Monday, May 18, 2009

Portrait of Words

Portrait of Words Now, let's have a look at the photographs for next month's writing challenge.Same general idea as the other months, but with a slight variation this time. Instead of me dictating specific categories for each photograph, I'm going to display five pictures with the following guidelines:You may use all of the photos if you like, but please choose at least three of them to incorporate into your story. Your story can be factual or a work of fiction. It can be told in first or third person. Your story can be of any length or style. Long or short, comedy or tragedy, etc. . . it's up to you. The most important thing to remember is this: It's supposed to be a fun experience for everyone, and viewed simply as a writing exercise designed to stimulate creativity and camaraderie between fellow Bloggers. Make it enjoyable and let your creativity be your guide. Here is my story for this month.


Nathan was not your everyday run of the mill artist. He was as some would say a "spooky sort of man". Not many people knew about his past life and how much he had changed to become the person that you know today. Nathan had a beard and two pierced ears and he always wore this crazy wild print hat with sunglasses, so the glare wouldn't hurt his eyes. He did this on the side when the carnival was not traveling and he was quite good at it.

His previous life was so different than the life he was leading now. To look at him you would not believe that he was a very successful college professor with a PhD. in Anthropology. One day he had just had enough of the system and decided to leave teaching and start a new life.

He had squirreled away a lot of money so that was not a problem, besides he would pick up a few odd jobs when he needed some extra cash. He sold everything he had and left with the clothes on his back and an old VW Beetle. He was headed to California on a mission to find the true meaning of life. Life had dealt him some blows and this new adventure offered him a new beginning. Though, he had no idea where this would take him.




All he knew was that life was too short and from this day forward he was going to do what he really wanted to do. He was going to not take life for granted. For once, instead of being the serious one, he was going to laugh and do all the things he never got to do as a child. Something kept pulling him towards San Francisco. He did not know why, but heeded the nudge and headed that way.

This Bay City area was completely new to him and entering on the Golden Gate Bridge he went straight to the wharf to eat lunch. Thinking out loud to himself, Armond, over heard him talking about grapes, "Excuse me, are you interested in grapes?" Nathan replied "Why yes, I am. What do you know about them?"




"Not much, he said, but my family does". They had a vinyard in the Napa valley. "Would you like to see it?" 'Sure, if it is not an inconveince?" So off they went to the vinyard. Nathan soon learned all that he could about grapes and the process of wine making. Of course, he loved to study people in life and in art. Thinking there must be more he could do Nathan began the grass roots foundation for a motel and Rv park for the homeless.

Finally, Nathan had felt like he accomplished something of true value and service. Nathan did not return to the carnival that year. He took up painting full time. He was sponsored by Armond and his family. The sales of the paintings went to fund the operations of the homeless shelter. Life was good and Nathan was happy at last.








20 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a hell of a writer you are. Leave the carnival for a cause. Excellent.

quilly said...

From anthropology professor to carny to motel owner/artist. That's quite a life journey. Nathan is an interesting character. I'd like to hear more of his stories.

Dr.John said...

You have developed a very interesting character. I hope in the future we will find out more about him and what drives him.

Roan said...

I like that your character was a philanthropic artist. Very enjoyable read.

Finding Pam said...

Thom, you just crack me up with that comment "What a hell of a writer you are." I don't think so... I will be over later to read your story.

Finding Pam said...

Quilly, I will have to think of more stories for Nathan in the future. He did seem like a character.

Finding Pam said...

Dr.John, he is indeed a character!
I'll be around later to read your fantastic story.

Finding Pam said...

BJ, Thank you for stopping by and commenting here. I would like to be a philanthropic artist as well. Think how great that would be...to help those in need.

Sandee said...

Love it. I've walked the Golden Gate bridge. It's an awesome experience.

One little correction though...It's Napa. As a Californian that kind of stuck out.

Have a terrific day honey. :)

Akelamalu said...

I love it when someone realises a dream - better late than never! :)

Lovely story Pam I really enjoyed it. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Pam...but you are my friend :)

Finding Pam said...

Sandee, thanks for that correction. I changed it. So much for speed editing. NOT!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Finding Pam said...

Oh yes, Thom. I am your friend. Where did that come from???

Anonymous said...

I always find artsy folks are generous. I belive in Nathan's possibilities :).

Dawn Drover said...

Hey... I'd like to meet Nathan ;)
Great story Pam!

bettygram said...

I like the way Nathans life went.

Finding Pam said...

Things We Carried, Thank you for the nice comment. Why is it that artists are generous? I am glad that you found Nathan credible.

Finding Pam said...

Dawn, I think Nathan is a little old for you. I am still trying to find my sister a decent man to date. It must really be difficult, but not for a beautiful gal like yourself.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Thom - - Dr. John said...

Now that story just felt good. Always like walking away from a read with a smile on my face.

Finding Pam said...

Jeff, thanks for the comment and stopping by my blog. :)