She danced among the Zinnia blooms and walked through the bamboo forests. The petite man followed; seeing what she saw, feeling what she felt. Reds, yellows, greens, and blues mixed and swirled. His hand danced along with her.
His friend’s whispered voice brought him back.
“Enough?” he asked, sitting on a stool among passengers scurrying from the ferry. His paintbrush poised above the canvas.
“Enough for a roof and a meal,” his friend said.
They made their way to a tiny windowless flat. He didn’t mind, he had his world and his muse. She waited, always in the sun.
~~
This story is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a 100-word weekly writing challenge based on a photo prompt to inspire and hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. Thanks to Rochelle for using my photo this week. That’s always fun!
If you’d like to join this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit here.
Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe, stay well!
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
A happy man, indeed
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Indeed! Thanks for stopping by, Neil.
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How I envy him. I love the image of his muse waiting “in the sun”.
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I envy him too. I’m so glad you enjoyed, Eugenia.
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How long can a muse sustain the artist, I wonder? Imagination is marvellous, but ultimately, if not nourished from the physical world, it will wither.
Excellent and thought-provoking take on the prompt, Brenda!
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Thanks so much, Penny. I hope the muse is always there for him, but that’s a fair and sympathetic question. These artists certainly don’t earn much.
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A lovely story. He didn’t need more than the bare necessities, living in a rich world of imagination.
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Thank you, Gabi! I’m glad you enjoyed. He didn’t more, indeed, just the promise that she would be there tomorrow.
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He’s with his beloved and that is all that matters. I’m glad they found each other.
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Truly, that’s what matters to him. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Lisa! I’m happy you enjoyed the story.
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My pleasure on all, Brenda.
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There’s nothing more important to the starving artist than their muse.
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Exactly! It means everything to the artist. Thanks so much for commenting!
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One hopes the spell will not be broken one day. Lovely. Hope you are well Brenda.
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Very true! I suppose that’s the fear of every artist that the muse will go away. Thanks for the nice comment, Iain! I am well considering the craziness of the present. I hope you enjoyed a nice holiday with your family. Take care!
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Some people need a lot less than others. This was lovely, Brenda. And thank you for the photo!
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That is certainly true! Thank you for the nice comment, Dale. You’re welcome for the photo. Hope you have a nice weekend!
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😊
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Inspiration is a true companion. Lovely, Brenda.
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I love your comment, Sandra, and find it to be true. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
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A great sense of imagination and day dreaming. Lovely.
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Thanks so much, James. I have my own world but my muse is not so faithful (haha).
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Literally following his muse.
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That’s right. It’s the best way for him and provides contentment for him. Thanks for commenting, Linda!
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A great image of a contended man. I love that his muse waits in the sun.
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Thank you, Jilly, for your nice comments. He is indeed content. =)
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Just enough and nothing more, that’s all he seems to desire. A charming tale Brenda.
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All he desires is time with his muse and his art. I’m so glad you enjoyed, Keith. Thanks for letting me know. =)
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An artist and his muse by proxy 🙂
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That’s all he needs. Thanks for commenting, Ali!
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That sounds like such a beautiful muse.
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She certainly is, as she takes him away from his gray life to a more colorful and warm one. Thanks, Bernadette, for commenting.
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🙂
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Charming story, Brenda. Could easily be true. 🙂
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It certainly could be true. I’m very glad that you enjoyed it, Bill. Thanks for commenting! =)
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You’re welcome, Brenda.
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Dear Brenda,
I suppose some people require less than others. Lovely tale and beautiful photo. Thank you for both.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I suppose we all cherish different things. I, personally, need a little more than him but would love to have his muse. =) Thanks, Rochelle, for using my photo this week. It was fun to see it!
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He sounds like he gets a lot of inspiration from people watching. I wonder does the mood translate into his artwork too? Well done.
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Thanks so much, Laurie. I’m glad you enjoyed!
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This was transportive. I was there. Well done!
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Well, your comment made me smile. I’m so glad I was able to create the scene so you felt you were there. Thanks so much for letting me know, Na’ama! =)
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My pleasure, Brenda! 🙂 It was well deserved. 🙂
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everything looks good until the muse finds a rival to his attention. it’s just a matter of time. 🙂
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Hm, we’ll have to wait and see, Plaridel (haha). Thanks so much for commenting!
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no limits, if one is willing to be inspired
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Exactly! Thanks so much for commenting. =)
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Beautiful. I love the image of the artist’s hand dancing along with his muse. Gorgeous. And the contrast between the colour and vibrancy of his artistic world and the grey drabness of his reality. He’s a likeable, engaging character.
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Your comments made my day, Margaret. I’m smiling! I’m very glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you for your encouragement! =)
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