Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Sometimes Losers Don’t Lose After All

A few weeks ago, I noticed a contest hosted by Gallery Nucleus. A favorite artist, Mab Graves, had offered one of her original pieces up for the show in which her latest series ‘The Runaways’ was being unveiled. The rules stated that one of the girls remained nameless and along with naming her, she needed personality traits. The fan with the most ‘likes’ on the name and description would win the original piece of art work. My heart jumped and though I knew the chances of winning were slim, something told me to try anyway.

I looked at the picture and the little girl seemed familiar in some odd way but I couldn't place her. The more I thought about names, the clearer it came in my mind. Cora Wren, the name I was never able to use because she was never born. After typing in her name, I let my fingers take over. It’s how I write. It’s up to my characters to tell me the story. Before I knew it, I had finished and couldn't help but like the little person I created. She was familiar because she had little traits as I did when I was a little girl. Of course she would always be busy and of course she’d always be looking out for the bad guys. And yes, she’d be drawn to abandoned homes because there is such emotion embedded in the layers of wall paper and knotted wood.

I was touched with the reaction from so many of my friends, family and even strangers as they rallied behind me. The ‘likes’ came and I watched with great hope that maybe Cora Wren was her name! Maybe I would win! Maybe my lost little daughter’s portrait would hang in my home.

It came down to the finale seconds between me and another contestant. I lost by 26 votes but in my heart I didn't. I cried when I lost but they were not sad tears. Yes, I was sad this little girl's name would be different than what I chose for her and I was sad her portrait wouldn't be hung on my wall, but my heart was full because of all the support I received from so many. I cannot begin to count the emails and private messages I received from those who rallied for me and from those who regretted not seeing the contest until it was too late. Because of this contest, I made new friends and I grew closer to those who love and support me.
 
After the contest ended, I posted on my facebook wall a message of gratitude to all those who tried so hard for me. Heartfelt replies came. Among them was one from the artist. I was deeply touched by her messages, the one that came privately and the one that was made public. The gallery which hosted the contest contacted me with beautiful words too. My heart was full. I soon discovered that Mab Graves was doing something special for me. You will never understand my excitement!

From out of my mail box, I opened a beautiful piece of art signed by the artist. Tears still fill my eyes as I look at it. To me, the little girl in the original painting will always be Cora Wren but when I look at this new girl, my spirit is touched even more. More because of so many friends, family and strangers, because of new friends and because of a gallery who hosted a show and of an artist who was touched by a little name.

Sometimes losers don’t lose after all.

Thank you for all those who made this possible! I will never forget! OXOXOXO

Please vist Mab Graves website: http://mabgraves.com/ to learn more about her and her art.
If you’re like me, you’ll visit her Etsy page often and find little treasures you just can’t live without : http://www.etsy.com/shop/mabgraves

Please visit Gallery Nucleus and support the artists they feature: http://www.gallerynucleus.com/


19 comments:

  1. How sweet, Carrie. :) Thank you for sharing this experience. Congratulations!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jen! Your support I can always count on! OXOXOXO

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  2. I'm so happy for you that Mab sent you an original painting, too. Even if it wasn't Cora. Look! She is holding a kitty! I'm so blessed to have you as a friend and a writing buddy. You are so very talented in so many ways. Thanks for being YOU. ((Hugs)) Penny

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  3. Hmmm. Reading my post, I really need to get rid of my habit of "so" ... :)

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    1. Oh, I use the word 'so' SO much! :) Thanks for your sweet words and your support. You are one of those rare souls that I can't live without <3

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  4. That's a great story:) How thoughtful of the artist.

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    1. I love artists who take the time to get to know their fans. Mab is a pearl:)

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Jennifer! So happy the post touched you. It was a beautiful moment in time :)

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  6. Yay! This made my day. I'm so happy for you!

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    1. Thanks, Shannon! Thanks for all you did and for sharing it with your friends. :)

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  7. Aww, what a wonderful post!! Cora Wren was painted just for you, and you for her! How beautiful!

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    1. Thank so much for stopping by, LaPlumeNoir! You are such a sweetheart! Thanks so much OXOXO

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  8. How amazing! What a wonderful story, Carrie. Thank you so much for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Amber!! It was amazing how so many came together. My heart is full :)

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  9. Carrie, that is wonderful. Have you named her yet? You, my dear, will never be a loser; so, get that notion right out of your head. We are so happy for you as we know how much you wanted Cora. this is absolutely wonderful!!!!

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    1. You are the best, Mom! Thanks for visiting and for your forever support. Thanks for moving me on a farm so long ago and allowing my little mind to grow as I explored the world around me. I owe so much to you & dad. LOVE YOU!

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  10. Love your story and so happy you received such a beautiful work of art.

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    1. Dearest, Rere! Thank so much for stopping by and for your sweet words. Mab's gift will always be treasured :)

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