Moonliteman

December 18, 2005

The Artist

A feathery brush of a charcoal pencil across the snowy white background begins the journey. A simple mark sets into motion the music that the artist sees with her eyes, hears with her soul. As one mark becomes two, then three, the music picks up tempo, changing in pitch and tone, the hand directing the pencil just as a maestro orchestrates her symphony.

At first it is a slow waltz of random lines on an empty stage. There seems to be no logic to the artist’s movements, no symmetry in the song that she is developing. But, that is part of her creative mystery and why I admire her gift of crafting life onto paper. She feels the music growing inside and with gentle dashes the lines become stronger notes. The picture is slowly starting to emerge from her thoughts.

Changing the rhythm, she moves her hand in small, fluttery strokes that reflect woodwinds swirling onto the canvas. The beat quickens and she leans closer to the paper, her look becoming more focused as the music on the paper builds. The lines become bolder, the notes more pronounced. A single muted trumpet coaxes clouds into the picture while a trio of French horns lift their voices to the peaks of the mountains in the background.

It is the piano solo that brings her movement to crescendo for it is here that she draws the people. Her mother, sister, myself, along with grandparents, cousins and friends, are all parts of the music that she creates when she joins pencil and paper. The drawing is a reflection of her love and it is a privilege to be part of that reflection.

When the picture is complete, my youngest daughter calls me over to view her work. I study the lines, hear the notes, and marvel at her skill. I express my admiration the best way that I can, but my words never adequately commend her achievements.

I hope that one day the artist will understand how much of an honor it is for her father to be part of the music that moves her…the music of her heart.

Take care.

Madam_Sassy_Pants

December 19, 2005

I can imagine you sitting and watching your daughters at work/play with absolute wonder. You describe her drawing so well. Again I say, lucky little girl.

Jeanne

You GO, Dad. :oD

Simply beautiful. Bravo!

pixiiegrl

I love to watch my children draw. It always amazes me how they can take a thought and put it down on the paper. I guess I’ll stick with the playing of the music.

you are the SWEETEST dad and guy!!! Happy Holidays luvy

Kelley Francis

While reading this entry I happened to be listening to the instrumental music of Wojciech Kilar – more specifically, his song, “Love Remembered”…it was the perfect back drop for reading such beautiful words!! =D

Melancholy

Awww man, entries like this should carry a weeping warning for big ole softies like me. She’s a lucky little girl. Lucky indeed. Someday, if she already doesn’t, she will realize this.

I love that you get to experience this with your girls and I love that you see and appreciate it. You may think all dads do but this is not the case. You rock 🙂

Freewind

There is nothing more special that a parent’s pride in their children. My youngest son is a fine artist and has sold some of his work. My mother was a hobby artist but sadly, I can’t draw or paint. Your children are lucky to have such a devoted father and you are lucky to have such talented children. You all are blessed with each other and with the creative talent that runs strong

in all of you. Have a wonderful holiday season! Always,

Butterfly Angel

HUGS

I love to watch my son draw and see the expression on his face when the masterpiece is all done!! I can imagine the look on your face while you wait for the drawing that your daughter made, and you describe it so lovely!! Take care and enjoy your daughter!!!!

*~Poetic Dreamer~*

I sure do miss drawing, i might just have to do so again sometime!!

ValentineGuy

How very wonderfully expressed.

Celticman

Always wished I could draw well, but alas, its not one of my talents. Make sure she gets a chance to develop it if you can MLM. She seems so gifted that its one of the most beautiful presents you could ever give to her. Adide from time with you that is. Merry Christmas! Rob

You know…maybe you should print these entries out for your daughters someday. I’m sure they would love them. I wish the Mark I dated was as eloquent as you are! He has two daughters, and he loves them very much, (same as you love yours). I bet his daughters (and yours) would treasure things (like this) always.

If my Dad gave me something like this I’d frame it and hang it up. I’d always know that no matter what was going on – someone loves me and sees me this way. With that reassurance, the bad may not seem quite so bad after all.

Renee's Song

Oooh i so love this entry. Your words entrance me, you have such talent. I hope you and your wonderful family enjoy a safe and happy christmas. Renee

Coyote Walker

December 20, 2005

That was an awesome entry…

RYN: Thank you for your lovely compliment, and you have crossed no boundaries. I have not yet met the man about whom I write. I thought I had, but he proved himself to not be who I thought he was. Along with the pain, however, he gave me a gift. The gift of discovering what passion I am capable of. Again, I thank you for your kind thoughts.

Incandesce

December 23, 2005

Another beautiful piece. What a lovely man you are, and how beautiful for your daughters … that the first man they loved, loved them so well and with such vision. (Hope that made sense.) Just popping in to send a little holiday cheer. Wishing you a very dear and blessed time with family and loved ones …. Em

December 24, 2005

Merry Christmas!!!! Much Love Cathy

Hi Mark, Thank you for the introduction. My name is Carole.

The drivel of words I am barely able to string together is a way of expressing alot of pain I am trying to deal with right now.

January 5, 2006

You have been TAGGED…see my latest entry boy george for details xxxxx

Hi Mark, Happy New Year 🙂 I’m doing good. I miss your writing, though.

February 12, 2006

Where ARE you??? I’ve found out I have kidney cancer. Seems it is contained and will all be removed, along with left kidney (tomorrow). My boyfriend learned on Monday, he has lymphoma. Ack! Joe is only 45. Birthday Thursday. My son has started RIDING lessons. Wheee! Where are you, and what have you been doing? Write! We miss your cheerful, thoughtful, humor-filled missives. Em

Mark – I’m so glad to hear from you – I’ve been worried about you. You don’t sound like a stalker at all. Feel free to use my e-mail address sometime. Carole

June 18, 2009

You will always be the music I listen to… love you daddy!!