiddle medleys would always inspire me to pick up my violin and play.

More recently they have transitioned into experimental folk music, and I love it. They seamlessly, beautifully, incorporate strings into their music and have stunning lyrics.

Here is a relatively new song: The Bell that Never Rang by Lau. The build up at the end has me pressing replay over and over.

Soft

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Drifting,

A soft puff of air

Cold as light with the warmest sigh.

It’s been snowing a lot lately…

Is this me?

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It’s about time to start writing my wedding thank-you cards, so I’m warming up by practicing my watercolouring. Jerry the cat proves to be good inspiration.

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“Is this me?”

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As always, the mountains inspire.

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My trusty palette.

Some Happiness

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So it’s a bit early for anything Christmas-related, but I’ve already started making my Christmas cards. I always try and make them by hand, since I really enjoy the process, and I feel that a nice card becomes a present in itself.

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Most of my cards will probably be Jerry -inspired. I swear I’m not a crazy cat lady.

Last year I wasn’t in the best of places due to stress and work, so I barely made any. I regretted it as I gave my Christmas gifts. I felt that something was missing.

This year I’m in a much better place. And it shows through the fact that I’m already working on cards and that I’m so excited (rather than daunted) to make them all!

I definitely have been busy, especially with the wedding coming up in just a couple months, but I’m still finding time to work on my projects. It’s a great feeling. And starting early will give me enough time to make them all (hopefully).

I wish for positivity and happiness for all of you. And if you don’t have it right now, I hope it comes to you soon.

Drag

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No waste, no waste. Every breath counts.

Inhale exhale inhale.

No waste, can’t waste. Don’t let it burn up unused. It’s such a luxury.

A few minutes and then it’s gone. A few moments of warmth in the lungs. A few moments of warmth against the cold of the world.

What a waste. I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

Quick Sketches: A Little Bit of Therapy

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I love quick sketches. Normally I do them when I find an image of something I find beautiful, but sometimes I do it as a creative warm-up.

Christine Fichtner quick sketch bird

Not even a proper sketching pencil.

The best part is that I put no pressure on myself to make it perfect. Unlike the cards that I paint, I don’t care how these sketches turn out.

It becomes therapeutic, and it gets those creative juices flowing.

Anyone can do it with paper and a pencil. Even if no one else ever sees it, it’s good for the soul.

Do you have any small, therapeutic exercises? I would love to hear how you all take some time for yourselves in this busy world.

Little Creations

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I try, as much as possible, to make my cards by hand. I don’t always have the time, and I’m a sucker for Papyrus cards… but most of the time I like adding that extra personal touch.

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My most recent card.

After a bit of a break from painting, I’m still getting back into using watercolour and remembering its unpredictable and finicky tendencies. But I love how calming it is. How much fun it is to play around with colours and watch as they interact.

This card took me two tries. The first one didn’t turn out so well, but allowed me to get a feel for the way I wanted the colours to move. I find that, much like writing, the second drafts and those thereafter are much more refined.

I am hoping that eventually I’ll paint cards that I can sell on Etsy or in local stores. Cards that are heartfelt in their colours and messages. Because we don’t always have the time to make our own, but sometimes we want to show people just how much we care. And I believe that art can do just that.

That is

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A presence, everlasting.

Love and wisdom. Knowledge in their eyes.

With each word, we change. Slightly, subtly.

Sometimes it is blood that binds us. Sometimes it is choice. Love transcends blood; cements what choice connects.

Nature’s hold is tangible in the increasing lines and slowing motions. But even She does not hold back our souls.

Sometimes a single glance. A clasping of hands.

“I know.”

Is all that is needed.

Devour

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“Whatever it takes,” he nodded to himself. “Can’t be weighed down with concerns about others. Won’t get anywhere like that.” His eyes strayed to the golden shimmer that was splayed next to the red counter. It was a number larger than anyone had ever had. But not enough. It was never enough. He always needed more. Because stopping meant losing. Stopping meant someone would catch up.

   There was a chime. The number flickered. Six billion nine hundred million ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine. His smile widened. The golden number ticked upwards. He glanced back at the red numbers. He had done it. No one would ever be as rich as he was. He was the ultimate. He had everything. The freedom to do whatever he wanted, the power to control the world.

   Almost. The numbers leered. There was more. There was still more he could do. His movements stilled. He stared at the golden numbers that beamed his pride and obsession. Almost.

—-

A small excerpt of a flash fiction I am working on. Exploring the depths of greed.

Her Skin Held Time

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I could feel time in her skin.

It was soft and dry and thin like the skeleton of a leaf half decayed.

It told me of days and months and years that had all passed. It told me that more had passed than would come.

It told me to hold her close and treasure her.

Trying New Things

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Christine Fichtner acrylic bird

Attitude with a touch of red flare.

—-

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your new year is filled with happiness and fortune.

Recently I tried my hand at acrylic. It’s a lot of fun and I look forward to playing with layers and textures.

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And My Heart Beat

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I saw the ghost of a memory in the face of a stranger. I saw one more time someone I can never again see.

A breath. Gone.

And my heart beat.
Joy. Pain.